Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Winokur.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a bicoastal costume designer, having moved to LA in 2020 by way of New York City for about ten years. I graduated Shenandoah Conservatory with a BFA in Costume Design in 2012. Upon graduating my internship with William Ivey Long, I was immediately hired on for Rodgers and Hammerstein Cinderella on Broadway. I sourced all the textiles and managed the relationships with the build houses and wardrobe supervisor throughout the prep and run of the show in its early years. I continued on the team for the first national tour after which I started the transition into primarily working in film. Starting as a PA on Madam Secretary, where Costume Designer Amy Roth saw something in me and immediately pushed me to be a Costume Department Coordinator. In 2020, I had the opportunity to work on the HBOMAX vouge competition series Legendary as an 892 CDC, day play as an Assistant Costume Designer, and also as a 764 Wardrobe Dresser. During this project is where I met Johnny Wujek, who in the fall of 2020, hired me as his ACD for the Disney+ fantasy reality show The Quest. I relocated out now to the Hollywood Hills area and have been an active member of the Costume Designers Guild 892 since. Since moving to LA, I have worked on productions iconic to the local industry such as “Young and the Restless”, which just celebrated its 50th season, to working on cinematic series celebrating Los Angeles history, “Winning Time Rise of the Lakers Dynasty”, as well as collaborating with The Counting Crows on the styling for their latest album, “Butter Miracle Suite”. I feel very welcomed to Los Angeles, and look forward to what the future brings.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Relocating peak pandemic in July of 2020 really challenged me in all senses. Moving cross country from Brooklyn to LA by myself, and my dog, was a big risk. Looking back, I feel like I can take on anything my future hands me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in post-modern period storytelling through clothing. My unique skill set, for research, sourcing, building, and problem-solving approach has proven to provide a well Designer. I had the opportunity to flex those skills on the short film and proof of concept “Intern” written and directed by Elena Viklova. For our lead character, Seth, we landed on this collage of business wear that emulated the youthful naivety of an intern. Who most likely is wearing pants from his dad’s closet and a blazer from a second-hand shop that he picked up on his way to the interview.
This short film is some of my best work to date, and I am very proud to say that we have been selected to screen at the following festivals this summer.
2023
FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood (23 years running)
Nominated, Best Directing Best Director Short Film Elena Viklova
2023
Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (24 years running)
Won, Best Comedy Short
2023
Hollywood Comedy Shorts (seven years running, part of HollyShorts festival “family”)
Nominated, Best Alternative Comedy
2023
Los Angeles Short Film Festival (nine years running)
Won Festival Award Best Actor Isaac Jay
Nominated Festival Award Best of the Festival
2023
Oregon Short Film Festival (seven years running)
Official selection, the festival takes place the end of May
2023
Short to the Point International Film Festival (Romania, 15 years running)
Nominated, March Award Best Short Comedy
2023
USA Film Festival (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying festival, running for 53 years)
Finalist, International Short Film Competition
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The best thing about living in LA is being able to wake up and within an hour or so I can be at the beach or the mountains, or the desert. It’s unlike anything I experienced growing up on the east coast.
Worst part of LA, I have yet to find a decent Bagel & Lox and the severe lack of bodega cats.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5797156/
- Instagram: Costumeswithemily
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/o_UvFFzGJPM
