Reflections of The Past Year.
Reflecting on this year has been a head spin. Do you ever do that? Think back and wonder to yourself, was that really this year? Spring feels so far away, and with mere hours left till it’s January again, January 2022 felt like eons ago. The conversations and the strides that were made this year in the world of costume design, and recognizing/speaking about the designers, did make quiet an impact. We still have a long way to go as this field is still facing a pay equity crisis, but film lovers are starting to see and appreciate the work that we do on a more personal scale. I have seen it firsthand in my own life. Every time I give a new lecture and present more information on what I do I see the gears moving in people’s minds. They are thinking about their beloved films differently, or through a new lens. Cynthia Burkhead, professor at the University of North Alabama and Buffy scholar, brought me into their annual Slayerfest to present a lecture on the costumes of the Buffy series. I had to pinch myself as the keynote speaker but was nervous presenting my information to a room full of Buffy scholars! These people who lived and breathed this series, what could I possibly offer. But I was blown away by the response, even Cynthia herself told me that “she didn’t think it was possible to teach a room full of Buffy-nerds something they didn’t know” But that I had done just that!
Costume Designers everyday challenge the perception of people, viewers, and film buffs alike. We are presenting you with a person, usually fictional, and allowing you to see the very facets of what makes this person tick. The physical skin that is worn by the actor. We are now seeing podcasts, listicles, articles, and deep dives done by not just people like me but by those who enjoy clothing in some facet. Not only are they recognizing the visual world on the screen, but they are attributing the hard work back to its creators. The designers and their teams who work painstakingly for months on end to create the world before you that come across effortless.
Where there are peaks there are also valleys and while the momentum of progress and recognition move forward there are those that take steps back, I’m looking at you Vouge. Now I’ve already had my discourse on this and thankfully there is a community of union members and people who have called out and aimed for correction of this mistake. But we must remember to do better in crediting our artists. Currently I’m working on a project and expanding my knowledge on the great Vera West, whom I have previously written about in Fangoria. However, so much of her information has been lost to the shadows of history. Dr. Landis and I had a long discussion on this and to know that so much of not only her work but others like her, was tossed aside because it was deemed “unimportant” feels dehumanizing to me. I love you horror, but you are one of its worst defenders because so much of the horror scape is indie.
This long uphill battle that I’m embarking on will not be easy, but I will never let anyone else be lost in this way, especially my peers. My hope to carry into the new year is that we do better by these designers, and all behind the scenes artists. Stop not airing our portion of awards shows, because there are shy kids, talented kids, out there that should know their full scope of options in this industry. Always keep asking questions and putting faces to names. Keep these names in your mouth and on your social feeds when you like or are inspired by what someone is wearing. Be aware that it truly takes a village to make a film. You may see one or two names, but there are 90 others behind them getting the work done. Keep calling out and speaking up when you see someone’s work going uncredited, and this goes for in public too.
May your 2023 be filled with style, grace, and name recognition!
