Episode 44- Whitney Anne Adams: From Pre-Med To Theater; From Costume Design Assistant To Costume Department Head

Whitney Anne Adams is a Costume Designer who has designed and worked on many internationally acclaimed films, like her newest film The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat (coming out on Hulu on August 23rd). The films she has worked on have been featured at the Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, Toronto and Tribeca Film Festivals.

Raised in Northern California, Whitney studied under Tony Award-winning costume designer Judith Dolan at UC San Diego. After completing her degree, she moved to New York City, working as a first hand and tailor at Carelli Costumes where she constructed couture garments for Broadway, film, TV, concerts and private clients. She also built Beyonce's costumes for her 2009 "I Am" tour, working as Liza Minelli's personal seamstress on various outfits, getting the chance to hone her fine embroidery and beading skills.  

Whitney also worked under 4-time Oscar winning costume designer Catherine Martin, as design assistant on The Great Gatsby. It there where she learned that costume design was her passion. She worked for Martin and her husband film director Baz Luhrmann, for several years on various projects like the Chanel No. 5 campaign with Gisele Bündchen, Strictly Ballroom the Musical, and various Met Galas). From there she went started her own business.

Whitney and her costume design team on set of The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat | Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures | Photo Credit: Whitney Anne Adams

Actors Sanaa Lathan, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Uzo Aduba in The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat | Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures

The costumes for The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

Photo Credit: Whitney Anne Adams

In this interview we talk about her journey in costume design, her advice for those wanting to enter this line of work, and why she loves films.