Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1178754
70 The Costume Designer Fall 2019 "The highlight of the evening for me was watching Sal receive his award from Rebecca Rittenhouse. He raises the visibility of our craft both within the Los Angeles area and globally. All this made this honorary award so deserved. He also looked amazing! I loved that his tux and his fedora were all sparkle! And that he and Rebecca twinned in black velvet." – Cynthia Summers "It was a unique night that was brought together with a different touch of passion and unpretentious - ness. It was raw real love for the 'more is more!' I was proud to see my peers and my president be rec- ognized in a fashion design setting. We all influence one another and I love that this night honored my people!" – Mandi Line "A fun evening filled with unexpected brilliance. There was lots of blending the lines of Costume Design and fashion design… I am always happy to support other Costume Designers, it was a delight to support Sal. That being said—Congratulations Salvador on all of your accolades! You inspire me to be more creative and to champion our passion, Costume Designing." – Trayce Gigi Field storytelling process. Whether we manufacture, rent, or purchase clothing, the final look on screen is our design. We use fashion in our work and our work also inspires fashion designers. I love that the Metropolitan Fashion Awards brings our industries together and they spotlight Costume Design for film and television." In addition to the awards statue, Perez also received a certificate from the City of Los Angeles signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti acknowledging his contribution to the fashion and entertainment industry. When asked what he considers to be good examples of blending fashion and Costume Design, Perez responded, "Patricia Field's Sex and the City really brought fashion to the forefront for Costume Designers, and the show Dynasty designed by Nolan Miller. Before that, clothes were really utilitarian, but these shows made producers and fans realize costumes could really move a story. From my own work, The Mindy Project and Four Weddings and a Funeral, are two good examples of blending costume and fashion design." How apropos that actress Rebecca Rittenhouse was asked to present Perez with his award. She enthuses, "Sal was brilliant at creating two completely different characters for me, one playing Dr. Ziev, a very no-nonsense OB-GYN on The Mindy Project, and the other as Ainsley Howard, a total fashionista in Four Weddings and a Funeral." An alumni of FIDM where he learned pattern making and illustration, Perez recounts his career breakthrough. "Fresh out of college, I was work- ing in retail at Aardvarks in Venice. Costume Designer Julia Schklair came in and was talking to her assistant about her cutter fitter needing a stitcher to help. I offered my services and she referred me. My first job was stitching on a film called Glitch in 1988. "The Metropolitan Fashion Week Awards gala was a feast for the eyes. It was a beautiful venue full of glori- ous fashion creations which made it the perfect place to recognize the work of our leader Salvador Perez. His work speaks for itself, but it is always lovely to get a little kudos from the fashion world, as well as fellow Costume Designers. Congratulations!" – Keri Smith