Exclusive interview with costume designer Eulyn Colette Hufkie
It’s almost Halloween, so what better time to catch up with celebrated costume designer, Eulyn Colette Hufkie!
Eulyn was the costume designer on The Walking Dead seasons 2 through 6. She has always been a favorite with fans, especially cosplayers.
While we will miss her presence on The Walking Dead, she has left an indelible mark on the series.
As of late, she has been extremely busy working on multiple new projects, one of them having its very own connection to The Walking Dead. And she even makes time to help friends with their Halloween costumes. Talk about expert help!!
Read on to get the full scoop in my exclusive interview with Eulyn Colette Hufkie.
Congratulations on being invited to display your work at the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) Museum. What can you tell us about the collection?
"“As you know, our characters wear their clothing for a long time on the show. I was asked to present pieces from season 6. I wasn’t able to pull much away from the production of season 7. So I had to choose wisely. I chose three pieces that I thought would make an impact.Daryl, a female walker (who bit Deanna) and a suited male walker (a classic).I was so pleased with the display. Those wings are iconic.”Eulyn Colette Hufkie with some of her iconic designs for The Walking Deadused with permission from Eulyn Colette Hufkie"
What were some of the other TV shows being represented in the exhibit?
"“Gosh! So many of my FAVOURITES! Game of Thrones. American Horror Story. Outlander … to name a few. Only my costumes had blood though! Ha!”"
How did it feel recreating the costumes?
"“Like I was saying goodbye … Swan song. Closure.Reminding me of the time when I worked on a little show where they had zombies.”"
You have become an iconic ambassador of cosplay throughout your work on The Walking Dead. How does it feel to be so revered by the fans?
"“I love #eulynsarmy … So cool. I hope they’ll follow my journey. I’ve created a few pieces on my new TV show.”"
Who came up with the name “Eulyn’s Army”?
"“I’m not sure, I think ‘Hacksaw Jack’.”"
Fans will miss you on The Walking Dead but are excited to follow your new projects as well! What can you tell us about designing for the film Forever My Girl? Did you create a wedding dress for the movie? What were some of your inspirations?
"“Forever My Girl was such a sweet film. I sat down to a meeting with the director, Bethany Ashton Wolf and she described a dress that she wanted for a beautiful sunset scene in the film.I went home, drew it and started making it. My team and I took turns beading the dress. I sat and beaded for hours. I’m so happy with how everything turned out.I’m still using my ageing and dying techniques and you’ll see with a few pieces that I’ve distressed t-shirts for our lead male characters and created a colour palette for each character.”Eulyn Colette Hufkie beading a dress for the film Forever My Girl, used with permission from Eulyn Colette Hufkie"
Fans are also excited to see your designs for 24: Legacy. What have you enjoyed most about working on that series? What different kinds of costumes are involved — combat wear, sleek suits, high fashion?
"“Yes! So many different groups. It’s important that each group look different from the other so that the audience can identify them. The story is good and it is so fun to reconnect with Corey Hawkins on this one. He is such a great actor and lovely person.”"
Are there other projects you would like to share with fans?
"“Halloween is always a busy time for me. I already helped a few friends with their costumes and had so much fun doing it.”"
Do you have any funny stories to share about your costume design on The Walking Dead that you are able to share? Any mishaps or quick emergency fixes?
"“I cut my thumbnail off once … wait! That’s not funny!”"
How did it feel to suddenly have to design for clean Alexandrians in addition to dirty survivors on The Walking Dead? Did it feel odd, exciting, or both?
"“Both! But mostly odd!”"
As a costume designer, do you typically have to give actors reminders and instructions about wardrobe? If so, what might some be?
"“Don’t sleep in your clothing please. Don’t sit on the floor, though on The Walking Dead those things didn’t matter.”"
What is a good starting point for new designers hoping to work in film and television?
"“Start as a PA and learn everything. Not only in costumes, but in every department.”"
Your own fashion choices are always amazing from your casual choices to elegant attire. How would you describe your personal style?
"“Thank you! I love clothing and playing with ideas and accessories. I don’t play it safe.”"
Your sweet dog Pablo has a following of his own! I know his collar is quite fashionable. Does he have any plans to dress up for Halloween?
"“He doesn’t like wearing clothing anymore, so probably just a sparkly bow tie.”"
Remember that you heard it here first, folks – Pablo will be donning a bow tie for Halloween!
Speaking of Halloween, check out these costumes Eulyn designed for friends who attended a Surrealist Party. Her talents seem to know no bounds!
It was such an honor to have the opportunity to interview Eulyn. She is most certainly a very busy lady, but she gladly took the time to share with our readers.
And that’s just one of the many things about her that make her so beloved by her fans. Her passion for her work, her quirky sense of humor, and her approachability all contribute to her being a true delight!
Next: The Walking Dead: Exclusive interview with Xander Berkeley
Eulyn Colette Hufkie is an inspiration. I cannot wait to see her fingerprint on 24: Legacy, Forever My Girl, and many more projects to come!
Please join me in the comments section to thank Eulyn for giving us such iconic designs on The Walking Dead and to wish her well in all of her new projects.