Talks

In-demand as a speaker, lecturer and mentor, I travel the world giving talks, attending conferences and leading workshops on everything related to costume.

Offering a breadth and depth of experience in industry, I offer talks on all aspects of costume design and making, from the practicalities to the creative process.

I talk to a diverse range of audiences worldwide, from costume afficionados at conferences to University and Film School students, Film & TV professionals to costume collectors.

I also offer bespoke online and telephone mentoring sessions and costume clinics, either to groups or on a one-on-one basis. These are generally 45 minutes to an hour and a half, although the exact length will depend on what you’re hoping to get out of the session as each session is completely unique and tailored to who I’m working with.

To discuss an event you have planned and what I could contribute or to discuss an online mentoring session please get in touch, I’d love to have a chat.

‘Your talk at CCM was inspiring—warm, down-to-earth, full of information and insight. I felt so lucky to be there, listening to your stories, and seeing your fabulous work. The students were rapt with attention. I admired your nods to your mentors, as you continued the shared journey of creative discovery. Brava! Your work is WOW!’

Sherry Amott Tippey. Creative Director Curtis Inc.

“The evening was a great success and attendees all seemed very impressed – with Vinilla’s talk, her career, and the lavish costumes she brought in to show us. I would thoroughly recommend her for future lectures”

Rachel Crossley Membership Events Manager, Victoria & Albert Museum

For more information, feedback and photos, please download the Talks PDF Download.

TALKS MENU

The talks I give can be completely tailored to suit each group – the menu below should give some insight into the breadth of talks I offer. Talks generally run for 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, plus Q&A, discussion, capsule exhibition and optional book signing.

1. Costume Design, From Covent Garden To Hollywood – An Overview. (Best For Non-Professionals).

2. Theatre Including Overview Of Costume/Creature Making

3. Film & TV Including Overview Of Costume/Creature Making

4. Commercials Including Styling, Buying, Costume Rental & Returns

5. The Making Of The Batsuit – In Depth

6. Lady Gaga’s Living Dress; The Making Of – In Depth

7. Costume And Creature Effects Including Sculpting, Life Casting And Mould Making (Including An Overview Of Batman And Lady Gaga’s Living Dress).

8. Children’s Costume, Including Designing & Making Children’s Characters, And Designing For CGI

9. Getting Started In The Costume Profession (And Staying In It!)

10. Mask Making Master Classes (Min 5 Days Plus Assistant).

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or special requirements for a talk or lecture. I’d love to hear from you!

NOTABLE TALKS TO DATE

Ongoing Advice given to numerous aspiring costume designers via Live Guru.

2025 / 2024 / 2023 / 2018 / 2016 National Film and Television School Beaconsfield. Budgeting Creature Effects for Film

2025 Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Budgeting Costume for Film

2025 / 2024 / 2023 / 2022 London College of Fashion. ‘Costume Design and Creature FX’ – Employability Lecture

2024 London Ladies Luncheon Club. Royal Overseas League Piccadilly. ‘Costume Design and Creature FX’

2023 Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Arts, Madison, New Jersey

2022 Wimbledon College of Arts. ‘Costume Design, Costume Effects and Working in the Profession’

2021 / 2020 Wimbledon College of Arts. ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2021 Warrington. ‘Lady Gaga’s Living Dress’ and discussion

2021 Plymouth College of Art. ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2017 Nordlus Computer Games Belgrade. Costume Design for Film

2016 / 2013 University of Cincinnatti, Ohio ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2016 / 2013 Ohio Northern University, Ada, ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2016 / 2013 Ottawa Hills High School, Toledo Ohio ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2016 Valentine Theater Toledo, Ohio. Fundraiser for Ballet Theatre of Toledo

2015 London College of Fashion. ‘A Career in Costume Design; Making it Happen’

2015 The Costume Games event Brighton. The ‘Bat Panel’ interview with Lindy Hemming, Graham Churchyard and Day Murch.

2014 Victoria & Albert Museum / Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Richard Burton Theatre ‘Costume in Action’

2013 Toledo Museum of Art, Peristyle Auditorium ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’

2013 University of Cincinnatti, Ohio ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2013 Ohio Northern University, Ada, ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2013 Ottawa Hills High School, Toledo Ohio ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2013 Ohio State University, Columbus ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’ and discussion

2013 Toledo Pinnacle Theater, Ohio, ‘An Evening of Fashion & Design’ Fundraiser for The Ballet Theatre of Toledo

2013 Victoria & Albert Museum London, Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre. ‘Hidden in Plain Sight: The Art of Hollywood Costume

2012 TV Globo Studios, Rio de Janeiro. 3 day event including ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’. Visiting departments including Costume hire, Art Department, Tailor Shop, Special and Make-Up Effects, meeting staff and discussing their work.

2012 The Women’s Institute, Sussex. ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’

2010 Victoria & Albert Museum London, Hochhauser Auditorium ‘Costume Design; from Covent Garden to Hollywood’