Meet Samanfah Wilson | Fantasy Costume Designer

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

Hi Samanfah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my business was a natural progression rather than a planned venture, it happened quite organically for me.

It all started as I was working as a stage-dancing unicorn in London and professional mythical creature for hire. I loved making my own costume pieces and decided to see what would happen if I listed them on Etsy as a bit of a side project. I was so excited the day I sold my first creation, and kept reinvesting whatever I made into new materials and experimenting with different ideas. Eventually, I had saved enough to create my first small range of clothing- including our sequin overalls which we still make to this day!

I was doing all this alongside working as a performer, children’s party princess and costume assistant for film. I kept telling myself, whatever took off first is the path I would follow- whether that be heading into the world of film, or starting my own label. One day I got a wholesale order for my designs and that was the moment I realized that was the path I wanted to go down!

My thought process had always been to follow the energy of what feels like it’s growing and see where it takes me. There was never a grand business plan in the beginning—I was simply creating things for myself, things I wanted to see in the world but couldn’t find anywhere else. Over time, that passion evolved into an entire brand built around the fairytales and fantasy worlds in my head.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about creating a world where fantasy meets fashion—where people can express themselves unapologetically through bold, eccentric, colorful clothing that makes dressing fun and transformative.

I design handcrafted intricate, small-batch sparkly costumes and accessories that are inspired by fantasy and magic: bringing color, texture, and sparkle to festivals, stages, and everyday life!

I believe what sets my work apart is the level of hand beaded detail, the unique mix of materials, and the storytelling behind each piece. In a world full of fast fashion, I believe there is something special about making a work of wearable art that takes weeks or sometimes months to create! We don’t just make clothing; we create pieces of wearable art that helps people step into a fairytale and sprinkle magic into their lives. I’m so proud of the incredible community that has formed around the brand. Seeing people light up when they wear our designs, feeling like the best version of themselves—that’s what fuels us to create the next piece of work.

I truly believe that what you wear can change your life. When you put on something sparkly and step onto the tube or into the grocery store, you invite a different kind of energy into your day. Someone might start a conversation with you who wouldn’t have otherwise. You might make a new friend, brighten a stranger’s day, or spark a moment of unexpected joy. Each of these moments creates a ripple effect—small, magical shifts that make the world a little more connected and vibrant.

The journey to getting here has had its ups and downs. Running a small business means wearing so many hats and working around the clock, so you have to be truly passionate about what you do to sustain it. It’s a constant balance—learning to take time for yourself so you don’t burn out, asking for help when you need it, and accepting that the rollercoaster never really stops. Some days, I feel incredibly energized and inspired; other days, I catch myself wondering what I’m doing and when it gets easier! But at the end of the day, when you’re connected to your passion, everything feels aligned in a magical way—and that makes it all worth it.

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 think there are so many people who have been so integral to getting me where I am today. A million names come to mind, but first and foremost, I have to shout out every single person who has ever bought, shared, or supported one of my creations. Without them, this business—bringing weird and wonderful costumes to life—simply wouldn’t exist. These same people align with our ethos of spreading magic, sparkle, and color into a world that could always use more of it, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
On a more personal side, the support of my family, husband and friends has been monumental in inspiring me to keep going even when things feel overwhelming and I am feeling lost in a pile of sparkles!

Website: https://www.jackalopeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackalopeland/?hl=en

Image Credits
1. @zararama photographed by cocoapix photo
2 and 3. Tatiana panakal photographed by Faruq Adib
4. Chappell Roan Photographed by Luxienne
5. Jia Lissa and Katya Clover photographed by Faruq Adib
6. Kyrstin nicole photographed by Marina Fini
7. Corey Potter photographed by Marina Fini
8. Paris Hilton Social Media
9. Paris Hilton