In the fast-paced world of costume design, creativity and collaboration are essential ingredients to success. Costume designer Erica D. Schwartz recently embarked on a thrilling project with British artist Jamie Hannah, crafting costumes inspired by iconic figures like Prince, David Bowie, and Elton John. The result? A mesmerizing visual spectacle that perfectly complements Jamie’s new song, “Dragonfly,” with its 70’s and disco-inspired vibes.
One week before the shoot date, Erica joined forces with Jamie Hannah to delve into the fashion worlds of Prince, David Bowie, and Elton John. The infusion of British charm from Jamie, a native of England, made these legendary inspirations feel like a natural fit. The project aimed to capture the essence of these icons while embracing the 70’s and disco influences present in Jamie’s latest musical creation.
The journey began with a quest for the perfect fabrics. After exploring multiple stores, including a visit to B. Black and Sons, Erica and Jamie found their muse in a drapey cream wool fabric – the cornerstone of Jamie’s Prince-inspired first outfit. What followed was an extensive conversation about color palettes and the number of outfits, leading to a day of sketching at Jamie’s house until the designs felt just right.
The costumes for Jamie’s performance were carefully curated, each telling a unique story. From the cream wool vest, pants, shirt, and ascot ensemble reminiscent of Prince to the 70’s color-block pastel outfit with light blue, gold, and silver hues, each look showcased a meticulous attention to detail. A dark opera singer moment featuring a blouse, fitted pants, and a grand opera skirt with a broken glass dragonfly brooch added a touch of drama.
For the dance-heavy scenes, Erica designed a beaded, rhinestoned stretch lace jumpsuit that left Jamie exclaiming, “This is what I’m going to get married in someday!” The grand finale featured a multi-tonal metallic silk blend fabric, echoing David Bowie’s influence, and custom-made boots covered in matching fabric. Each outfit was a masterpiece in its own right, reflecting the diverse inspirations that fueled the creative process.
With only 3 1/2 days until shooting, Erica faced the challenge of a tight schedule and no time for prototyping. Drawing on her experience and connections, she enlisted the expertise of professionals she had previously worked with on projects like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Grown-ish. The collaboration involved sharing sketches and inspirational photos, allowing each team member to contribute based on their strengths and preferences.
In addition to Jamie’s elevated custom looks, Erica extended her creative touch to the dancers. Originally planned for one look each, the dancers’ costumes evolved to match Jamie’s outfits and follow a color story. Transitioning from pastel to jewel-tone versions, each dancer received a custom-painted bomber jacket adorned with broken glass disco-ball dragonflies on the backs, courtesy of the talented Stefanie Cytron.
As the project neared its culmination, Erica reached out to Kiki Stash, owner of Kiki Stash Collection for a Sunday pull, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defined the entire process. The culmination of these efforts resulted in a dazzling display of fashion, where not just Jamie but the entire ensemble of dancers shone in their vibrant, customized costumes.
In the words of Erica D. Schwartz, “No time to prototype or waste.” This project was a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness in the face of tight deadlines. From the initial sketches to the final fittings, Erica’s journey with Jamie Hannah showcased the magic that happens when inspiration meets expertise, resulting in a visual feast that perfectly complements the musical masterpiece that is “Dragonfly.”
Dragonfly is a song of celebration. A anthem for overcoming and transformation. It represents being able to start a fresh – choosing to walk into a new period of life on your terms. Thank you to the best costume team I could have asked for. There is no way it would have been possible without your tireless work.
Erica D. Schwartz
The “Dragonfly” music video wasn’t the only project of note that Erica has worked on recently. Erica’s journey in costume design recently took her to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as she took on the role of Key Made-To-Order Costumer for the much-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 film and its Emmy-winning counterpart, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
Erica’s role as Key Made-To-Order Costumer involved overseeing and managing the specialized team responsible for bringing the costumes to life, led by esteemed costume designer Judianna Makovsky. Working alongside Makovsky, Erica played a key role in crafting the iconic uniforms for the Guardians, including characters like Peter Quill, Drax, Nebula, and Mantis. The dual challenge of working on both “Volume 3” and the “Holiday Special” presented unique obstacles, but Erica embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. While working on the film Erica worked on seeing through the process of the Guardian’s space suits and another memorable costume —an intricate GoBot featured in a hilarious scene on Hollywood Boulevard. The collaborative effort in researching and bringing the GoBot to life showcased the dedication and creativity embedded in every aspect of costume design.
– Erica D. Schwartz
The movie really touched me. I think all the hard work and all the long days were totally worth it, to be a part of something so special. I don’t know if they’re gonna make another Guardian’s movie or not. This could be the last Guardian uniform ever made. To be a part of that process is really thrilling and touching. I know a lot of people said this movie did touch them because it’s a personal story. I think that’s what filmmaking is, touching people emotionally.
