The Last of Us: Ann Foley Costume Design Interview
Ann Foley unveils the intricacies of costume design in “The Last of Us” Season 2, with a focus on character evolution after a five-year time jump.Learn how Ellie’s wardrobe dramatically transforms, reflecting her journey from a teen to a young woman in this post-apocalyptic world. Explore the creative strategies that ensure the authenticity of the costumes, from sourcing vintage pieces to subtly indicating Joel’s role. News Directory 3 dives into the details of the challenges of creating a world frozen in time. Discover what’s next for the characters.
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2: Costume Designer Details Character Evolution
Updated June 10, 2025
Costume designer Ann Foley is bringing her vision to Season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us, a task she embraced due to the significant changes from the frist season. Foley told Gold Derby that the new season includes a five-year time jump, necessitating wardrobe adjustments to reflect the characters’ growth and new circumstances. The costume design and character evolution are key to the show’s authenticity.
The initial season saw Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, and Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, traversing a dangerous, post-apocalyptic America. Now settled in Jackson, Wyo., the characters’ clothing reflects their settled lives.Foley noted that these changes in The Last of us required careful consideration of each character’s new role.
For Joel, Foley incorporated “little touches” to signify his status as a community leader and father figure, such as tucking in his shirt, a subtle nod to his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna). However,the most significant transformation is seen in Ellie’s wardrobe,shifting from a 14-year-old’s attire to that of a 19-year-old woman. The costume design for The Last of Us aims to capture this evolution authentically.
Foley also addressed the unique challenge of creating a wardrobe for a world where manufacturing ceased in 2003. this required sourcing vintage clothing from dealers in Los Angeles and Vancouver to ensure the costumes had a “well-loved, used feel,” particularly for the infected and the residents of Jackson.The The Last of Us production team aimed for a timeless quality, utilizing brands available in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
what’s next
As production continues, fans can anticipate seeing these costume evolutions come to life, further immersing them in the world of the Last of Us.