Star Trek: Picard
Borg Queen & Borgati
Conceptualizing and Fabricating an Iconic Character
Assimilating into canon…
Overview-
Upon embarking on the design journey of Picard we were given an overview of what could be expected for Seasons 2 and 3 so we could appropriately plan for the character arcs and costume progressions that would take place throughout both seasons storylines.
The Borg Queen was introduced as a costume who would span across seasons and characters. Our project was to create a comprehensive plan to resurrect the iconic Borg Queen from DS9 and TNG and show her progression from a menacing floating torso through assimilating Jurati into Borgati through her epic meltdown.
MISSION
Design multiple iterations of the Borg Queen that illustrate her rise and descent.
CLIENT
Paramount Plus- Picard Season 2
ROLE
End-to-end senior Costumer responsible for seeing designs through from conception to camera. Worked with Costume Designer (vision), Fabric Purchaser (material sourcing), and Manufacturing Foreperson (sampling & fabrication).
TIMELINE
March 2020-July 2021
Upon receiving this project, I provided our team with & oversaw the following roadmap to achieving our goals:
Step One:
Research
Canon, Scientific Inspiration, Fashion Inspiration, Material & Fabrication Inspiration.
Create initial pitch of design concepts to studio and executive team.
Step Two:
Define & Plan
Identify each point of the Borg Queens character arc and how her costume changes along the way.
Understand the expectations and vision from the studio, executive team, and fans.
Step Three:
Ideate & Timeline
Generate concept art for each costume that showcase a variety of design ideas.
Source materials to be used in the manufacturing of each costume piece.
Collaborate with other departments vendors, and artisans to come up with timelines and expectations for the manufacturing of each costume.
Step Four:
Fittings & Multiples
Conduct costume fittings with cast members.
Review fittings with the studio and executive team to ensure costumes are meeting expectations.
Facilitate building as many multiples of the costume as needed to align with production requirements.
Step Five:
Test & Shoot
Conduct camera tests and perform final tweaks as needed.
Step One: Research
Canon, Scientific Inspiration, Fashion Inspiration, Material
I was tasked with providing justification for keeping Borg technology and light green!
Key design features of canon Borg Queen:
Molded torso/chest piece; legging-like pants.
Ports & cables connect actor to costume.
Articulated arms, torso, and legs.
Black, silver, and green are the dominant colors.
Step Two: Define
Identify each point of the Borg Queens character arc and how her costume changes along the way.
Based on our scripts and various production documents, we determined each phase of the Borg Queen’s costume evolution and created a document that outlined each stage episode-by-episode.
Step Three: Ideate
In order to establish a manufacturing schedule, first we had to oversee the creation of concept art for each costume that showcased a variety of design ideas. These concepts were presented to the studio and executive team for feedback.
At the same time we sourced and sampled materials that could be used in the manufacturing of each costume piece.
COSTUME CONCEPT ARTIST
Imario Susilo & Neville Page
FABRIC & MATERIAL MANIPULATION
We decided upon using Sensitive Fabrics “Euro Jersey” for the base for the costume and added several layers of printing, painting, and latex printing.
We also used phosphorescent paint under the latex printing. It created a light effect that glowed in the dark.
We went through many rounds of fabric testing and sampling.
Final Design Decisions:
After collaborating with the studio & executive team, we decided the design needed to feature the following:
Keep in line with canon Borg Queen costumes by having separate torso piece.
Honors previous designs from past series and allows for ease in the evolution of the BQ from being a floating torso to fully-formed villian.
Manipulate fabric to look like the exterior of the Borg Cube.
Adds visual interest and depth to fabric that is otherwise flat. Creates tie-ins with aesthetics presented by the Art Department.
Create articulated exterior spine that attaches into back plate.
Informs audience of the characters non-humanness. Creates an “armor” effect.
Add ports for cables to connect to set.
Included in the anticipation that as the story progressed she becomes more and more incorporated with the set around her.
Incorporate footwear into jumpsuit of costume.
For a streamline effect and unbroken lines.
Show off a deep-cut neckline.
Reminiscent of the previous Borg Queen suits, allows for cables and ports to be shown off on neck and chest.
Then I created calendars for our fabrication team based on production schedules.
Step Four: Fittings
Interfaced with cast and cast assistants to schedule and conduct costume fittings.
Review fittings with the studio and executive team to ensure costumes are aligning with the intended vision.
CAST
The storyline included both the Borg Queen and Borgati and both had to be accounted for in the creation of each iteration of this costume.
QUANTITY
We conducted over twenty fittings to achieve the desired costume outcome.
STUDIO INPUT
After each fitting we would present photo boards for notes and approval.
Fitting Notes
During fittings we would take detailed notes listing tasks that needed to be completed for each costume piece. These notes were then distributed to the relevant team members.
Step Five: Test & Shoot
Conduct camera tests and perform final tweaks as needed. Then, our Borg Queen became part of Star Trek history!
