Alumni

FIDM Alumna Costume Designer Hazel Alonzo Visits LA Campus

Costume Designer FIDM Alumna Hazel Alonzo shared real stories from 20 years in the entertainment industry at an informal pizza lunch on the LA campus today. After completing her degree in Fashion Design, Hazel went on to the third year FIDM Costume Design program and showed her designs in the DEBUT runway show in 1997. Since then, the Chicago native has worked in costume and wardrobe on shows like Ray Donovan, Straight Outta Compton, Dog with a Blog, and currently Scandal. A member of both costume unions, Hazel discussed the different options out there for jobs and shared how she moved from casting to illustrating to designer and costumer. She advised students to overcome their fears with a willingness to take chances and learn on the job. "When someone gave me a challenge, I just did it," she said about her start in the industry. About to head back to work as Head Set Costumer for actress Kerry Washington on Scandal, she pointed to her FIDM education as an invaluable advantage on set. "I'm a designer, I know construction, and I'm an illustrator." That deep knowledge means she can communicate with a seamstress and keep the flawlessly dressed Olivia Pope divine at all times.

Categories:  Film & TV Costume Design Alumni