The passion for designing began when I was very little. I would organize fashion shows in my front living room and have my models and myself walk out from behind the curtains in our front bay window and parade up and down the main floor with a pose in every room then up the stairs for that last pose and then to the change room {bedroom}. We always had an audience. I was way a head of my time as th
ese outfits were “face off” worthy creative parings. I was model, designer, choreographer, director and producer. Every show after that I always had a personal input as far as wardrobe was concerned. I began wearing my own pieces hence the collection began. I look back and wish there were pieces I had kept but there is no gain in crying over spilt milk. I started bringing more to the table and supplied other actors with outfits, thus the wardrobe expanded beyond my needs. The game changer was when my niece Cassandra came to me and asked if I had something she could wear for her role as in Taming of the Shrew. She brought a friend to the fitting {that is what we call it now but back then we were simply playing dress up}. She asked if I could find something for her as well. Sure success! Monday I went to school to see rehearsal and put finishing touches on outfits. Running into Cynthia Knowles was another game changer. We had met short time before at Theatre Ancaster and did a show together. She is the drama teacher at Westmount and very talented both on and off stage. At rehearsal I realized there was a serious need for costuming. With 5 days remaining before opening night I pulled together 25 outfits and the show was a great success. That is the moment I knew what I was meant to do. I have been designing for The West Wing Players at Westmount ever since. Yet another niece Valerie connected me to Glendale for the Performing Arts Program. Designing for them has been ongoing for over 4 years. My skill set has broadened with this experience. I have been blessed to work with this talented group at Glendale. Mentoring students in costume design has also been part of the experience and I thank Melanie for teaching me just as much as I taught her.
