Behind the Seams: SMASH’s Costume Designer Tells All
SMASH Costume Designer, Alejo Vietti
“This is a tricky show, because you have a lot of contemporary clothes and at the same time a lot of costumes from “Bombshell.” So, I have to somehow divide myself into a modern aesthetic and a traditional Broadway or Hollywood 1950’s aesthetic for the production numbers.”
The bright lights. The bustling sidewalks. The buzz of anticipation outside the Imperial Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. That is where SMASH, Broadway’s newest hit musical comedy, takes center stage. But before the curtain rises, HAPPENING Host, Brian Osuch, goes Behind the Seams with the brilliant mind responsible for dressing the dazzling world of SMASH—Award-winning Costume Designer, Alejo Vietti.
In this exclusive episode, Vietti shares the story of how he fell in love with costume design, from his early days with a supportive family to becoming one of Broadway’s most in-demand designers. He walks us through the creative process, his inspirations for SMASH, and how designing for a musical that straddles both period glamour and modern grit pushed his creativity to new heights.
From paying homage to the original NBC series to creating jaw-dropping quick changes and signature looks for characters like Ivy, Karen, and Chloe, Vietti reveals the collaborative magic that happens offstage—including how actors, lighting, and choreography all influence the final costume design.
Whether you are a Broadway devotee or a behind-the-scenes junkie, this is your VIP pass to the wardrobe wing of the new musical, SMASH.
So cue the overture, zip up the sequined outfits, and step into the spotlight—the show is about to begin.
SMASH’s Lead Associate Costume Designer, Justin Hall (left) and Associate Costume Designer, Joseph Shrope (right) share their Behind the Seams stories
