Costumes and Coffee

Join me today for coffee with "Abbott Elementary" Costume Designer Susan Michalek.

Picture this. You've gathered all of the clothing and accessories for an upcoming fitting. Instead of placing things on the rack, you place everything in a pile and the actor selects the pieces he or she loves the most to fit. Once pieces are selected, you collaborate with the talent to put together all of the changes that for the episode. It's a far departure from what we're used to, but it's the genius of Susan Michalek. She shares this, what it's like to work with an award-winning cast and so much more.

Pour up a cup and tune in!

Today, I’m talking to CDGA nominee Natasha Newman-Thomas. You’ve seen her work in Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” music video and the recent Von Dutch documentary on Hulu. We get into the details of her award-nominated work in Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’s “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” video, and how she brought back the fun of iconic rock star energy with the designs and styling. She also shares the unique story of how she landed in Costumes after going to helicopter school. Yep, helicopter school.

Today, we’re having coffee with Carrie Cramer. 

Carrie is an artist and Costume Designer who has worked on a number of projects. And today we’re highlighting the fact that she is a CDGA nominee for her work alongside Jason Rembert for Lizzo’s "Watch Out For The Big Grrrls".

We discuss her experience in reality TV (We all remember MTV’s “Singled Out” right?), her passion for creating ceramics and oil paintings and the clothing line she created with Daniel Tosh “Boys Wear Pink Too”.

Pour up a cup!

BEL-AIR is back tonight for an incredibly stylish second season, and we’re talking to artist behind the looks! Tune in to the latest episode as I have coffee with Costume Designer QueenSylvia Akuchie.

QueenSylvia takes us on her journey from law school to costume design, and her start as Tyler Perry’s right hand in Costumes & Wardrobe. She also gives us impeccable insight into the careful thought she put into showcasing wealth, heritage and style for the looks this season. And how locally sourcing pieces helped her bring authentic storytelling to the screen.

Pour up a cup!

Tune in to the latest episode of the podcast as I chat with Costume Designer Deirdra Govan.

Deirdra shares the insight behind the costumes for Harlem season 2 - the inspiration behind each of the ladies’ unique style, and the conscious effort she made to avoid “window dressing” the guys. As a member of Local 892 and the vice president of Local 829, Deirdra shares insight into some of the most pressing issues designers face today. Plus, hear more about she’s creating “an opportunity zone” and “legacy of access” for future artists everywhere.

Pour up a cup and tune in to this enlightening conversation a great conversation.

Check out the episode which features a conversation with Costume Designer Johnetta Boone. We discuss how her remarkable career, the life experience she has that lends itself to designing the stories of diverse characters, her process for uniquely dressing a multitude of cowboys in “Yellowstone” for 16 million viewers and so much more.

Her wisdom and insight are gold. A quote she shared so eloquently:

“My color does not transcend my title (as Costume Designer). My skin color does not dictate the kind of work that I do…because I am able to contribute to all environments.”

That’s a mantra! If you’re currently working in the industry or aspire to, this conversation is for you. Tune in!

Today, we’re talking to Costume Designer Trayce GiGi Field about her work in Rian Johnson’s new series Poker Face, her recent NAACP Image Award nomination for her designs in A League of Their Own and so much more. She has designed two hit series streaming simultaneously on two different networks - and with another show in the works - Trayce offers some guidance and fun stories about her journey in costumes.

Grab a cup of coffee and tune in!

Check out the latest conversation with Costume Designer Phoenix Mellow. We discuss what inspired her to pursue a career in Costume Design, her process for a more sustainable design process and the inspiration behind the looks in the second season of “The Sex Lives of College Girls” on HBOMax.

Her advice for aspiring designers is top tier! Pour up a cup and tune in.

Listen in today as I chat with Jenna Tyson, fashion stylist to rapper Flo Milli and NBA player James Harden.

We discuss her bond with legendary trailblazer Misa Hylton, her experience at the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy and the inspiration behind some of her most recent creative hits.

Jenna has also been assistant designing for a series that’s a part of one of the hottest TV franchises.

Pour up a cup of coffee and tune in!