Tim Chappel is one of Australia’s 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 international recognition, including a BAFTA, an AFI Award, and an Academy Award for Best Costume.

Following this success Chappel relocated to Los Angeles where he continued to create. Working with celbrities like Pamela Anderson on her television series VIP and designing 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 the 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 continues to work extensively in Australian and international television  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, Vivid White, Gypsy, Pirates of Penzance, The Boy from Oz, Funny Girl, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story. Other collaborations with Bryant have produced further acclaimed work including Opera Australia’s Two Weddings, One Bride and Sweet Charity — both recognised by the Broadway World Awards — and their production of Little Shop of Horrors that earned Tim a Sydney Theatre Award.

Chappel has also contributed to major international live events including the Islamic Solidarity Games 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.