Summary

Costume design is a powerful tool for shaping perception, challenging assumptions, and telling stories beyond dialogue. Through color, silhouette, and texture, designers influence how audiences instantly judge characters, as seen in "Hamilton" and "West Side Story" by visually representing societal divides and historical reimagining. The practical takeaway is that design is never neutral; it can perpetuate or dismantle stereotypes, ultimately prompting us to question our own ingrained perceptions and biases.