Meet Katie Mamie | Costume Designer & Stylist

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

Hi Katie, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk taking has absolutely played an integral part in my life and in my career as a Costume Designer. It’s funny because I wouldn’t consider myself to be a risky person, but looking back I can see how many risks I’ve actually taken, and how they’ve gotten me to where I am today. I feel that every new project and opportunity I take on is essentially taking a risk. In this industry, as much as you think you do, you never really know what you’re getting in to, and if you can pull it off. It’s such a fast paced and fluid moving machine that you have to learn to be flexible, think creatively, and be innovative at a moments notice. You’re really taking risks from beginning to end. It’s important to me that I surround myself with an amazing and supportive team and to trust myself and the style choices that I’m making along the way. Looking back and seeing the visual story come to life and what you’ve accomplished through all the chaos, that’s such a high.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have this unwavering passion and fascination for the subconscious mind. Psychology and archetypes, mythology, and astrological charts. How we operate and why we do. Why were compelled in certain directions and drawn to certain things as opposed to another. I nerd out on all of that, which definitely helps me craft certain styles and looks for characters. Humans are incredibly layered and complex, and when you’re creating a visual style or look, it’s giving all of that information out without a single word. It’s incredible. That’s my favorite part. I’ll be reading a script and then start seeing colors, patterns, textures, and associations, appear in my mind. Mental sketching. Then once you start getting the looks on the actors you can really start to see the characters come to life. Everything is lit up. Honestly it’s what I crave most about each project and it really creates the drive to keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place is my bed, so when I leave the house it’s usually for good food. I’d take them to Howlin’ Rays because it’s my favorite hot chicken place and I can’t shut up about it. I also love taking advantage of our weather and so probably take a day trip to Ojai. It has such a magical energy to it, i’m a little obsessed. I also love botanical gardens and have been wanting to go to Lotusland for awhile now. Art shows and museums are always go to’s as well. And anywhere with good coffee pastries and matcha.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people in my life and that I’ve met along the way that I could give a shout-out to for where I am today in my life and in my career that it’s impossible to name them all. My friends and loved ones most importantly for their emotional support, Walter Cholmondeley my right hand man and for many talks off the ledge, director Tim Cruz, a brilliant collaborator and absolute joy to work with, and Ashla Soter for her unwavering faith in me and countless opportunities.

Website: www.katiemamie.com

Instagram: @katiemamie