Meet Audra Gooch

We had the good fortune of connecting with Audra Gooch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audra, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by people, life- we’re living in unprecedented times. It feels like almost every day we’re bombarded with something happening that is making historical changes and not necessarily in the best way but we still live. We still get dressed, go out, find our community and continue to live. That’s what inspires me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a stylist and costume designer. I’ve been blessed to be able to dabble in a bit of everything: advertising, editorial, celebrity, music, film & tv. This was pretty much second career, I was a consumer insight analyst out of college which funny enough has provided some good background for any advertising work I do. I realized the corporate world wasn’t for me and took a few continuing education classes at FIT where I reached out to two of the stylists who came to speak and assisted a few of my teachers. From there my name got passed around and I was able to assist other stylists on different types of jobs and work just kind of snowballed. One of my first jobs after COVID was on an indie with costume designer Engie Hassan, she took a chance on me and I was brought on as wardrobe supervisor then assistant costume designer. She’s the reason I fell in love with costume design and creating characters through their wardrobe. One of the first lessons and I believe one of the most important is that you have to check your ego- all of these jobs are about the final product. You’re hired based on your most creative self BUT the job is to use that and your expertise to give the client the best version of what they want. When it’s a personal project definitely go ham and show out but this industry is about collaboration.
I love what I do- even on a bad day, in the grand scheme of life, isn’t a bad day. Being able to do what you love and get paid for it is a blessing. One that I don’t take for granted.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Haha well given that this is Shoutout LA and not NYC I have to admit my spots are limited… I don’t often get to hang out in LA, it’s usually a quick turn around full of work. But I do always try to take in a hike, I appreciate how many spots there are to go and how easily accessible they are.

Foodwise- Alta Adams all the way- the food there is amazing and consistent. Bestia has this roasted bone marrow appetizer that’s divine, you definitely have to take the sherry shot with it! Bavel has a duck hummus that is mindblowing. Everything at Found Oyster is a treat. Death & Co is a cool spot for a cocktail.

Shopping- H.Lorenzo Archive is a don’t miss spot. Treasures are always found there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely have shoutouts- first and foremost my family for always believing in me and supporting my dreams no matter how outlandish they may seem. My god parents who showed me that it’s possible to support myself in a creative career. Shout out to Rebecca Weinberg, Valissa Yoe, Pamela Macklin and Nancy Alusick who first took chances on me- these are the women who I started with. They’ve all taught me so much, encouraged me and spoken my names into rooms that helped open even more doors. As my career has progressed having women like Michelle Ten, Myah Pediford, Pam Shepard and Derica Cole Washington in my corner to help guide and challenge me. They’ve hired me onto countless jobs that have helped me level up. And a special shout out to Akil Spooner, Marcus Elliot and Myles Colbert- these three are my rock. We continue to navigate this crazy freelance lifestyle together.

Website: www.audragooch.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/audrasavannah

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/audragooch

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12020611/ 

Image Credits
1. Prep day at Pier 59 Studios 2. Finishing touches on Anna Delvey shot by Brandon L Harrison 3. #Racklife 4. BTS from Black Silk 5. Little tweaks on Ruby Snowber shot by Tutes 6. Fooling around in Telfar 7. Office work on set 8. Headed outside for Lisa B