Former Board Member: Bianca Hernandez

Why costuming? What brought you here?

I blame the costume dramas and pop culture of the 00s. From “Lord of the Rings,” to “Star Wars,” to “Moulin Rouge!” and “Pirates of the Caribbean (POTC): The Curse of the Black Pearl,” I was so obsessed with the costuming and details. I’d spend most of my internet browsing time going to sites like the Costumer’s Guide to Movie Costumes (http://www.costumersguide.com/) and forums reading up on how folks wear researching how to make their own copy of these gorgeous garments seen on screen. It wasn’t until I was in college and had more freedom and ability to go to cons, faires and balls that I could really start making my own outfits. Most of my early stuff is Frankensteining existing pieces with anything I could to resemble a costume. I also found community, which honestly is one of the main things that pushed me from just a casual cosplayer to fully sewing my own pieces. Having local support and enthusiasm, along with folks driven to make spaces safe for folks, was a major force in getting me invested in this space and the craft.

What’s your costuming focus?

Cosplay and Regency. I love recreating costumes from films and won’t say no to a good mashup.

Do you do anything else crafty or artistic?

Last year I took up lacemaking. I’ve done a bunch of bobbin lace and needlelace and have a tatting shuttle I hope to actually use one day. I’m always looking for my next crafty project to get me excited about a niche hobby.

What’s your day job?

Marketing for an indie book publisher.

What was the first costume you made? Is there a picture?

I don’t have a picture of it, but in high school I attempted to make one costume, the purple dress from “POTC.” I used modern patterns that I thought were close enough, but my sewing skills were not good, and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or how to fix my mistakes. When you’re first starting out, it can all be so frustrating that you just give up. Weirdly enough, I kept that one bag of purple material and pieces despite tossing most of the things from my childhood. In 2020 I finally pulled it out and revamped it to be as close as I could get to the movie version. I don’t think it turned out too bad!

What’s on the sewing table now?

Lots of things, as always. I think first up will be my rejected Her Universe Fashion Show design for a “Dracula (1992)”-inspired outfit.

What was your first/most memorable costuming disaster/learning moment?

I feel like a major learning moment was really realizing that materials are everywhere. Once my brain realized that bedsheets and curtains and anything at a thrift store are just materials that can be remade, it all kind of clicked for me. Being able to buy a pile of thrifted sheets to make muslins was so much more affordable than having to buy muslin off the bolt. The same goes for brocades and silks and more. I think there was just something magical about that shift that really changed how I approached finding closures and cloth.

Costume you’re most proud of?

Sabriel meant a lot to me because her character in Garth Nix’s books came to me at a very crucial time in my teenage years. I have an upgraded version now, and plan to make a fully embroidered tunic one day, but it’s still my favorite costume no matter the state of it.

What’s your holy grail costuming project? The one you dream of doing?

Satine’s red dress from Moulin Rouge! I actually made it last year. It’s been my dream dress and I was so incredibly pleased with how it turned out.

Tell us one (or two or three) things about you that others might not know.

I’m in my mid-30s and started taking fashion classes at San Francisco’s City College (did you know it’s free for residents of San Francisco?) during the pandemic. It was so empowering and I earned the Presidential Scholarship to Academy of Art University where I’m now working toward a Master’s in Costume Design. It’s never too late to follow your passion. If you’ve been meaning to take that one class or workshop, or dive into something new and scary, take the chance and do it.