Profile: Wardrobe Dept.

Motivational Growth is  film set in the early 1990s.  As such, it requires a wardrobe designer that can find the slightly outlandish and “kewl” outfits that evoke that certain place in time and space.  It was no challenge for Mallory Sabian, department head of costumes and wardrobe on the film Motivational Growth.  She answered some questions about her work, as did her costume supervisor Emily Wengert.

When Mallory needs to fade clothing, she uses her sunny disposition

Q.  Tell me about your backgrounds.  How did you get interested in doing costume and wardrobe design?

Mallory: My mother gave me my first Vogue when I was 11 or 12.  Fashion and clothing has always been something I’ve loved.  I wanted a career I’d enjoy.  In college, I was given the opportunity to shoot commercials for JC Pennys on the Universal back lot and after my first 12 hour day I was hooked.  Commercials are fun but in film you have more creative freedom and you can help develop a character with what they are wearing.  It’s like art but the character is your canvas to create something.  Instead of paint I use clothing to create a person.

Emily: In Jr. high I saw a production of Peter Pan.  I wanted to know how they got Peter to fly.  After that I started studying theater and through theater costume design I got into film costume design.

Q. Do you own a ton of clothes?

Mallory: Yes, but more handbags.  You acquire a lot in this department.

Emily:  Yes.  My fave is the collection of 60s dresses I have.

Q. How did you get involved with Imagos Films?

Mallory: I was sitting at Starbucks enjoying my nonfat latte when Alexis (Producer) called me and said she needed someone new.

Emily: A friend of a friend knew someone off another shoot.

Q. What cool projects have you worked on previously?

Mallory: Holiday ’06 JC Penny’s commercial had a mix of vintage and new clothes.  It was awesome!

Emily: Mostly school productions at Columbia College and my first feature, “The Wise Kids.”

Mallory, seen here outfitting director Don Thacker

Q. What was your reaction when you read the screenplay to Motivational Growth?

Mallory: This sounds messy.

Emily: I thought it was great and wondered how Don came up with it.

Q. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve created on this film?

Mallory: Leah’s looks because I think we added to her character, making her quirky and 90s.  It reminds me of my color scheme when I was younger.

Emily: I’m not sure what’s the most interesting.  Searching for everything was fun though.

Q. What’s the most challenging part of the film for you?

Mallory: Most people don’t realize dealing with continuity is hard: recreating bloody, gooey things, and then returning it to its original state.  Also, finding new wardrobe multiples in 90s style clothes.  But then, 90s are making a comeback.

Emily: Declination Jane’s costume – getting it done on time.

Q. Any interesting stories from the shoot?

Mallory: The first rule of Motivational Growth is that you don’t talk about Motivational Growth.

Emily: Mostly the interesting looks I get when I tell people what I’ve been up to.  Making alien costumes, looking for 90s workout gear, and explaining why there’s orange and red goo on everything.

Q. What kind of bonds are you forming with the rest of the crew?  How is it working with Don?

Mallory: I freaking love the art department.  Wardrobe, art, stunts, and SFX worked very closely together.  Art and wardrobe especially.  Don is one of the only directors I’ve ever worked with where there is total collaboration.  There is no wrong or right.  He loves ideas from other people.  I think him being so open to what people have to say creatively is what made the design of the film so great.

Emily: Mal and I are like BFF’s.  Don is fun – there’s never a dull moment.

Mallory toils over shots

Q.  Do you feel like you have to be the best dressed person on set?

Mallory: There’s always a certain level of expectation.  I need to wear fashionable but functional clothes on set.  I wore a lot of underarmor and Northface clothing on set.

Emily: Nope.  Wardrobe and art like having theme days though.  Like dress and leggings day and shorts and tights day.  Mallory and I have worn underarmor gear almost every day.

Q. What outfits are you most proud of designing on Motivational Growth?

Mallory: Leah’s.  Hands down, she was my favorite.  Fly Guy was exciting.  Ian’s as well.  There’s an art to trashing things.  For Leah’s, the hunt was half the fun.  It was like a treasure hunt.

Emily: My favorite costumes are all of Leah’s because I grew up in the 90s and they remind me of my childhood.