Tim Chappel is one of Australia’s most celebrated costume designers widely recognised for his work on the feature film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” His debut as a costume designer earned significant international recognition, including a BAFTA, an AFI Award, and an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Following this success Chappel relocated to Los Angeles where he continued to create. He worked with Pamela Anderson on her television series VIP and designed costumes for Cher’s music video “Dov’è l’Amore.”

His film credits from this period include Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Miss Congeniality, Mojave Moon, Love Wrecked, and Boat Trip.

Tim returned to Priscilla for its acclaimed stage adaptation Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, which earned him a Helpmann Award, a Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical and an Olivier Award for Best Costume Design.

Television has been a constant thread throughout Chappel’s career. He first honed his craft on Australian productions including the ABC’s G.P and Network 10’s E –Street and has since worked extensively in international television on shows including Stars on Mars, Dancing with the Stars, Next Pro Dancer, Australia’s Got Talent and the globally successful The Masked Singer — both the US and Australian productions.

In theatre, Chappel has collaborated with directors Dean Bryant, Gale Edwards and Simon Phillips on productions including Dream Lover, Gypsy, The Boy from Oz, Funny Girl , The Pirates of Penzance, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story. His ongoing partnership with Bryant has produced further acclaimed work including Opera Australia’s Two Weddings, One Bride and Sweet Charity — both recognised by the Broadway World Awards — and a production of Little Shop of Horrors that earned him Sydney’s Green Room Award.

Chappel has also contributed to major international live events including the Islamic Solidarity Games Opening Ceremony in Baku and the 2022 Dubai World Expo.

With a career spanning theatre, film, television, advertising, and live events, Tim now shares his expertise as a lecturer at NIDA, AFTRS, and RMIT, finding deep satisfaction in mentoring the next generation of creative practitioners.

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