Costume Designer and Stylist Elfee Duquette has been working within theatre, opera, film, tv and fashion shoots in over 10 years. This time she’s letting her magic shine on Playful’s shoot together with Patrick Mason.
An opulent costume or a period piece completes the talent’s ability to assume a role
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Seattle, Washington. I have a twin brother, (Michael Walrond), and he’s my best friend and an amazing photographer. I studied at L'accademia di Costume e Di Moda in Rome for Costume Design.
How did you end up in Berlin?
It just felt like the right time to be here. So I just decided to pack my belongings and bought a one way ticket.
What got you into costume design?
The reason why costume design has so captured my interests is that there is something intrinsically immersive about the transformation an actor, actress, or model undergoes once they are put into a costume
An opulent costume or a period piece completes the talent’s ability to assume a role. It allows them to distill some more referential material from the apparel they don. I love nothing more than to be a part of that catalytic process. Clothing can become inseparable from one’s identity as well as the character portrayed, whether perceived or inherent to their nature. What one does and what one wears has always been a topic of interest to me as the power of another’s gaze transforms us in numerous ways.
Who’s your top 3 favourite designers?
Christian Lacroix, Alexander McQueen and Elsa Schiaparelli.
What’s your favourite thing about working as a costume designer in Berlin?
In Berlin I have the ability to be as weird as I wanna be.
What do you do in Berlin to feel inspired when/ if feeling uninspired?
Go to art openings, listen to David Bowie, read romantic poems, read fashion magazines or talk to my mentor.
What’s your favourite thing about this city?
Appreciation for artists and the quality of life!