Costume in Focus is a pioneering research group dedicated to advancing costume design scholarship globally. Founded in 2013 and based at Aalto University, Helsinki in the Department of Film, Costume in Focus (CiF) leads international discourse in costume research by bridging theory and practice across live performance, film, and media.

Led by Professor Sofia Pantouvaki, the group spearheads methodological innovation in costume studies, developing critical frameworks that advance scholarly understanding of costume as an artistic practice internationally. The CiF group aims to cultivate the next generation of costume researchers, providing training and professional development opportunities for early-career researchers. CiF also serves as Finland’s national coordinator for costume research, leading research-sharing activities and acting as a conduit to extensive international networks. CiF’s research excellence is demonstrated through acclaimed publications, a growing network of alumni, doctoral candidates and affiliated researchers, a substantial grant track record and its recognised role in establishing costume studies as a distinct scholarly discipline. The group continues to generate new ways of thinking through costume, developing critical discourse that shapes the field’s future direction.