The evolution of Ahsoka Tano: A journey through costume design
A galaxy far, far away: The origins of Ahsoka Tano
When George Lucas first envisioned the costumes for Star Wars: A New Hope, he aimed for a blend of memorable aesthetics and character-driven designs. The costumes were not to be mere sci-fi fantasies but rather grounded in a military-inspired look. This approach has influenced the Star Wars universe from 1977 to the present day, drawing from European military styles, Samurai culture, and more.
The legacy of Shawna Trpcic
Shawna Trpcic, a renowned costume designer, carried this legacy forward in her work on The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, and most recently, Ahsoka. Trpcic’s untimely passing last year left a void in the Star Wars community, but her contributions continue to resonate. Rosario Dawson, who portrays Ahsoka Tano, recently shared insights into Trpcic’s meticulous approach and deep understanding of the Star Wars universe.
“One of the things I loved about working with Shawna was her level of rigorous detail and research,” Dawson remarked. “From Easter eggs to nods to the animation and the film’s history, she would imbue it in her work.”
Ahsoka Tano: From animation to live-action
Ahsoka Tano first appeared in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Her transition to live-action in Season 2 of The Mandalorian was a significant moment for fans. For the standalone series Ahsoka, the decision was made to retain her familiar gray colors while introducing a new costume that reflected her character’s evolution.
“You’re catching up with this character at a completely different stage in her life. She’s full Ronin [a wandering Jedi], a traveling warrior finding where she can do good, and the outfit really encapsulated that,” Dawson explained.
Crafting the perfect costume
Trpcic sourced a weighted gray fabric from New York, specifically designed and woven for Ahsoka’s character. The fabric’s weight was intentional, aiding Dawson in her choreographed action sequences. The collaboration between Dawson and Trpcic was a true partnership, with both contributing ideas to bring Ahsoka’s costume to life.
Dawson particularly appreciated the design elements from the animated series, such as panels revealing areas of skin. They adapted this concept for the live-action series by scalloping out the back of the costume, allowing for greater mobility.
“I wanted to show more of her skin. You had to be creative about that because she had those head tails [on her headdress]. She’s older now, so it’s not removing the midriff. I remember we came up with the idea of having her back scalloped out,” Dawson said.
Honoring the past, embracing the future
Trpcic’s dedication to the Star Wars fandom was evident in her attention to detail and inclusion of Easter eggs. Dawson also wanted to honor Ahsoka’s history, incorporating padawan beads from her time as Anakin Skywalker’s trainee. These beads were recreated using crystals on her belt, serving as a subtle nod to her past.
“I loved her having this piece of this relationship and a nod to Anakin in the ‘Clone Wars.’ Even if it doesn’t mean something to someone in the present day, it’s a detail for the fans, and they immediately notice and appreciate it,” Dawson shared.
Ahsoka’s transformation: A turning point
Episode 5 of Ahsoka marked a significant turning point for the character. Reunited with her Jedi master Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka is forced to confront her past and realize her true purpose. This transformation is symbolized by a change in her clothing color, signifying her acceptance of her legacy and her role as a beacon of hope.
“She is graduating to a different stage in her life, and there’s this maturity,” Dawson noted. “There’s still part of her evolution to go to.”
Showrunner Dave Filoni compared Ahsoka’s journey to that of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, transitioning from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White. This transformation is reflected in the subtle changes to Ahsoka’s costume, with a lighter cape and armor.
“It felt nice to know that she’s gotten lighter. The cape was smaller, and we tightened things up,” Dawson said.
A lasting legacy
Recalling Trpcic’s love for the franchise and her dedication to her craft, Dawson emphasized the indelible mark Trpcic left on the Star Wars universe.
“I loved that she loved it so much. It raised the bar for all of us, she was so next-level. She was always there, and if you got sick, she was such a mama,” Dawson reflected. “I don’t know how we do this going on. She left such an indelible mark on translating this vision into all of these shows.”
For more on Ahsoka Tano’s journey, check out the Ahsoka trailer.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of Ahsoka Tano’s character and costume design, reflecting on the contributions of Shawna Trpcic and the collaborative efforts that brought this iconic character to life.