Francesca Salter-Dvorak - Costume Designer
I have a keen interest in clothing and people. I am not only interested in clothes as garments, but as semiotic texts which communicate meanings about people’s lives, identity, and tastes. My interest in costume design stems from this. I enjoy designing for texts; this involves a process of character analysis and researching the historical context, as well as painting, drawing, taking photographs and assembling images. From this, a concept is formed, which is developed and refined into the creation of effective costumes. The challenge is to communicate the concept best, by choosing appropriate shapes, colours and fabrics. I enjoy the conceptual aspect as much as the construction of garments and accessories, which can involve cutting on the stand, sewing, dyeing, distressing, millinery and other skills.

I have a continuing interest in realist clothing, photography and cinema. However, studying costume design for theatre has led my work into more fantastical territory, which sometimes verges on the absurd. My preferred way of working is to be part of a collaborative team. I particularly enjoy the process of negotiating my vision of the costumes with a writer, director or choreographer in any field of performance. At this stage, my preference would be to work in theatre, film, and styling.

Specific Skills: Drawing, cutting on a stand, basic sewing, dyeing, creating sculptural costumes, photography, researching, fabric breakdown, printing, and millenary.