What first drew you to costume design?

Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I wanted to do, originally through photography. In the process of studying it I became fascinated by how we could instantly communicate character, status, emotion and identity. Costume design allowed me to combine my love of visual art, history and performance into a career where every project is an opportunity to tell a story.

Do you have a specific design philosophy?

My philosophy is that costumes should feel authentic to the character while serving the larger narrative; every costume choice should have purpose. Whether it's a subtle detail or a dramatic transformation, the clothing should help reveal who a character is and where they are in their journey

How do you collaborate with directors, actors and production designers to create a character's visual identity?

The process always begins with listening. I work closely with directors to understand their vision, with production designers and DOPs to ensure our worlds are visually cohesive, and with actors to help them feel connected to their characters. Costume design is most successful when it becomes a true collaboration; it's a museum full of beautiful paintings we all get to hang side by side.

Are there particular designers, artists or cultural influences that inspire you?

I find inspiration everywhere: history, fine art, photography, architecture, traveling and everyday people. 

I'm particularly inspired by artists who challenge conventions and use visual language to explore identity and self-expression, deconstruct social norms, subvert historical representations and amplify marginalized experiences: To name but a few: Claude Cahun, Rei Kawakubo, aestheticism and sapphic tailoring.

Has your experience as an LGBTQ+ person influenced your approach to costume design? Have there been projects where your lived experience helped shape the costumes or character development?

Absolutely. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me a unique perspective on identity, self-expression and the ways people use clothing to inform us as to who they are. Those experiences have helped me approach characters with greater empathy and nuance. There have certainly been moments where my lived experience contributed to conversations about authenticity and character development.

In what ways do you think queer perspectives can enrich visual storytelling?

Queer perspectives often challenge traditional narratives and encourage audiences to see identity in more complex ways. They bring new viewpoints, richer characterizations, and a deeper understanding of transformation, belonging and self-discovery. Those themes translate beautifully into visual storytelling, always.

Are there common misconceptions about designing costumes for LGBTQ+ characters that you'd like to challenge?

One misconception is that LGBTQ+ characters need to fit a specific visual stereotype. The reality is that queer people are incredibly diverse. Our responsibility as designers is to create real and relatable individuals, not caricatures.

What advice would you give to emerging LGBTQ+ costume designers?

Believe in the value of your perspective. Your experiences are part of what makes your voice unique. Continue learning, build strong relationships, seek out mentors, and don't be afraid to take up space. The industry benefits from diverse voices and viewpoints.

What does visibility mean to you as an LGBTQ+ creative professional?

Visibility means being able to exist openly while contributing to the industry I love. It also means helping create opportunities for others and ensuring that future generations see themselves reflected both on screen and behind the scenes.

What achievement in your career are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of the relationships I've built throughout my career and the opportunity to contribute to stories that resonate with audiences. Recognition is wonderful, but knowing that my work has helped bring meaningful stories to life is what I value most. That includes Dandyland, the upcoming Harmonia – starring Carrie Coon, Lilly James, Bella Ramsey, Odessa Young and Tracy Letts – as well as so many other things I've done, like To All The Boys I've loved Before and The Imperfects. Honestly it's hard to choose, so many of them mean so much to me!

How has CAFTCAD enriched your role as a costume designer?

Being part of CAFTCAD has provided an incredible sense of community. It brings together talented professionals who share knowledge, support one another, and advocate for the art and craft of costume design. The relationships and opportunities I've gained through the organization have been invaluable.