7 Secrets We Learned About Cookie From Empire's Costume Designer

Updated on Oct 29, 2015 at 5:01 AM

As avid fans of both Empire and its trendsetting star Cookie Lyon, we were thrilled at the opportunity to chat with costume designer Paolo Nieddu. The stylist earned an Emmy nomination for his work on the show's pilot, and now he's bringing his sartorial eye back to the set for season two.

This time around, you can expect everything from bold colors to straight-from-the-runway ensembles to plenty of droolworthy accessories. And while Cookie's style is only getting more fabulous, you'll be surprised by the one signature look you'll be seeing less of this season. Read on for seven on-set style secrets from Paolo that will fuel your Cookie addiction, sweet tooth or not.

There's No One Star Who Inspires Cookie's Look

"I don't like to base the characters off of any one current celebrity. I look more to the designer brands that fit the essence of that woman."

She's Down With Designer

"In my mind, Cookie's a Versace girl. She's a Dolce [& Gabbana] girl."

This Season She's Bringing It Even Harder

"The characters are staying true to who they really are, their style DNA. But, since it's the second season, we want to do bigger and bolder."

One Time Rihanna and Cookie Rocked the Same Shoes

"Rihanna was wearing a pair of shoes that I had gotten for Cookie. They were featured in Cookie's closet — fuchsia and orange suede lace-up sandals by Pierre Hardy."

Cookie Isn't a Follower — She's a Trendsetter

"We're doing a show that's so contemporary and current, and we have to be mindful of that. I'm trying to see what are the upcoming trends designers are putting out there and how I can apply them to the characters."

The Onscreen Style Is All About Collaboration

"I do fittings based on each script. We try everything on, and if it looks good and the actor likes it, then that's something that we'll move forward with. You never want to put your actor in something that they're unhappy wearing because then it's not fun."

She Loves Leopard — but She's Taking a Break

"I'm definitely trying to scale back with things in leopard print. It's definitely something that is her signature, and it's in her DNA; it's her essence."