Couture
Do you have to work closely with the set
designers?
When did you enter the field of costume
design? What is your background?
Yes,
collaboration
is
a
quintessential aspect of producing a
successful ballet. I work closely with all
of the artistic team - the set designer,
lighting designer, choreographer and
dancers. It is important that all aspects
work together as one.
I graduated in 1992 from QUT with a
Bachelor of Arts in Drama specialising
in Stage Design. I then went on to work
as a freelance set and costume designer,
costume maker and Wardrobe Coordinator
for various companies in theatre,
ballet and opera, and as Stagecraft
tutor for QUT. In 2003 I commenced my
current role as Wardrobe Production
Manager and Resident Designer for
Queensland Ballet.
Since particular ballets are done
a number of times by different
companies, do you always try to add in
your own spin?
Yes. While these ballets
often
require a certain style of costuming,
I
endeavour
to
create
the
costumes with a different interpretation
that still pays homage to the traditional
version.
If so do you have a signature look/trait/
design?
I would say this is illustrated by the
fabrics I choose, the way I put them
together and I am very particular
about my colour palette, I tend to use a
tonal colour palette that complement each
other. The cut and fit of the costume is
also very important, as well as illustrating
the design it has to be perfectly
balanced to the dancer’s body.
What are your major influences and
inspiration for your designs?
Anything and everything.
If you ever danced, does this influence
how you design your costumes?
I was never a performer of dance, but have
always had a passionate interest in dance
performance. I am always very aware
that the costume has to complement the
choreography and be malleable to the
dancers every movement.