Get to know Katy Siracusa Harwood
ABOUT KATY
Katy Siracusa Harwood is a Toronto-based costume designer with over 15 years of experience in the film and television industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in production, Katy was destined to be part of the storytelling world. Her first experience in film came at the age of two while visiting the set of Due South. It was there that she discovered two magical things: the craft table and the behind-the-scenes wonder that makes stories come to life.
What inspired you to pursue a career in costume design for film and TV?
"I was practically raised in the film and TV industry, so storytelling has always been a part of my life. My first experience on set was when I was two years old, visiting the Due South set. That day, I discovered the craft table—and the magic of everything happening behind the scenes. Summers growing up were spent in production offices, where I would photocopy sides, collate scripts, and eventually find my way into the costume department.
I remember matching up odd earrings, shining shoes, and being completely captivated by racks of vintage gowns. I quickly realized that...
COSTUMES weren’t just about clothes—they were about storytelling, about giving a character depth before they even spoke.
Those early experiences inspired me to dive deeper into costume design, and it became clear that this was where I could combine my creativity, love for detail, and passion for collaboration into a career that brings characters to life."
How do costumes contribute to storytelling on screen?
"Costumes are an essential layer of storytelling on screen. They provide visual cues that tell the audience who a character is before they even say a word. A well-designed costume communicates everything from a character’s social status, personality, and emotional state to their history and motivations. For example, the texture of a fabric can hint at a character’s rugged life, while the color palette can reflect their mood or align them with broader themes in the story. Costumes also help actors fully embody their roles; when they put on a character’s wardrobe, it transforms how they move, feel, and interact with the world on screen.
As a designer, I see costumes as more than just clothing—they’re tools that bring authenticity and nuance to the narrative, ensuring every detail serves the story while visually enhancing the world we’re creating."
Can you walk us through your creative process when designing costumes for a project?
"My creative process begins with a deep dive into the script, where I analyze the characters and their arcs to uncover key details that inform their costumes. Research plays a crucial role, whether it’s delving into historical accuracy, exploring cultural influences, or drawing inspiration from real-world parallels. Collaboration with directors, actors, and other departments ensures the costumes align seamlessly with the overall vision of the project. From initial sketches to fittings, every step is focused on balancing storytelling, practicality, and visual impact, resulting in designs that not only look compelling but also enhance the narrative.”
How do you collaborate with directors, actors, and other departments on set?
Collaboration is at the heart of my design process. I start by working closely with the director to understand their vision for the story and the characters, aligning my designs with the tone and themes of the project. With actors, I make it a priority to have open discussions outside the fitting room, listening to their perspectives and insights about their characters. This helps ensure the costumes not only support their performance but also help them fully embody their roles.
I also engage with other departments, such as production design and cinematography, to ensure the costumes harmonize with the sets, lighting, and overall aesthetic. For example, I consider how colors and textures will interact with the set design or how fabrics will behave under certain lighting conditions. It’s a collaborative dance, and every voice helps shape designs that not only look great but also enhance the storytelling in a cohesive way."
KATY SIRACUSA HARWOOD
OFFICIAL BIO
Katy Siracusa Harwood is a Toronto-based costume designer with over 15 years of experience in the film and television industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in production, Katy was destined to be part of the storytelling world. Her first experience in film came at the age of two while visiting the set of Due South. It was there that she discovered two magical things: the craft table and the behind-the-scenes wonder that makes stories come to life.
As a child, summers were spent in production offices, mastering the art of photocopying sides and collating scripts. But it wasn’t long before Katy found her way into the costume office, where she was given important tasks like matching up odd earrings, shining shoes, and learning the ins and outs of costume continuity. On one particularly memorable day, she went missing for hours, only to be found in a puddle of vintage tulle gowns from the 1950s, marveling at their beauty while learning the importance of multiples and why productions need them.
These early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for costume design. Today, Katy is known for creating costumes that do more than dress characters—they define them. Whether designing for period dramas or high-concept sci-fi, she brings stories to life with a meticulous eye for detail, using texture, color, and silhouette to reveal character and enhance storytelling.
Collaboration is at the heart of Katy’s process, working closely with directors, actors, and production designers to ensure every costume aligns with the vision of the project while performing seamlessly on set. Known for her creative problem-solving and calm presence under pressure, Katy consistently delivers innovative, unforgettable designs on time and on budget.
When not on set, Katy is sketching new concepts, sourcing unique materials, or exploring innovative approaches to costume design. Her love for storytelling and deep understanding of the production process make Katy an invaluable asset to any project, turning vision into reality—one costume at a time.
