Behind The Scenes With a Set Costumer

There are so many talented people that contribute behind the scenes on production sets; the make-up artist, the wardrobe department, the producers, the videographers, and the list goes on. Meet Karen Macias Lopez, a costume and wardrobe professional in the TV, Film, and Editorial industry. She has worked for companies such as 20th Century Fox, Netflix, and Elle. We sat down with Karen as she gave us a peek behind the curtain.

How and when did you decide you wanted to work in the wardrobe department?

Karen: My first approach in a costume department was with the film "The Greatest Showman". That was the job that helped me to understand how a department runs and the activities for each position. It was an experience that set me up to pursue a career in the film/tv industry. Being part of creating unique costumes and seeing them later on the big screen was, for me, a mind blowing moment!

what does your day look like on set?

Karen: A day on set usually goes like this.... I arrive at the wardrobe truck (a huge truck where the department holds any costumes that will be used on a daily basis, as well as supplies we need on set) And while I have my coffee or breakfast I like to read details of what we will be shooting that day, is a good way to refresh my mind and set up myself for what's coming. After that and once all the departments are ready, we start shooting each scene. This is actually my favorite part of the day and when the fun happens! During this time, I make sure the talent looks great on camera. It gets exciting when there's any special effect involved like fake blood or dust. Between shots, I adjust any detail on their costumes if needed and take photos of it, that eventually will work as reference for the department. Sometimes a wardrobe change is needed so I also make sure the talent will wear the right change for the scene we will shoot next!

What was your favorite set that you got to take part in?

Karen:Definitely a Netflix show I shot in 2019 called: "Unstoppable". We shot in Mexico for around 4 months. It was my first time working in my country. This job took me back to my mexican roots and also taught me how production gets done there. Plus, I get to spend time in beautiful locations such as beaches and little towns and meet amazing people in the industry that became really close friends!!

Courtesy of Karen Macias Lopez on the set of “Unstoppable” by Netflix

What is the most challenging part about being on set?

Karen: The crazy schedule! As some of you might know, a movie or a tv show never gets shot in the chronology you watch it on your screen. One day we can be shooting overnight scenes in a cemetery for a horror film and the next day we can be in the middle of Central Park shooting a city scene. The hours are demanding for sure, but seeing the final work on a screen makes everything worth it.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened on set?

Karen: Oh I have sooooo many stories haha, but the craziest one was while I was shooting in a virgin beach in Mexico (literally in the middle of nowhere!) And as soon as the night hit, mosquitos came out and legit took over the set, lights and location !! It felt like a plague came after us !!! The actors were trapped inside the trailer where the scene was being shot, no cellphone service as well as lights because this will attract more mosquitos !! Very WILD !! We ended up moving the whole set to another location that night and get the scene done! Now I laugh about it but going back to that night, I was pretty freaked out!

Describe your style in 3 words.

Karen: Colorful, practical with an edgy touch. I dress based on how my day looks like. If I'll be on set all day I go for an edgy black look that can be comfy and practical (jeans and a great sweatshirt), but if I have a brunch date, I'll go for a colorful, more trendy vibe!

Who is your style icon?

Karen: This is a hard one for me. I have my timeless icons such as: Elton John and Audrey Hepburn, but I also LOVE fresh personalities like Lucy Hale and Harry Styles.

What season is your favorite to style for and why?

Karen: Definitely spring/summer. Coming from a warm weather country like Mexico, I always love the relaxed vibe and aesthetic you can create with Spring/Summer pieces. I also love 60's and 80's decades and always try to incorporate some inspo based on these years!

Who is your favorite designer and why?

Karen: Kris Goyri, Armando Takeda and Jacquemus. Because of the way they set down their style into a modern silhouette.

Where do you go to find inspiration?

Karen: Mexico is my GO-TO!!!. As a mexican, I always try to incorporate my culture into my work. My country is so rich in everything: food, people, colors, places; that is a perfect inspiration for anything I'm creating!! Also NYC as itself. There's magic in the big apple and the people who live here, that always grounds my inspiration.

What do you consider the most fashionable neighborhood in New York? What kinds of looks do you expect to see?

Karen: I personally prefer Brooklyn: -Dumbo, Bushwick, Williamsburg- when it comes to real new yorker style. I LOVE seeing how people put together an outfit that can be "vintage or thrift" while mixing it with high-end brands/designers.

What is your favorite thing in your closet?

Karen: Any vintage and second hand piece. I'm obsessed with finding a treasure in a thrift/vintage store. I will say that 60-70% of my closet is vintage or second hand which I LOVE because you help the planet and own a unique piece that will be hard to see in someone else. It's always a win-win. My favorite pieces are definitely the ones that come from my mom's closet. Timeless in all ways.

In your opinion, what will be 3 important trends for the Spring/Summer?

Karen: Funky pants, big sunnies and anything that comes from the 60's!

What is your go-to styling tip?

Karen: Dress in your own skin, meaning don't wear anything that doesn't feel YOU. That's the best way to discover and work on your style.

If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be?

Karen: Lucy Hale and Harry Styles.

BTS with Set Costumer Karen Macias Lopez