COACD: Confessions Of an Angry Costume Designer

Remember the short film I was making? About three women: a mother, a workaholic and a hippy. Tomorrow's the shooting... And I'm angry. Why? Because nobody listens to me and my wardrobe choices. Ok, they want a tacky mother instead of the elegant and classy I had designed? Fine, let the actress dress in her own clothes. Can you believe that the actresses don't listen to the Costume Designer (that's me)?!?? That's because they don't give a f*** about the clothes. You know, I'm the only one who's worried about what the characters will wear, they think the costumes aren't important for the film, and I can't discuss it because they won't change their mind. The actresses want to decide all the clothes they'll be wearing in the short film, can you believe it? Since when has the actress decided what she'll be wearing? Can you imagine Kirsten Dunst telling Milena Canonero "Milena... mmh... I prefer my hair straight, I don't like those wigs" Of course you cannot, it is not normal.

Most popular complaints from the actresses I've heard today:
- "But it is summer! I don't want a long-sleeved shirt!" - Fine, can you find an elegant sleeveless shirt? I don't.
- "Soft colors don't look good on me"
- "I think the mother [classy and elegant, remember] could wear these golden earrings" -The earrings were horrible and totally tacky.
- "A vest? No, no"

I just want them to be like Andy in the wardrobe scene from Devil wears Prada, when Nigel says "You'll wear what I tell you and you'll like it"

I have in mind a perfect outfit for the workaholic, very Diane Keaton-ish. Soft silk trousers, a pale blue three-quarters shirt and a striped brown vest. But she doesn't want the vest. It adds the perfect touch!

I really don't know what to do. What do you think I should tell them so they'll listen to me? They just treat me like I was invisible.