Local artist profile: Kristine Von Hilderbrandt

This week we chat with costume designer Kristine Von Hilderbrandt, who believes costume can be used as a mask or a statement for a character, whether they be on stage or walking down the street in real life.

What motivated you to pursue costume design?

Originally I was working as a band manager in Brisbane.

I loved seeing musicians create their own stage personas through their costumes.

Once I left the music industry I eventually started to study fashion at both TAFE and University.

I volunteered at Brisbane Arts Theatre and my life was never the same again!

What I adore about costume design is character development.

Costume can be used as a mask or a statement for a character, whether they be on stage or walking down the street in real life.

You can say a thousand words without speaking.

It’s empowering to the individual.

How would you describe your style?

My design style is historically influenced, yet fluid and aesthetically striking.

I like trialling different styles in my own personal wardrobe and reflect on how the world interacts with it.

Making costumes for film is quite different to constructing costumes for theatre.

Theatre costuming involves quick changes most of the time and sometimes the costume is never seen at (a) 360 degree view.

Film costuming can be multi-layered, more embellished, and needs to be versatile.

Did you complete any courses as part of your pursuit?

I completed a Bachelor of Creative Industries at QUT, along with a Certificate 4 in Textiles and Pattern Making at Metro South TAFE.

I went on to do my internship for Kitten D’Amour (when they made their clothes in Australia).

This all inspired me to dive deeper into the world of costuming as a freelancer.

Which other costume designers inspire you? 

I adore Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Colleen Atwood and Elsa Schiaparelli.

These designers bring the surreal and obscure to life in their clothing designs.

I’m obsessed with painters like Arthur Boyd, Joy Hester and Mirka Mora who came from HEIDE.

I’m also influenced by musicians like Rowland S Howard and Jack White.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a costume designer so far?

I’ve been making costumes since 2010 and I’ve made thousands in that time.

Some highlights include taking my son to see a theatre show I worked on, making hats for Guy Pearce, working on my favourite childhood play (The Glass Menagerie) with my favourite director, and teaching sewing workshops to groups of costuming fans at Brisbane Arts Theatre.

One of the most exciting moments as a designer is seeing the actor/musician/performer/artist try on the outfit for the first time and seeing their face light up with joy!

How can people check out your work online?

I’m on Instagram (and) also on IMDB and Starnow as Kristine Von Hilderbrandt.

Are you working on any new projects/clothing lines right now?

I’m currently working on a script to make a movie about Australian painter Joy Hester.

She was a phenomenal Australian painter that not many know about and I want her story to be told.

I’m also working on my costume exhibition (for) Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025.

The exhibition will involve five mannequins, and each day “mother nature” will reshape my costumes.

What would you say to young regional aspiring costume designers who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Life without being creative is dull. Do it! Embrace the weird and wonderful into your life!