(Courtesy Photo)
Tiffany Hasbourne has spent the last two decades shaping stories not with words, but with wardrobe. From the sleek power looks in “Ballers” to the gritty realism of “BMF,” “Power,” “Atlanta,” and “P-Valley,” Hasbourne’s designs are more than just clothes—they are character.
“I think costume design is like storytelling without dialogue,” Hasbourne said. “Every piece you see on screen is a reflection of who that person is, where they’ve been, and where they’re going.”
Raised in Queens, New York, Hasbourne’s early fashion influence came from her mother, who introduced her to vintage shopping and encouraged her to stand out.
“My mom took me to vintage shops and helped me see how style can be personal,” Hasbourne recalled. “It gave me permission to be different.”
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Before entering television and film, Hasbourne built her skills in the music industry, styling for artists and crafting the looks of iconic music videos. That fast-paced environment gave Hasbourne a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to make visuals resonate.
“In music videos, I was creating looks that had to make a statement in under four minutes,” Hasbourne said. “That pressure taught me how to build a visual story fast and with impact.”
Transitioning into scripted television brought new challenges, and Hasbourne had to plan wardrobes that could evolve with each episode. “It’s about building a world,” Hasbourne explained. “I literally feel like I’m walking into a world that has to be believable.”
While working on “BMF,” Hasbourne said the authenticity of the Atlanta set helped the story feel more grounded. “The set felt alive. It wasn’t just a backdrop—it was part of the character,” Hasbourne said. “That energy shows up on screen.”
Hasbourne emphasized that she doesn’t just design for lead actors. Every extra, background performer, and passerby is a part of the visual storytelling. “Even the person walking by in one scene—they matter,” Hasbourne said. “It all has to feel real to the audience.”
Creating such immersive environments takes teamwork, and Hasbourne is intentional about fostering collaboration. “I always ask, how do I empower my team to work together and feel safe enough to say, ‘Hey, I have an idea’?” Hasbourne said. “That energy creates magic.”
Though Hasbourne leads the creative vision, she remains involved in every detail. Whether it’s sourcing the perfect earrings or emulating the vibe of a nightclub, Hasbourne is all about precision.
“Sometimes it takes weeks to find the right piece,” Hasbourne said. “But when it fits just right, it’s like completing a puzzle.”
For Hasbourne, the work is deeply personal. She said she often draws from memories and real-life experiences to build characters through wardrobe. “It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs,” Hasbourne said. “A personal piece of me ends up in every look.”
Even after more than 20 years in the business, Hasbourne said the excitement of each new project never fades. “It never gets old,” Hasbourne said. “Every project feels new, like the first time.”
Hasbourne explained that her passion for the work keeps her motivated, even during tight deadlines and long nights. “I can be stressing about how to get something done in 24 hours, but I love the work,” Hasbourne said. “I love seeing it come to life.”
Representation remains central to Hasbourne’s mission, both on screen and behind the scenes.
“It’s important for people to see characters that look like them, dressed with care and authenticity,” Hasbourne said. “And it’s just as important for creatives of color to be leading those conversations.”
Though Hasbourne rarely pauses to reflect, there are moments when the impact of her work is clear. “Walking through studios like Warner Brothers or the halls of ‘SNL,’ knowing who came before you—that’s powerful,” Hasbourne said. “There’s a legacy there.”
To aspiring costume designers, Hasbourne offered practical advice: know your strengths, stay open to learning, and collaborate intentionally. “It’s not about doing everything yourself,” Hasbourne said. “It’s about building a system that allows the whole team to thrive.”
As Hasbourne continues to shape the visual identity of television’s most talked-about shows, her purpose remains clear. “At the end of the day, I just want the story to feel real,” Hasbourne said. “If I’ve done that, then I’ve done my job.”
