Park People
www.parkworld-online.com
Zoe illustrates with me and Jo keep it together by supervising the project and making sure all cutsheets for manufacturing are done and information processed. Upon design approval, LOLO CREATIVE creates full technical cutsheets, including standard measurements, fabric choices and digital prints where required. We engage with fabricators, supervising samples and reviews, right through to full fabrication and delivery. For example, after the design stage, three sets of samples are made with the manufacturers, and this process includes fittings and pictures. Manufacture starts next and it could take literally months, with projects of the size of Universal theme parks. Once the garments have been fabricated and reached destination, the Universal team takes over and does fittings and guidebooks, for the general look required for the attraction: shirt in or out, hat and accessories, type of shoes you need to wear, what layers you can put together or not! At this stage, my job is done, it is just a question of having a final look at some of the pictures. I wish people could see more of what happens behind the scenes as it is a lengthy process, involving a lot of people. For example, we started designing Universal Beijing in February 2019, and the park is due to open in May this year.
How closely do you work with the other suppliers/partners? Due to my background in film, where you really work as a team with other departments, I very much pay attention to the set and decors first. It is essential to be in harmony with the environment they are creating. You don’t want to clash dramatically or design something modern when, let’s face it, the park/attraction is designed as a late 19th Century village! Also, I find that some of the details in the decors could be inspiring. Whether it’s a print, a logo or a simple detail sculpted on a wall.
How is costume design for theme parks evolving - are there any emerging trends? Staff Uniform is an often-overlooked aspect of overall design intent. Regularly seen by all customers and visitors, a complementary and well-designed wardrobe will easily affirm the brand identity, create a memorable statement and an immersive experience. That said, with the trust
SPRING PART 1 2021
from the people I have worked with, we have managed to really push the “staff uniforms” to another level. Keeping in mind practicality and comfort, we have managed over the years to go from the basic polo shirt/ chinos look, to really sophisticated garments. A big part of this evolution in the uniforms styles is due to the changes and success of Harry Potter attractions: you stepped into another world, a world where polo shirts and chinos were not welcome!
What are the biggest challenges for costume designers?
For theme parks and attractions: Mixing practicality and adding a fashion twist is something we thrive on at LOLO CREATIVE, we manage to create a really “cool” yet practical garment. At the end of the day, we want to keep the momentum going and be leader in the industry because of our avant-garde style and that French “je ne sais quoi”. However, I have to say that designing for a multitude of genres and a very wide range of body shapes is a challenge sometimes. So, we think of shapes that could suit everyone, without being basic. Et voilà!
How has the pandemic affected the work that you do - social distancing can’t be easy in this area?
As the pandemic started we were in the middle of a massive project and it kept us really busy throughout 2020. With the lockdown(s), even if I have a rather international team and we travel a fair bit, the most difficult, for me, was, and still is, to not have the team with me in the office. I miss the interaction, and however fun and useful the Zoom calls may be, I start to resent them now. I want to see my people.
Then, workwise, as the end of the year approached and to keep. The creative juices going, I concentrated my energy with the team on a new venture that we wanted to do for ages, an in-house label: LX lab. The label was created with the discerning male consumer in mind, featuring candles, underwear and socks collections…. Believe it or not, this is now coming to fruition and we are now launching on April 7th, at 12pm. Very exciting times ahead.
The Hulk
Due to my
background in film, where you really work as a team with other departments, I very much pay attention to the set and decors first.
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