What happened to Shawna Trpcic?

Shawna Trpcic, the Emmy-nominated mastermind behind the iconic costumes of Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka,” has passed away. Her tragic death occurred on October 4, 2023.

The Costume Designer’s Guild confirmed her sudden demise. Through an Instagram post, the guild expressed, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the multi-Emmy nominated and CDG Award-winning costume designer, Shawna Trpcic. Recognized as one of Hollywood’s leading figures in science fiction costume design, Shawna was not just a font of creativity but also a cherished collaborator and friend to many. Her contributions made her an invaluable asset to both the Star Wars/Lucasfilm fraternity and the wider community of costume designers within the Costume Designers Guild.”

Earlier in the year, Trpcic’s exemplary work on “The Mandalorian” earned her an Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes category. Discussing her creative process with Variety, Trpcic emphasized her dedication to the fans. Her mission for “The Mandalorian” was twofold: pay homage to the established aesthetic and introduce unique elements that would resonate with the fandom. A testament to her meticulous attention to detail, Trpcic embedded hidden surprises within the costumes, a tradition she began in its second season. As she often mentioned, her inspiration always started with the storyline. Trpcic visualized herself in every scene, either as a participant or a warrior, and then tailored her designs accordingly.

Born on October 18, 1966, in the Los Angeles suburb of Artesia, Trpcic’s name graces more than 47 film and TV titles. She commenced her illustrious career with the 1990 movie “Mom.” Subsequently, she lent her expertise to various projects, including films like “What Lies Beneath” and “Red Shoes Diaries.”