Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1536052
10 SUMMER 2025 S P O T L I G H T By Shea Wolfe Laura Wong AURA WONG, a dual-card member of Motion Picture Costumers and the Costume Designers Guild, has always been fascinated with clothing as a means of self-expression. This expression often coincides with the nonverbal method of filmmaking. "Every one of us is communicating via clothing when we walk out the door every day even if we don't realize it. In the same way, I love the way costumes serve as such a powerful nonverbal method of storytelling on film. There's a famous quote attributed to Colleen Atwood: 'Costumes are the first impression that you have of the character before they open their mouth' which illustrates this concept so well." Wong's love of costuming is also evident in her textile work, her knowledge of Japanese kimono, L and in her classes on textiles. Wong got her start by getting her undergraduate degree at Occidental College, majoring in Costume Design with an emphasis in Japanese textiles, followed by her MFA in Costume Design at UCLA. After graduating, she got her days at Western Costume working at their Halloween store that was once open to the public. (The Western Halloween store unfortunately, closed during the pandemic.) While in school, she also took on additional projects outside of her coursework. "I did a mix of theater and film projects, both as a part of my coursework, as well as outside projects such as independent and student films. I learned a great deal about collaboration and being on set through those experiences. Basically, I said yes to a lot of opportunities and learned a lot through trying a bunch of different things!" After graduating from UCLA, she worked as a Costume PA on Gangster Squad, designed by Mary Zophres. "It was an amazing introduction to how a film is made from prep to wrap. It was definitely an intense experience for my first PA job, but we had an extremely kind and talented crew who showed me the ropes. I especially appreciated Costume Supervisor Nancy Capper for taking the chance on a first-time PA and for hiring me many more times through the years! I'm still friends with many people from that first job." Crew photo from Our Flag Means Death.