Heidi Riss: Crafting Characters Through Costume
In the world of theatre and film, the costume designer is the silent storyteller, turning fabric into identity and giving characters their visual voice. For South African costume genius Heidi Riss, this is more than a profession, it’s a lifelong passion.
From Roman emperors to cave dwellers, Riss has created wardrobes that make audiences believe in the worlds they see on stage and screen. “If the clothes aren’t right, it’s not believable,” she explains. “The job of a costume designer is to help the audience believe in the magic of storytelling.”
From Theatre Roots to Global Screens
Riss’ journey began in theatre, shortly after studying at Curzon fashion school. A chance encounter with a renowned State Theatre director fast-tracked her career. “He told me to wait and find a gap, to stay in touch. When I did, he eventually called me in,” she recalls.
Her early theatre work included productions with South African legends like Sandra Prinsloo and Marius Weyers, spanning opera, drama, and everything in between. “We started with nothing, just fabric. Often in less than a month, we had a full production on stage. The pressure fueled creativity,” she said.
A European backpacking adventure followed, but upon returning to South Africa, Riss explored new territory: commercials. Tight deadlines and high expectations honed her skills. “You have 10 to 12 days to deliver a campaign. It taught me to stay on my toes,” she says.
Creating Magic, One Stitch at a Time
Riss is not one to shop off the rack. If a costume doesn’t exist, she makes it herself. She recalls a commercial where authentic leather outfits were required: she went to a tannery, sourced the materials, and handcrafted every piece. “The result was perfect,” she says, with a characteristic twinkle in her eye.
Her expertise then expanded to long-form projects, movies and television, where she could delve deeper into character development. Highlights include 10,000 BC and Madiba, starring Laurence Fishburne. “Every job has special moments, but I value collaboration most. Working closely with directors, actors, and crew is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Riss emphasizes the unique challenges of costume design with actors. Experienced performers often have less ego, she notes, while younger actors can be more demanding. Yet, navigating personalities is part of the process, and the reward is seeing characters truly come alive.
Beyond the Stage and Screen
Even outside her professional projects, creativity is a constant in Riss’ life. At her Kempton Park home and studio—a space that feels like an art gallery, she crafts garments for clients, ranging from bespoke ball gowns to unique personal commissions.
She values balance, too. “It’s important to have time for yourself. When I’m not working, I like making cushions or doing other creative projects at home,” she says.
A Legacy in Fabric
For Heidi Riss, costume design is more than sewing and styling, it’s a vital part of storytelling. Her work shapes not only the look of a character but the way audiences connect with them. From theatre stages in South Africa to international film sets, Riss continues to prove that behind every unforgettable character is a visionary designer whose art is woven into every stitch.
{Source: The Citizen}
Featured Image: The Citizen
