Laura DeLuca is a Winnipeg-born costume designer with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling through style. Her journey began in fashion school, where she debuted her original design collection in 2012. Soon after, her love for film led her behind the scenes — straight into the heart of the Costume Department.
Having worked in every role from the ground up, Laura brings a rare, full-spectrum understanding of the costume design process. This hands-on experience has shaped her collaborative spirit and sharpened her eye for detail, making her a thoughtful and visionary leader.
Today, as head costume designer, Laura is known for creating bold, memorable looks that breathe life into characters and enhance the worlds they inhabit. With each project, she brings a blend of intuition, innovation, and cinematic style — designing with the belief that costumes should not just dress a character, but define them.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I started in film in 2010 through an internship with Film Training Manitoba. My first job was on season 2 of Less Than Kind as a costume assistant. I was referred to the position by James McLellan, who is the film teacher at Oak Park High School. I was attending fashion school the following year, so I wanted to see what the
industry was all about!
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I am currently in the Costume Department as a Costume Designer. I’ve always been so inspired to work my way to the top and become a creative leader. Being a head costume designer has allowed me to express my creativity in ways that I never thought I could. Seeing my work go from ideas to sketches to concept art to actual garment creation and finally to the big screen has to be the most exciting and rewarding process ever!
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
I’d say: don’t shy away from bold choices. Take the creative risks you’ve been hesitant to make — they’re often the very original ideas that set your work apart.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the more experience I gain, the more I value
those daring decisions. They’re what drives growth and sparks innovation. After all,
it’s always easier to scale back than to add what was never there.
Why is learning and training important?
I continue to learn with every project I take on — each show brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. Staying open to feedback, ideas, and collaboration is essential to moving forward smoothly, and it’s a quality I believe makes me a stronger leader. No matter your experience level, there’s always value in training and development. Anything that helps set you up for success is worth pursuing.
What are some of the films, TV series or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
One film that immediately comes to mind is Some Like It Hot — or The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy’s dress, in particular, stands out as one of the most iconic costumes in film history. It’s a perfect example of how simplicity and classic design can leave a lasting impact. Seeing that made me realize: I want to create something iconic too.
I’d also say Nightmare on Elm Street and The Shining. The first time I watched them, the visuals left an imprint on my mind that I’ll never forget. The costumes in those films have become iconic — instantly recognizable and endlessly reimagined every Halloween. That’s when my love for horror really took off. I knew then that one day I wanted to design the next costume that would live on in pop culture.
Is there something about you or an interesting past experience that you’d like to share with your colleagues?
When I was younger, my parents used to take us to Disney and Universal Studios on family vacations. We would always do the studio lot tour, and I would be so mesmerized by the glitter and magic of Hollywood. I would be especially interested in the costumes and how they actually looked in all their physical reality. I never could have imagined that one day, my own work would be on display at the AMC Theatre at Universal CityWalk. It’s a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
Is there someone within the film industry you would like to work with and why?
I’d have to say Tim Burton. Stepping into his world would be like walking through a twisted dream. His imagination is so uniquely dark and whimsical, it would be an unforgettable experience just to witness how his mind works behind the scenes. And then there’s Taika Waititi. His films are vibrant, offbeat, and full of heart. The way he blends visual whimsy with emotional depth is brilliant. Being part of that creative energy would be not only inspiring but also just plain fun.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I’d love to explore working overseas. It would be such a cool experience to work in a completely different environment. Europe would be ideal, or potentially in Hawaii!
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.