Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1487662
A Titantic Beginning Landing at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Perez began to move toward his dreams. He also started moonlight- ing as a tailor for costume designers like Julia Schklair, whom he met at his job at Aardvarks Vintage Clothing in Venice. Working his way through the ranks, Perez joined sister Union, Local 705. He began running costume work- rooms for films like Stargate (CD Joseph Porro) and Titanic (CD Deborah Lynn Scott). When Perez joined the CDG in 1995, as member 322, he noticed the leadership was comprised of mostly retired members. While they seemed unexcited by the explosion of digital commu- nication, his interest in it has never abated. "I have always believed that costume designers should be ahead of technology, not follow it, that is why I am a strong believer in social media." With characteristic energy, he imme- diately found ways to get involved. He joined several committees, including the first Awards Committee. When the member directory was being phased out, Perez spearheaded saving it, doing much of the organization himself. He has been through three iterations of the CDG website. He credits this involvement with introducing him to the entire membership. "They knew me as the directory guy," he says. "Now the CDG has over 1,200 members and the CDGA is in its 25th year." "I've been elected to the board eight times. I don't know if that's a record," laughs Perez, "but I will probably be the longest stand- ing board member by the end of this term." Running against a well-known costume de- signer and sitting President Mary Rose, he was elected President for the first time in a tight race. Perez took this as a sign he need- ed to prove himself and his ideas. His strat- egy worked. During his second election he won by a landslide and he ran for a 3rd term unopposed, serving a total of nine years. During his tenure, the CDG has grown in size, stature, and influence. "The most import- ant thing as a working costume designer at the beginning of my career, I saw the future and not the past. Being a dual card member, Game On Salvador Perez with Bette Midler, Michelle R. Cole, Allison B. Fanger, and Never Have I Ever costume team. 27