In 2017 Erin had the great honour of being awarded The Stuart and Norma Leslie Churchill Fellowship to expedite costume design practices in the Australian screen industry. The opportunity to travel, experience new places and professional practices was not only of great personal benefit but also acknowledged the importance and artistic contribution of costume design in Australian screen culture.
Churchill Fellowship
Erin’s main aim was to accelerate and strengthen costume design practices in the Australian screen industry by shadowing other costume designers in the international screen community.
She shadowed 4 costume designers and their teams including; Julie Carnahan in Vancouver on the second series of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Jane Petrie and Emily Newby in London on second series of The Crown, Ray Holman in London on the new series The Split and Steven Noble in London on the feature film Little Stranger.
Erin also visited industry facilities such as rental houses in Los Angeles, Western Costume and Angels, Movie Tone and Carlo Manzi’s costumes in London. Observed Drake Stutesman’s teaching methods in film costume design at New York University. Attended costume, dress and fashion archives, galleries and exhibitions in Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris. Erin attended lectures at London craft week about costume design, designers and couture. In addition to these activities Erin also had some private tuition at The London College of Fashion to improve her illustration skills and to be introduced to technology assisting design rendering.
Erin would like to thank the costume designers, costume practitioners and everyone she met on her travels. Even small encounters will remain significant. Finally Erin would like to acknowledge the Churchill Trust and the Board for her selection and give special mention to Norma Leslie whose support for the arts, interest and excitement in her fellowship program was an immense support. Without The Stuart and Norma Leslie Fellowship for excellence in the arts, this trip would not have been possible, it has been a life changing opportunity for Erin.
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellows/detail/4163/Erin+Roche