A small costume decision in The Acolyte actually came from the top. According to material from The Art of The Acolyte, Kathleen Kennedy was the one who pushed for Jedi Order costumes in the series to move away from the familiar beige and off-white tones seen across much of Star Wars history. Her reasoning? Toy shelves. “Every time I go into toy departments and see Jedi action figures, they’re always beige and off-white. They look kind of bland on the shelves.” It’s a reminder that Star Wars design decisions often live at the intersection of storytelling, visual identity, and merchandising reality. Why the Color Shift Matters For decades, Jedi robes have been closely associated with earth tones — a visual shorthand for humility, tradition, and monastic simplicity. But in a retail setting, subtle costume palettes don’t always stand out. By encouraging brighter or more visually distinct looks for Jedi in…
Star Wars design
Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy Is Out Now — The Ultimate Christmas Gift for Star Wars Fans
If you’re looking for the definitive Star Wars art book this year — or the perfect Christmas gift for the fan who already has everything — look no further. Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy has officially been released, and it’s nothing short of monumental. Published by Abrams Books, this stunning two-volume set clocks in at 800 pages and delivers the most comprehensive look ever at the legendary career of Doug Chiang — the artist who has shaped the visual identity of Star Wars more than anyone since Ralph McQuarrie. If you want to grab it right now, you can order it here on Amazon Celebrating a Five-Decade Career Doug Chiang is not just another designer — he’s the creative force behind countless ships, creatures, droids, and environments that defined the modern era of Star Wars. His work has influenced every corner of the galaxy since he joined Lucasfilm for The…
When You Can’t Copy the Master: How Doug Chiang’s Design Philosophy Shapes the Visual Future of Star Wars
When Doug Chiang openly admits that “only George truly knows what Star Wars design is,” and adds “I do my best, but I don’t always get it 100 per cent right,” he’s not issuing a humble shrug — he’s stating a core creative principle. Read his words here That philosophy is quietly, but profoundly, shaping how Star Wars looks today: from TV to games to new films. Because when you accept that there is no perfect template — only spirit, evolution, and reinterpretation — you give yourself permission to adapt, innovate, and keep a decades-old galaxy alive. The Weight of Legacy: Why Recreating “Classic Star Wars” Is a Trap A. The Original Aesthetic Was Implied, Not Codified George Lucas defined Star Wars design through practical sets, costumes, and visual practicality — before reference artbooks, prequel CGI uniforms, or decades of expanded lore. That original aesthetic was organic: lived-in, functional, and…
Designing a Cantina Patio: Commercial Outdoor Furniture Styled Like Tatooine’s Mos Eisley
Outdoor areas have evolved in the quickly changing hotel environment of today from only a place to eat. They have evolved into stage settings for unforgettable guest encounters. See your patio transformed into something direct from a galaxy far, far away. Though its gritty appeal, soft desert tones, and worn-down attractiveness give a fresh and immersive concept, the desert village of Mos Eisley from Star Wars might not sound like the typical inspiration for restaurant design. As themed surroundings attract more and more attention, restaurant owners now realize the need to design outside areas with a long-lasting impression. Guests are looking for more than just a good meal. They want to feel transported. This is where the right commercial outdoor furniture plays a key role. From texture and color to layout and lighting, every detail can help capture the essence of Tatooine. A thoughtfully designed cantina-style patio invites people to…