Meet Brittany Levenson | Stylist/Designer/Costumer

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

Hi Brittany, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that taking risks is something we do every single day even in small ways. What’s important is to take calculated risks with thought and based on previous experience, so that any risk we take will more than likely lead to rewards. In 2020 I took the biggest risk of my life when I decided to move from NYC to LA. Having established myself already in New York with a job in fashion, friends, and family, I knew picking up and leaving would be a big risk, but one I knew I had to take. It was during a pandemic and things were uncertain for many people, but when my dream home became available I knew it was time for me to go. The move introduced me to a new career working as a stylist and with the wardrobe department in the entertainment industry. Taking the risk of moving to LA opened the door to watch my dreams become reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are all unique in our own ways, and I believe that part of the magic of life is becoming truer to yourself as you grow with each passing day. For me, the creative world is really where I shine and feel most myself. There are so many moments in my professional life that make me proud, but in the simplest form I am most proud when I see other people happy because they’re wearing something that helps them feel true to themselves (or their character). I am also very proud of the fact that I get to work on sets for major film studios, and with well-known designers, celebrities, and people whose ambition and careers I look up to. It’s a dream come true, but more so, it is invigorating to see how my work can influence someone else’s life in positive ways.

As I grew up, I always knew I wanted to work with clothing. I viewed clothing as an expression of self or character. Something that all of us utilize every day in many different ways. It just so happened that the first time I used a sewing machine was in the costume department, so it’s almost cosmic that today I am a part of the costume world on possibly the biggest stage of costume display, Hollywood. The journey to getting here has certainly not been an easy or straight road. But I always knew that this is where I was supposed to be, so no matter how thrown off I got, I always kept going. I will always keep going. There is still so much ahead!

The last project I worked on was for Apple TV+ highlighting inspiring women for Women’s Month. I hope their stories inspire young women everywhere. As well, as I write this today on 3/3/22, is it the release day for the TV Series I worked on for Hulu called The Dropout. These as well as many other projects I’ve worked are milestones that I am extremely proud of. I hope that I continue to grow as a designer and a creative and that the stories I get to work on will inspire people all over the globe to follow their dreams, to keep growing, and to know that there is a special place for them in this large and diverse world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
California is just so amazing because of the landscape. Living here you see mountains in the city. It’s really special to have access to the ocean, desert, and mountaintops all in one space. Plus, the sun is shining almost every day! It brings me so much joy and it’s a great quality of life here. When friends come to visit I would definitely take them on a hike. There is one spot in Malibu that I absolutely love. I also enjoy looking out at any overpass seeing the city sparkle with life. When it comes to eating and drinking the options are limitless! There’s a market in Hollywood that I adore called Sightglass. They have great lunch options. Trejos Donuts are also a must. Any donuts for that matter – after all, LA is known for their donuts! Sushi definitely Sugarfish. I recently went to Cento Pasta for “Galentines day” and it was incredible. Mizlala is a great Mediterranean spot too. The green tea boba tea at Urth cafe is one of my favorite treats. For drinks, there’s always something fun happening on Sunset Blvd. Really, there’s something for everyone here in LA, you just have to poke around!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course, I must shout out Maddie Rakosky for nominating me to be a part of this community. Her and I met in a nail salon of all places when we realized we both had just moved from NY to LA. Then when we made the connection that we both had a background in fashion, I knew we had to become friends, and we did! Watching her grow as a professional in the fashion industry has been incredibly inspiring and I am so grateful to have a like-minded inspiring friend like her. Beyond that, I must give immense gratitude to every single person who has been a part of my life up until this point. I would not be the woman I am today without the people in my life who have helped mold me as an individual. From supportive friends, to mentors, to family, I hold an immense amount of gratitude to everyone who has believed in me and supported me. There are honestly too many to document by name in one short blog post! I must add that I am also grateful to those who have doubted me, because it has given me the strength to keep going and keep becoming more and more my true self. Always hold on to the love you have in your heart for yourself, and surround yourself as much as possible with people who will uplift you and bring you joy along your journey.

Website: www.brittlevenson.com

Instagram: @britt.levenson