Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1333810
Winter 2021 The Costume Designer 35 A Creative & Fashionable Force for Good The work of a costume designer exemplifies the transfor- mative power of clothing. And just as a costume magically renders an actor into a character, clothing's impact reso- nates in daily life, where being well-dressed can build con- fidence and raise self-esteem. This philosophy is integral to Inherent Clothier, a custom menswear line whose mission is to inspire authentic self-expression while bolstering men's mental health. Costume designer Janie Bryant has joined forces with Inherent Clothier CEO Taylor Draper to co-design Bryant Draper, a new capsule collection. "I have always felt that dressing well can be a form of wellness and can impact well-being," explains Bryant. "The work that Taylor Draper is doing with Inherent Clothier is something I really admire." "I first moved to New York to be a fashion designer," discloses Bryant. "I had no concept of costume design as a profession until a Christmas party where fate-would- have-it, I met costume designer Alexandra Welker. After our two-hour conversation, I knew costume design was what I wanted to do. That party and that meeting changed my life." Working on 7th Avenue in Manhattan, she met New York's fashion-influencer milieu, including many people in entertainment. She networked those connections to get jobs, taking whatever came her way, and soon moved to Los Angeles to be in the industry's hub. As an Emmy Award-winning costume designer for HBO's Deadwood, and four-time nominee for AMC's Mad Men, Bryant's shows spawned fashion collaborations. In the 15 years BRYANT DRAPER: Get up and get dressed up, even if you have nowhere to go. It's empowering! " " by Bonnie Nipar All photos: Steven De La Roche –Janie Bryant