Anthea Sylbert, born Anthea Giannakouros in Brooklyn, New York, on October 6, 1939, was a notable figure in American cinema, recognized for her work as both a costume designer and a film producer. She passed away on June 18, 2024. Her career spanned various facets of filmmaking, earning her significant accolades. Sylbert's early life was marked by a strong interest in artistic pursuits, including sewing, and she studied art at Barnard College. She was married twice, first to Paul Sylbert and later to actor Richard Romanus, with whom she eventually relocated to the Greek island of Skiathos, becoming honorary citizens there.

Sylbert's contributions to film were recognized with two Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design: for "Chinatown" (1974) and "Julia" (1977). Beyond costume design, she transitioned into production roles, including executive production management at major studios like Warner Brothers and United Artists. She also co-founded the Hawn/Sylbert Movie Company with Goldie Hawn, producing several films. Her production work on the television film "Truman" (1995) earned her an Emmy Award. In 2005, she was honored with the Lacoste Career Achievement award for film by the Costume Designers Guild.

Anthea Sylbert's approach to costume design, particularly evident in her work on "Chinatown," aimed to go beyond mere aesthetics. Collaborating with director Roman Polanski, Sylbert was known for her direct communication style and her ability to "amplify character" through her designs. Her personal style, often described as "stringently straight" with dark skirts and black turtlenecks, mirrored a professional demeanor that was unafraid to speak candidly. The costumes she created for "Chinatown" were noted for breaking from past conventions, prioritizing the enhancement of a character's identity over superficial beauty or fashion trends. This dedication to serving the narrative through costume design earned her critical recognition and an Academy Award nomination.

Following her extensive career in costume design, Anthea Sylbert shifted her focus to production and executive management. She held vice president-level positions at prominent studios such as Warner Brothers and United Artists. In these roles, she developed a reputation for her adeptness at mediating conflicts between filmmakers and studio executives, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills in the complex landscape of film production. This experience paved the way for her subsequent entrepreneurial ventures in film production.

A significant phase of Anthea Sylbert's producing career involved a deep and fruitful partnership with actress Goldie Hawn. Their collaboration led to the establishment of the Hawn/Sylbert Movie Company, which was responsible for producing a number of films. Among their notable joint projects were "Protocol" (1984) and "Something to Talk About" (1995). This venture underscored Sylbert's capabilities as a producer, extending her influence from the visual details of costume to the broader strategic and creative aspects of film development and execution.

“utterly unafraid to speak truth, no matter how ugly, to anyone, no matter how powerful”

“not for beauty or for chic” but rather "to amplify character"”