Abstract This paper focuses on costume and the clothed, communicating body as scenography and exposes the role of costume design as a generator of performance through design. By placing costume/clothing at the centre of this debate I will take into account how the emotional and physical factors as well as the site of the body itself contributes to the making, intention and reading of work in the context of hybrid performance practice within a contemporary context. The discussion will explore, through theory and practice, the relationship between the body and clothing as a form of communication in contemporary fashion and performance practice. Examples of contemporary artists and designers whose work occupies territory between fashion ...