Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Cruz.
Chanel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Washington D.C. and have been involved within the art & fashion community since grade school. My introduction to art came from my father, who is an artist. I grew up going to the Smithsonian and numerous national landmarks as a child. My father taught me how to draw at the age of five and from there, I never stopped creating. I realized my interest in fashion when I walked through Hecht’s Department Store downtown (which is now known as Macy’s), envisioning how a garment would look better without the pearl embellishments, fabric choice, or silhouette. From there, I dedicated a lot of my free time even in grade school learning how to sew, taking weekend courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, and attending seminars hosted by Teen Vogue.
Through all of this, I still focused on my art education and contribution to the community by interning at the Smithsonian African Art Museum, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery of Art, and Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. As you can see, I enjoy being productive. Somewhere in between all the fashion and art, I developed a love for films admiring West Side Story, Shirley Temple, The Wiz, and Mahogany. By the time I graduated High School, I moved to Baltimore City to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art, where I studied Fibers and Film. From there, I focused on performance art, costume design and filmmaking, which was extremely tough but I loved it! By the time I graduated college with a Bachelors of Fine Art, I did costume design for a Billie Holiday Documentary, costume design for a theatre, and was the youngest Director of MICA’s Annual Benefit Fashion Show. Post-graduation I worked at a local boutique as a Merchant and Operations Manager to learn how to be a buyer within a small business. Afterwards, I needed a serious change in my environment, so I moved to Atlanta to pursue costume design within the film industry. I’ve dedicated the majority of my time connecting within the fashion community, assistant wardrobe styling, sewing, and creating collage art in Midtown, where I reside.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My pursuit of costume design within the film community has absolutely been tough. The industry is very closed off so it’s tough convincing Costume Supervisors to bring me on board because they do not want a newcomer who could severely screw up. However, I am very determined to accomplish my career goals. I constantly have to tell myself that the journey to success is never easy and to not lose focus or become discouraged. At this point, I’m ready to reach out to my idols Ruth Carter, Ceci, and Shiona Turini to help a sista out with some tips.
During this journey within costume design and wardrobe styling in Atlanta, I had to realize that only I can make opportunities happen for myself. I literally would slide in costume designer and direct stylist messages, begging them to let me help them. This process has totally built my confidence to put myself out there. One day I reached out to a local wardrobe stylist and costume designer Abs Petit by sliding in her IG DMs. She saw the ambition in me and that led to Abs bringing me on three different styling projects to assist her with. I will forever appreciate her for allowing me to not only assist her but to learn from her craft as a stylist with over ten years of experience in the industry.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, I would freelance as a wardrobe stylist and seamstress while keeping my own personal design practice in my home. Through my Instagram account, I have become known for my collage art that combines fashion and nature. To me, it’s important to share the visions of my own world and I’ve been receiving a few commission requests from there. Aside from my work, I am known to dress city meets edgy. I don’t believe in trends so I love putting unpredictable pieces together to create a look. I dress up to feel good about myself, so do not be surprised if you see me at Kroger with a whole ensemble.
I am most proud of myself for not conforming to my daily work life and not placing my dreams to the side. A few years ago, I worked a full-time job I absolutely hated. I had a great income but I was not happy neglecting my passion. Since then, I made a promise to always focus on what matters most to me because that’s the priority and my career goals are the end goal. A lot of times, people are afraid to put themselves out there or dedicate their time to their craft. I have been truly blessed to have a great support system around me to focus on what is important to me and for me.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Well, lately, I’ve been really passionate about repurposing used clothing. I would say I am mostly inspired by the recycling textile process of designers such as Sacai and Greg Lauren. For my personal work, I guess you can describe it as a more feminine and delicate blend of repurposing used clothes as I believe Sacai and Greg Lauren’s garments are more heavy-duty and masculine.
Some of the garments I am creating are wearable; however, I am veering more towards showing the garments as an art installation series, tapping back into my fine art roots and textile knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chanelccruz.com/
- Phone: 678-322-8418
- Email: cruzchanel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askgodforchanel/
Image Credit:
Currie Lee & Raheel Bear
Collage Art & Styling by Chanel Cruz
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