Danielle Fagen
Costume Designer and Maker
Artistic Statement
Growing up in Montreal in a fusion of arts and cultures has made me curious to experience varying perspectives and aesthetics. I also lived in Berlin for three years, and immersed myself in art and creation, absorbing all I could.
Coming from an art history and film theory background, I tend to approach design by a historical and point of view, looking at the artistic influences, themes and zeitgeist that represent the time period of the story. I’m also a very emotionally driven person, and tend to equate the inner emotional struggles of the characters to a visual reference, be it colour scheme, landscape or singular object.
Often Inspired by fashion history, I adore the creativity and spunk of Elsa Shiaperelli, the drama of Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, and the House of Worth, as well as the elegance of Valentina and Madeline Vionnet. However, inspiration for me can come from anywhere: apartment liquidation stores, garbage on the street, every space, every person on the subway, everything I see is part of the fabric of my language for interpretation. Every image is precious, every detail to be relished.
As per my personal aesthetic, more is more! I love deep rich colours, high contrasts, volume, luscious materials, shapely and sculptural materials all to emphasis the drama, humour, and irony in a scene.
The interpretation of the characters in their physical setting also influences the way in which I design the characters’ wardrobes. I enjoy collaborating with the actors and director to best understand the psychological drive of the characters to direct and focus my attention.
I want the bold choices and materials to truly create a universe that make the characters come out of the screen and into your mind, remaining there. While I love grander and boldness, I do reserve subtuitlties and detail for more delicate needs of expression.
I revel in the opportunity of a new artistic challenge, and strengthen myself as an artist by adding to my skill set to further express myself. I strive to cultivate a diverse artistic background to better synthesize the imagery I create, and the stories I contribute to telling.
Outside of film and theatre, I intend to explore costume as sculpture and living artwork, representing experiences and states of mind.
Coming from an art history and film theory background, I tend to approach design by a historical and point of view, looking at the artistic influences, themes and zeitgeist that represent the time period of the story. I’m also a very emotionally driven person, and tend to equate the inner emotional struggles of the characters to a visual reference, be it colour scheme, landscape or singular object.
Often Inspired by fashion history, I adore the creativity and spunk of Elsa Shiaperelli, the drama of Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, and the House of Worth, as well as the elegance of Valentina and Madeline Vionnet. However, inspiration for me can come from anywhere: apartment liquidation stores, garbage on the street, every space, every person on the subway, everything I see is part of the fabric of my language for interpretation. Every image is precious, every detail to be relished.
As per my personal aesthetic, more is more! I love deep rich colours, high contrasts, volume, luscious materials, shapely and sculptural materials all to emphasis the drama, humour, and irony in a scene.
The interpretation of the characters in their physical setting also influences the way in which I design the characters’ wardrobes. I enjoy collaborating with the actors and director to best understand the psychological drive of the characters to direct and focus my attention.
I want the bold choices and materials to truly create a universe that make the characters come out of the screen and into your mind, remaining there. While I love grander and boldness, I do reserve subtuitlties and detail for more delicate needs of expression.
I revel in the opportunity of a new artistic challenge, and strengthen myself as an artist by adding to my skill set to further express myself. I strive to cultivate a diverse artistic background to better synthesize the imagery I create, and the stories I contribute to telling.
Outside of film and theatre, I intend to explore costume as sculpture and living artwork, representing experiences and states of mind.
