‘I haven’t had a job since March 13’: How costume designers are coping with COVID-19
LA TimesRuth E. Carter with costumes she designed for “Dolemite Is My Name” on Oct. 26, 2019. “And they shut us down — on Friday the 13th.” Next gig: “I’m currently at Mood Fabrics on Pico getting ready to do some commercials with one of my clients,” Perez said in mid-July. “I can’t tell you who because I signed a, but it’s my first gig since March.” Financial impact: “I’ve been a union member for 28 years,” Perez said, “and haven’t had a job since March 13.” In between: In addition to making face masks for friends and working on a fashion collection, Perez estimated he’s logged upward of 148 hours on Zoom videoconference calls helping formulate the safety protocols that need to be in place before guild members can return to work. “We’re just waiting for the protocols so we can actually go into the office.” Asked if the Hollywood shutdown might be affecting costume designers of color differently, Perez said he didn’t think it was. “I’m really excited about it,” she said, “I can’t tell you who the talent is, but it’s a global superstar.” Financial impact: As a costume designer, Phillips said her work is down 100%.
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