Stephanie Collie, celebrated costume designer for "Peaky Blinders," has died at age 60, leaving a legacy marked by iconic television and film styles.
After a battle with terminal cancer, “Peaky Blinders” costume designer Stephanie Collie passed away, influencing a generation of visual storytelling, Evening Standard reported.
Born in Warrington, Cheshire, on November 16, 1963, Stephanie Collie's passion for costume design shaped much of today's cinematic and television aesthetics. Her career spanned over decades, earning her acclaim and a Royal Television Society Award for her pioneering work on "Peaky Blinders."
Collie's dedication to crafting unique visual identities for productions influenced not only the actors she dressed but also the audiences who admired her work. Among her notable credits were films such as "Layer Cake," "London Has Fallen," and "The Hitman’s Bodyguard," where she worked alongside stars like Daniel Craig and Ryan Reynolds.
It was at St Christopher’s Hospice in South London where Collie spent her final days before passing on October 26. Diagnosed six months prior with terminal cancer, her health declined rapidly, culminating in her untimely death. Her contributions remained vibrant in the minds of all who knew her and her work.
The news of Stephanie Collie's death was officially announced on the "Peaky Blinders" Instagram account, reflecting on her contributions that defined the show's visual theme. Her unique style crafted a distinctive silhouette that became synonymous with the series itself, influencing fashion trends and other designers.
Her passing was deeply felt within the entertainment industry, prompting heartfelt tributes from collaborators and admirers worldwide. The array of sentiments reflected the profound impact Stephanie had not only on her projects but also on the people with whom she collaborated.
Cillian Murphy, who starred in "Peaky Blinders," expressed his admiration for Collie, highlighting her "ferocious talent" and the distinct Peaky Blinders look she developed. Murphy said her invention of the series' signature style left an indelible mark on the global audience. Her death, he noted, marked a significant loss for the creative community.
Similarly, Ryan Reynolds admired her “wry wit and acerbic observational humor,” qualities that enriched her design work with a human touch. Reynolds emphasized the combined loss of her talents and her character, which had profoundly shaped their shared film projects.
Daniel Craig and Samuel L. Jackson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing her central role in their respective films and describing her as both a joyous collaborator and an essential creative force.
Stephanie Collie's husband, cinematographer Hubert Taczanowski, passed away earlier in June of the same year, predeceasing her. She shared her life with her three siblings—Fiona, Alison, and Nicola—and her extended family, including nieces, nephews, and her stepdaughter Julia, Taczanowski’s daughter from a previous relationship.
Stephanie encapsulated her legacy not only within the frames of the films and shows she dressed but also in the memories of those she inspired and worked alongside. Her influence shaped the television and film industries while also impacting fashion and design disciplines that celebrate her innovative contributions.
As the film and television community mourns her loss, the enduring visuals and stylistic elements Stephanie created continue to resonate, ensuring her memory and impact live on.
