--Please tell us about the costumes for the stepmother, played by Cate Blanchett, who has a strong presence in the film.

Because she plays a cruel and mean character, I used black in some parts of her costume. I also used a lot of green. To me, green represents jealousy and strength, not cuteness or familiarity. It's a strong and beautiful color. It really embodies the image of the villainous stepmother.

--The stepmother's children, the "stepsisters," are also dressed in bright colors and decorations.

In fact, I used really cheap fabrics for their costumes. By doing so, I was able to express a cheap shine, a roughness that has nothing to do with intelligence or inner beauty. I also incorporated decorative 1980s elements. For example, the dresses the two sisters wear to the ball are vividly colored dresses with metallic prints and layered with fabric cut into a floral silhouette. It's a design that truly symbolizes the sisters' lack of modesty and prudishness.

The costumes that adorn the well-known story of Cinderella are created not only through design but also through insight into the characters. Starting April 22nd, you can see her costumes up close at two locations in Tokyo.
At the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, a reenactment of the scene in which Cinderella is transformed into a beautiful woman by the Fairy Godmother's magic will be on display. The Fairy Godmother's costume, Cinderella's pink dress before her transformation, and the carriage that carries Cinderella to the ball will be on display. Additionally, at the Mitsukoshi Ginza Store, costumes for Cinderella, the Prince, the Stepmother, and the Stepsisters will be on display. At the Isetan Shinjuku Store, nine brands, including JIMMY CHOO, will exhibit original shoes inspired by Cinderella (some brands will be available for order).

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■Sandy Powell Profile
Born in the UK in 1960. A costume designer who has won three Academy Awards for his costume designs in films such as "The Aviator," "Shakespeare in Love," and "Victoria," he was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for his contributions to the film industry.