Costume Designer – John Mollo

John Mollo (1931–2017) was a renowned costume designer celebrated for his work in film and television. Born on March 18, 1931, in London, England, Mollo initially pursued a career in military history, authoring several books on the subject. This interest came through his father Eugene Mollo,

a collector of tin soldiers and military insignia and he wrote a book, Russian Military Swords, 1801–1917. Eugene was also a noted illustrator, and some of his drawings are now held in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. John Mollo was educated at Charterhouse School and then went on to study at the Farnham School of Art in Surrey.

After World War II, he was conscripted to do his national service in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in Hong Kong. His passion for historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail would later lead him to excel in the field of costume design. Mollo’s career in costume design began in the late 1970s when he was recruited by director George Lucas to work on the groundbreaking science fiction film “Star Wars” (1977). His collaboration with Lucas resulted in the creation of iconic costumes that have become synonymous with the franchise,

including the armor of Darth Vader and the uniforms of Imperial Stormtroopers. Mollo’s ability to blend elements of fantasy with historical inspiration played a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of the “Star Wars” universe.

Following the success of “Star Wars,” Mollo continued to showcase his talent for costume design in numerous other films, earning him widespread acclaim. He collaborated with directors such as Richard Attenborough on “Gandhi” (1982) for which he won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Mollo’s ability to capture the essence of different time periods and cultures through his costume designs earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s preeminent costume designers. Throughout his career, Mollo received several accolades for his contributions to film, including two Academy Award nominations and a BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design. His work continues to inspire costume designers and filmmakers alike, serving as a benchmark for excellence in the craft.

In addition to his work in film, Mollo was also a respected author, having written several books on military history, including “Uniforms of the American Revolution” and “Military Fashion.” His expertise in historical clothing and military attire undoubtedly informed his approach to costume design, contributing to the authenticity and realism of his creations. John Mollo’s legacy as a costume designer and military historian remains unparalleled,

leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema and the study of military history alike. Mollo’s first marriage was to Ann Farquharson who worked as a set decorator on films such as Rob Roy (1995) and The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981). In 1968 he married Louise Pongracz. The son of this second marriage, Tom Mollo, served as a captain in the Coldstream Guards and as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II. He died on October 25, 2017, aged 86.