IdStyle File – Joanna Syrokomla

September 30, 2009

: Joanna Syrokomla @ the Toronto International Film Festival 09

Occupation?
Costume Designer for ‘Indie’ Canadian Film and Television

Current Project?
Just finished shooting a feel-good Hallmark Channel TV movie called Family Gathering starring Natasha Henstridge and Harry Hamlin.

What’s Next?
Showcase TV comedy series Pure Pwnage based on the popular web series of the same name about a pro gamer and his skewed version of reality.

Extra Credit?
Secretary of CAFTCAD (Canadian Alliance for Film and Television Costume Arts and Design), an organization to promote Canadian Costume Design.

Idiosyncratic Style?
Colour, Costume and Comfort. Days on set can be pretty long, so for me it’s all about wearing clothes that feel like pjs or nightgowns! Being around and shopping for great clothes and accessories inspires me to add, remove and change pieces (hats, scarves, necklaces, etc) in my own ensemble all day long. I do get some pretty funny looks sometimes, but I forget that the ‘perfect’ outfit in front of the mirror is often ‘too much’ for ‘civilians’. I don’t mind looking a little ‘costumey’ because it makes me smile and ultimately I like to put together outfits (for myself) that make me laugh at loud.

: The Idiosyncratic Style of Joanna Syrokomla

Your Worst Fashion Crime?
Combat boots, cut off jean shorts, oversized tuxedo shirt and blonde spiky hair.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Probably Julia Roberts cause of her great hair, huge smile and box office draw.

Old Faithful?
Brown Merrell leather boots I had to order through a friend in the U.S. because they wouldn’t sell them in Canada.

Signature Piece?
My vintage button bracelets and flat shoes.

: Jo.Sy Vintage Button Cuffs

My vintage button cuffs will be on sale at the CAFTCAD Fall Movie Wardrobe Sale. (see CAFTCAD for more details).

Favorite Clothing Era?
Women 1920’s. The slinky beading weighing down silk chiffon with manly accents and sharp bobs with sassy red lips.
Men 1960’s. The sharkskin dual depthed fabrics, skinny shiny coloured ties, thin lapels and sharp shoes. A man looked classy in that time.

Best Book?
The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Though they market it as such, it is not a children’s book. It is moody, romantic and gleeful. Also, my mother chose to come to Canada because of the incredible description of Muskoka (and the fact the leading character in the Polish version was also named Joanna). I can’t wait to outfit it one day!

Your Theme Song?
The soundtrack to ‘Amelie’. The depth of the accordion and fun French flavour makes me feel so perfectly myself it’s ridiculous.

See some of Joanna’s work in her Costume Design Reel online.