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Home • Fashion

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe

Empire fans can't get enough of Cookie's style and for good reason, it's epic. The man behind the style, Empire costume desinger Paolo Nieddu spoke exclusively with Essence.com about some of his favorite looks and how they came about. Find out the secret behind Cookie's style here!
By Dominique Hobdy · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
Behind Cookie’s Style

“This corset could only be on one show: Empire. The Blondes make a lot of pieces for artists and entertainers and so it’s fitting that Cookie would have a piece or two. She shows up at Laviticus like a warrior. We were inspired by Tina Turner in Mad Max.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
02
Behind Cookie’s Style

“Executive realness in this pink jacket! I loved this look. I actually found the skirt for $45 on eBay.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
03
Behind Cookie’s Style

“This was high glam. The coat was super thin cotton with texture, like a summer fur. It made an entrance.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
04
Behind Cookie’s Style

“She was like a dominatrix when she was rehearsing the girls in the high heels. I put those boots on on purpose.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
05
Behind Cookie’s Style

“She wears the zebra [Emanuel Ungaro] jacket, that with a TopShop necklace. I love doing that.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
06
Behind Cookie’s Style

“When she pulls the dinner tablecloth—that’s like a Sophia Loren moment.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
07
Behind Cookie’s Style

“I mix and match with Cookie, she’s wearing Fendi in the second episode with a necklace from TopShop.”

Behind the Style: 'Empire' Costume Designer Paolo Nieddu on Cookie's Wardrobe
TOPICS:  Empire