TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Hi, I’m Gabriella Loria, Assistant Costume designer, Costume supervisor and Costume
buyer. I have been in the industry for about 20 years – Wow that is a long time!
I fell into costume design by fate – I didn’t realise it at the time, but it was truly meant to be.
Whilst studying at the Academy of Costume and Fashion Design in Rome, my best friend recommended me to work for a costume house there.
It was here where my love affair with costume began. It didn’t take long before I was enjoying the privilege of working with some amazing designers. My passion grew as I learnt so much from these creative minds.
I’ve been lucky to find a profession that incorporates my love of travel, my curious nature, and my fascination for humanity – which allows me to people watch with a purpose!
When I read a script, all these skills, my life experiences and my joy for this work ignite my creativity, and a visual story is born.
I love detail. I get lost in it. I get a thrill from molding my creative ideas into being and I love communicating these ideas with the whole team – the director, actors and various departments – to refine the costumes to the point where they become the characters.
WHAT IS YOUR AVERAGE WORKING DAY LIKE?
Now a-days with the internet we do a lot more research and buying online so less out and about. The day is a lot of organising and making sure various people in the department are prepped and able to keep moving forward with the information I am able to give them and of course making sure they have the materials to accomplish the end results.
We are constantly working with the script, fittings and schedule to make sure we can be ready with costumes to fit the actors and make sure that, once all has been decided, the costumes head to their characters section.
The days are long but to be honest they fly by and it never feels like we have enough time.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The best thing about my job is that I love it! It makes it all the more easier to get up early and work through such long days. I also love the fact that my job is diverse and it never is the same.
AND THE NOT SO GREAT BITS?
The not so great bit is never having enough time for a routine.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO A SUPPORTING ARTIST, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Always come with underwear on please!
Try and be comfortable with undressing in front of others as often we change all the ladies in one area and all the men in another area.
Take care of your costumes and try and not drop food down your front or better still ask for a plastic apron if you feel you may mess your costume.
At the end of the day hang costumes in your area making sure your label is there.
Enjoy your time ????