Meet SELENA XIN JIN | Costume Designer & Fashion Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with SELENA XIN JIN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SELENA XIN, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Moving to Los Angeles from London to pursue an MFA degree in costume design was a difficult decision. It meant leaving behind the connection in the UK and entering a new page in a different country. It challenged myself of stying in the comfort zone. Taught me to be brave when it comes to making difficult choices. Fortunately, it opened up opportunities for me to work with talented directors and producers in the thriving film industry of Los Angeles.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work as a costume designer is a vibrant blend of creativity, curiosity, and appreciation for the arts and human expression. As an introvert, I’ve always found it challenging to express myself using words, so drawing and painting became my way of communicating. This passion for visual expression naturally evolved into my career in costume design.
What sets my work apart is my deep sensitivity to texture and color palette, which I use to create visually striking and emotionally resonant designs. I believe that costume design is not just about creating beautiful clothes; it’s about telling a story and breathing life into characters. My designs convey messages and speak to the feelings and personalities of the people who wear them. This storytelling aspect is central to my design philosophy.
My professional journey has not been easy. Moving from China to Canada, then to the UK, and finally to the US , each transition required me to adapt to new cultures and environments, but these experiences also enriched my perspective and inspired my work. Studying at the University of the Arts London was a turning point. Initially, I aimed for a career in fashion design, but my interviewers saw the potential for something greater in my designs and guided me towards costume design. This path allowed me to explore the theatrical and cinematic applications of my creativity.
Woking in the field and hands-on experiences were crucial in shaping my career. Working on various projects during my university years, such as creating costumes for dancers at the British Royal Ballet School and making period costumes at Prangsta Costumiers, provided me with a diverse skill set and practical knowledge. Directing my own fantasy film, “The Lady of the House of Love,” was another milestone. This film won over 20 awards and confirmed my passion for costume design in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.
The best part of being a costume designer is the opportunity to immerse myself in different worlds through research and storytelling. Each project is a new adventure, and I learn so much from each experience. The most challenging aspect is the need to adapt to different teams, genres, and locations, but this also keeps the work dynamic and exciting.
My personal style as a costume designer is characterized by a strong commitment to storytelling, using texture and color to differentiate characters and create a powerful first impression. I also prioritize the comfort and confidence of actors, ensuring they feel connected to their characters through their costumes.
Costume design, to me, is also a form of psychology. It’s about understanding characters deeply and reflecting their personalities and journeys through their garments. Every design choice is an opportunity to evoke emotion and enhance the storytelling experience.
In conclusion, my journey as a costume designer has been a continuous exploration of creativity and expression. It’s about transporting audiences to new worlds and igniting their imaginations through the magic of storytelling. I hope my work continues to inspire and resonate with people, and I am excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

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?
Silver lake has been my favorite spot lately! They have a nice dog park where I bring my puppy for a playtime almost every week. I am a 100% dog lover.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to the incredible directors who have trusted me with their vision and allowed me to bring characters to life through costume design. Your faith in my creativity and craftsmanship has been invaluable.

A huge thank you to the producers who keep bringing me on to different projects, providing the opportunities to work on amazing projects, and supporting my artistic journey. Your continuous support and belief in my abilities have made all the difference.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the entire team – from my assistant designer to seamstresses, and everyone involved in the process – your hard work and dedication make every project a success.

Website: https://selenaxinjin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selena_xin.jin/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybi06UMzjqM