Designing for the Stage: Cinzia Fossati on Theatre, Costumes & Creativity
In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cinzia Fossati, a talented scenographer and costume designer. Cinzia originally studied architecture, but her lifelong love for theatre, nurtured from childhood by her father who encouraged her and her siblings to stage family holiday plays, eventually led her down a more creative path.
Her background in architecture gave her a strong foundation in spatial awareness, structure, and visual composition, skills she now brings to life on stage through her set designs. It was during this journey that she serendipitously discovered costume design, which soon became her true passion.
Cinzia shares the intricate process that happens behind the scenes when designing costumes for theatre productions. She walks us through the various steps involved, from conceptual development to final fittings, and explains how the scale and scope of a production, whether a large, well-funded theatre or a more intimate setting, can significantly influence her work.
A key part of her role, Cinzia explains, is collaborating closely with the director to bring their vision to life while also ensuring that the costumes support, rather than hinder, the actors' performances. Her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach allows her to craft costumes that enhance both character and story.
I was deeply impressed by Cinzia’s creativity, professionalism, and her sheer enthusiasm for the work she does. She is a true creative spirit, and as she spoke about her hopes and dreams for the future, including an exciting project in virtual reality, I have no doubt she will continue to thrive and innovate in new and meaningful ways.
https://cinziafossati.com/home/