Wicked Embroidery Magic
Behind Wicked’s Oscar-Winning Costumes:
Wilcom’s UK Education Program
It was Wicked Embroidery magic when Paul Tazewell stepped onto the stage at the 2025 Academy Awards to accept the Oscar for Best Costume Design. It was a defining moment for the entire Wicked production team. The film captivated audiences not just with its storytelling but with its breathtaking visuals—the luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and craftsmanship woven into every costume.
Behind this award-winning achievement was a talented network of artists, including Twan Lentjes and Jessie Dickinson, whose embroidery expertise helped bring Wicked’s costumes to life using Wilcom EmbroideryStudio software and their extraordinary skills.
Wilcom has made a substantial investment in embroidery education across the United Kingdom, making it the ideal choice for digitizing the intricate embroidery details of Wicked’s iconic costumes."— Rob Smith, Wilcom Europe
Wicked Embroidery
A Journey Shaped by Education
Both Twan Lentjes and Jessie Dickinson began their embroidery journeys long before Wicked, developing their skill through Wilcom’s strong educational programs in the United Kingdom.
While studying at university, Twan received Wilcom sponsorship, gaining access to industry-leading embroidery tools that would later define his career. Jessie was a prize winner in multiple prestigious competitions, earning Wilcom sponsorship through her award-winning designs. These early opportunities allowed them to refine their skills, experiment with cutting-edge embroidery technology, and gain the experience needed to work at the highest levels of the industry.
Both designers have contributed to major productions, including Wednesday, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, The Little Mermaid, Cruella and Wicked.
Their success is a testament to Wilcom’s long-standing investment in education across the UK!
“Wilcom’s sponsorship during my final year at Wimbledon College of Art was nothing short of transformative.
Even before graduating, my embroidery skills unlocked doors I never imagined, leading me to work on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, where I contributed to Ariel’s wedding dress embroidery.”
“One of my most exhilarating experiences was collaborating on Wicked. Working in-house put me at the heart of the creative process, allowing me to work closely with the team to bring Paul Tazewell’s breathtaking designs to life—from grand, sweeping gowns to the tiniest details like buttons and badges. Wilcom has been a guiding thread throughout my career… truly life-changing.”— Twan Lentjes
“Wilcom has been a game-changer—creatively and professionally.
The sponsorship gave me the freedom to explore my own style. It led to working with Twan Lentjes on Wicked in 2022—an unforgettable experience where I used Wilcom in a whole new way and learned so much.
I’ve also created custom napkins for luxury cruises. It’s surreal to think that some of my embroidery work has traveled to places like the Arctic! Wilcom has truly helped me grow as a creative professional.”— Jessie Dickinson
Award-Winning Embroidery Starts with Wilcom
Source @WickedMovie / Universal Pictures
“Some of the pieces I contributed to include the Pink Bubble, Oz Dust Ball, Shiz stripes, the Petal Dress, and Young Elphaba, to name a few…” Jessie Dickinson
Source: Instagram (@TwanLentjesCreations)
After 15 months of working in-house with the costume department, something has changed within me. I can’t quite believe it’s finally here. Jessie Dickinson
“Working on the Wicked movie was a dream come true. I still can’t quite believe I got to be part of this incredible movie! A huge thank you to assistant costume designer Bobby Soutar for taking me along on this wicked flight.” — Twan Lentjes
“Custom embroidered fabric for the Elphaba and Galinda Shiz uniforms.
Thanks to Jessie for your incredible help with getting this all digitized and ready in time!” Twan Lentjes
“Fiyero’s Ozdust blue velvet jacket!
If memory serves me right, this piece contains over one million stitches, with 250,000 on the left sleeve alone. A huge thank you to our amazing designer:
Designer: @paultazewell
Assistant Costume Designer: @soutarbobby
Goldwork & Hand Embroidery: @hattiemcgillembroidery
Cutter: @ruthmongey
Lead Tailor: @anne_br4dley”
Source: The Today Show (U.S.) via Facebook (@TwanLentjes)
Supporting the Next Generation of Embroidery Talent
The UK’s embroidery education programs incorporate Wilcom software into university curricula, ensuring that students graduate with hands-on experience using the same industry-standard tools relied on by top professionals.
The Wilcom Europe team is a dedicated advocate for young talent. Twan and Jessie are one of many designers who have benefited from Wilcom sponsorship, using their expertise to contribute to world-class productions.
Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell
Source Facebook (@PaulTazewellDesign)Hello WICKED COSTUME TEAM!
It was my honor to work with you everyday. x, Paul”
Source Facebook (@PaulTazewellDesign)“A sneak peek into some embroidery studies for Glinda. I had the extreme pleasure of working with some of the most amazing craftspeople for @wickedmovie. This particular study for Glinda’s was meticulously cared for by @bbembriodery @hattiemcgillembriodery @twanlentjescreations. We often created many pieces to decide which way to go. Which beads, sequins, studs etc. to apply, which to change, which to add more….. for me the process was very exciting getting to know these artisans and the expertise they brought to this project…”
Source YouTube (@Instyle)
The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked
has received multiple prestigious awards for costume design, including:
🏆 Academy Award for Best Costume Design – Paul Tazewell won this category at the 97th Academy Awards.
🏆 BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design – Recognized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
🏆 Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Costume Design – Awarded by the Critics’ Choice Association.
🏆 Costume Designers Guild Award for Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film – Honoring outstanding costume work in the genre.
These achievements highlight how early access to professional embroidery tools and education can lead to incredible opportunities on the global stage. As Wilcom continues to invest in the next generation, the future of embroidery in film, fashion, and theater looks brighter than ever.
Award-Winning Embroidery Starts with Wilcom!
"Wicked has brought embroidery into the spotlight, demonstrating how education, innovation, and industry collaboration shape the future of costume design." — Rob Smith, Wilcom
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