Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1352017
10 The Costume Designer Spring 2021 We have spent a whole year in a pandemic. Time seems to have warped, sharply split between "before pandemic time" and "pandemic time." Ironically, the last thing I remember doing that was normal was attending the CDGA in January 2020. We have gone back to work in this pandemic world, and we have made adjustments to our lives and how we do our jobs. Bringing back some normalcy to daily life is important, so it's been great to be able to plan this year's CDGA and feel like things are starting to shift back into place. This year, the CDGA will be virtual. Although we can't be together in person to enjoy the awards, we still want to be able to celebrate the art of costume design. A bright spot of a virtual awards cer- emony is that we will be able to share our show with a worldwide audience. It has always been my goal to televise our awards so the public can join the party and learn more about what we do. Now we have the opportunity to do that on a global scale and an at-home audience can raise their glasses with us. The team at JumpLine has risen to this year's challenge, and I know they will maintain the integ- rity of our beautiful evening. We are now in the 23rd year of our awards and they have become a big part of the public face of the CDG. They have increased our visibility in the industry and the recognition we deserve. They have highlighted and amplified our fight for pay equity for costume designers, showing the studios that we are essential. When the public supports and celebrates our work, the studios can't ignore us. As our membership numbers continue to increase, the CDG's office staff has grown to accommodate all that they require. Executive Director Rachael Stanley and Assistant Executive Director Brigitta Romanov are continuing to work diligently to serve our members. As full-time Communications Director, Anna Wyckoff is overseeing all media for the CDG, including the redesign of our website, all social media, and the creative direction for the Guild. Alexandra Welker is pressing on as the Editor in Chief of the magazine. Member Services Administrator Suzanne Huntington is fully focused on the daily needs of our members, both new and established. Aja Davis, our new administrative assistant, is settling into the office very well. Demetra Stavrakas is our new Marketing & Events Director. A producer of the CDGA since 2008 with expertise in curating costume exhibits, public relations, and sponsor management, Deme is overseeing the CDGA, and will also be working on all CDG events, publicity, and campaigns. When I moved to Los Angeles to attend FIDM, I did touristy things like taking a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I remember seeing Edith Head's star and being fascinated that a costume designer would be included with Hollywood legends. Now our own Ruth E. Carter is being added to this amazing list of icons with her own star on the Walk of Fame. She is only the second costume designer to receive this honor. This speaks volumes about the value of costume designers in Hollywood. No production designer or art director has ever been recognized with a star, yet they are paid more than we are. We will continue to fight for the recognition we deserve for all that we bring to the story- telling process. Congratulations Ruth for your incredible contribution to our art! In solidarity, Salvador Perez sperez@cdgia.com PRESIDENT'S LETTER UNION LABEL