To what extent was J.K. Rowling involved in the costuming process?
Jany Temime: In the beginning, I met her once and I had no idea who she was — honestly — and I thought, "This woman is really intelligent."

She was interested; she gave us information when we asked for it, but always with lots of discretion. She was there when we needed her. She respected our work very much, and she liked it very much. But don't forget that the books were being written as we went, so I don't think she herself knew what was going to happen.

What was an example of a time you went to her and asked for her guidance?
Jany Temime: There were times when I was asking what was going to happen with a character, if a character was coming back, and sometimes she would give us the answer. But she told me about Dumbledore being gay at the fifth film. I had already designed for Dumbledore [for two movies] so I said, "What?! Now you say that?" I don't think that she knew. I think it's a creative process, being a writer, which lets you roll with your characters.

I always believed in her. She was much more interested in the kids. She had a relationship with every single kid, through her writing. I think she's the sort of woman who just says something when she's unhappy or when you really need it.

You know, Michelle Obama came to see the studio with [her children]. It was one of the daughter's birthdays and they wanted to see it, and J.K. Rowling was with them. We were making the wedding dress for Fleur Delacour and the dress was on a stand. J.K. said, "This is so beautiful. I wish I would've gotten married in that dress." She was always on our side; she was nice, so nice. The [Obama] girls were wonderful. I showed them all the designs, and they were asking very intelligent questions. They were real fans.

How did the "Harry Potter" opportunity come about, already two films into the series?
Jany Temime: Alfonso Cuarón had seen my work, and he wanted to work with me, so he asked me [to do] "Harry Potter." It's really funny, actually: I had done an English film with the producer's mother, but it was Alfonso who wanted me and took me on. It was, for me, really a dream come true. I was a fan. I had read the books, and I loved them. I remember having to defend them when I was on the BAFTA jury and, you know, I loved "Harry Potter."