RAIYONDA VEREEN Interviewed by: Angela Brickley
What is one of your favorite things about being a lead costume designer for the Tyler Perry Studios (TPS)? In my role I have the freedom and autonomy to express myself creatively. The producers of each show that I've worked with has granted me the ability to think outside the box and in some cases, build from scratch. In my experience at other studios the producers were heavily involved in deciding the costumes choices for each character and that would sometimes result in a different vision and creative direction. As the lead costume designer at TPS I don't have to worry about that.
TYLER PERRY STUDIOS
COSTUME DESIGNER
Issue 15 | 48
Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? As a child, I admired my mother's style, charisma and talent. Her style was impeccable and she would wear off the rack shirts and add a tie with a brioche in the middle and make it look couture. She had an eye to make her style different and captivating. She was my inspiration and still is. I also draw inspiration from my alma mater, Howard University, which of all the HBCUs was (and in some cases still is) considered the mecca of fashion. Howard exposed me to styles from different cultures and regions of the world. I used to be a teen model and did not like doing runway shows but found comfort in working behind the scenes. At Howard, I started participating in fashion shows and fell in-love with the adrenaline rush I would get from helping produce the shows. I graduated from Howard University with such an amazing experience that I had tunnel vision with no option but to chase my dream which was to build a career in the fashion and entertainment industry. And now, here I am.
