Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1448961
What do Beyonc, cowboys, and Godzilla have in common Other than whopping box o ce returns, the answer is the dis- tinctive and innovative costumes of Sharen Davis. Her costume design moves seamlessly between genres, from Westerns to science fi ction, and every decade of the 20th century. Davis deals in hyperbole like it's an everyday language. She took Django (Jamie Foxx) from chains and rags to Calvin Candie's (Leonardo DiCaprio) burgundy suit in a move so brash that the movie itself stops to take a moment and appreciate it. Beyonc time travelled right into her glittering gowns in Dreamgirls. She took Westworld from cowboys to samurai to the not-too-dis- tant future. Davis never set out to be a costume designer. Her early child- hood was spent in Germany and later in Japan, which would inspire the name of her company, ochee Designs. "I went to high school in Japan and that was my nickname, mochi, the sweet cakes. Loosely translated." She had her introduction to costume design as a performer. While singing in Japan, she came up with the costumes for her band, and her career began to fall into place. Davis attended the Conservatory of the erforming Arts in San- ta aria, California and studied acting, which would continue to inform her costume design. "Because I was an acting major, I consider each character as if I'm in the role. When I talk to an actor I use their terms, and we take it from there." This makes for smooth, informative fi ttings. "I give them a breakdown of what I'm thinking for each point in their development. Take Deena Jones (Beyonc), who goes from a young, innocent girl to mega star. We had to show that transition. But let's just be honest, there's no way to make Beyonc look dowdy." The solution She started her off in more conservative sweater sets, and through the course of the fi lm dressed her more and more boldly until Deena merged into the star Beyonc had already become. Photo: HB, Westworld: Hirouki anada Westworld: Hirouki anada Westworld: Dreamgirls, llustrator Felipe Sanchez The Help, Illustrator Gina DeDomenico 20 THE COSTE DESIGNER SRING 2022