Couture inspires costume designer

Ever wondered where designers take their inspiration from or how they make their fantastic creations?

All will be revealed at USQ's next Twilight Talk with theatre designer and award-winning couturier Carolyn Taylor-Smith.

Costume Designer at USQ since 2001, Carolyn's creations have featured in Shakespeare in the Park productions of The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Comedy of Errors and Taming of the Shrew and countless opera and theatre seasons.

Prior to stepping into the world of theatre, Carolyn had been designing independently in Toowoomba since 1987, operating an exclusive retail outlet specialising in one-off creations.

It was a natural progression from fashion to theatre design.

'I have loved the creative challenge of breaking all of the rules of fashion and applying that freedom to Costume Design,' said Carolyn.

'The experience has been both rewarding and liberating, and I have grown to appreciate and understand every individual aspect and process of design whether it's for the stage or for the red carpet!

'Costumes have the power to truly create the 'world' of the production and should make an immediate impact.

'Good costume designs need to make a powerful visual statement to the audience and at the same time support the aesthetic of the production as well as allowing the Actor to facilitate his or her movement during the performance.

'They also need to truly reflect the characters; costumes are the 'skin' of the character.'

The informal seminar will also include static displays, together with a costume parade featuring a selection of Ms Taylor-Smith's most memorable and favourite creations including Lady Macbeth.

'My favourite costume is definitely Lady Macbeth from our 2007 season of Macbeth.

'She was gruesome and gorgeous all at the same time, complete with scaly spine protruding from a sequinned and beaded corset!'

The Twilight Design Talk will commence at 6pm in the USQ Arts Theatre on Wednesday 8 July.

Tickets are $17.50 adult, $14.50 concession, $12.50 student, $7.50 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.

Media Contact: Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623