Costume designer Gersha Phillips shows how new technology helped shaped Star Trek’s 32nd century Starfleet uniforms

Star Trek: Discovery costume designer Gersha Phillips explains the new 32nd century Starfleet uniforms

DECEMBER 4, 2020 - When it comes to designing the future, costume designer Gersha Phillips and the rest of the Star Trek: Discovery team are leading the way. In a new video posted to StarTrek.com, Phillips gives viewers a closer look at the redesigned Starfleet uniform of the 32nd century. 

Focusing on a futuristic, more streamlined approach, the new Starfleet uniforms seen in Discovery’s third season are nothing short of a technological achievement. With 3D printed shoulder caps, laser cut rank pips, and fabrics bonded together instead of being sewn, the new uniforms appear to be just as advanced as the imagined future of Star Trek: Discovery. Phillips and her team used the new processes to create a uniform that would stand out in the future setting, appear high-tech, and look great onscreen. With a little thermoplastic molding and some added chrome on the bespoke Starfleet boots, you end up with a pretty spiffy 32nd century uniform.

Depending on the character’s rank, there are a few design differences among the new uniforms. Uniforms for Starfleet admirals, captains and other crew were included in the video to highlight the design choices that make each uniform distinct from each other, but still unified. One outfit that stands out from the crowd is the costume for Eli, the medical hologram of the future, played by Brendan Beiser. Using some of the same material processes, the hologram costume has a unique honeycomb pattern and a 3D-printed custom bow tie, which Phillips said was inspired by Beiser himself.

You can see all of these great new designs in the third season of Star Trek: Discovery. Episodes 1-8 are available to stream now on CBS All Access.