Andrea Momme · Aarhus · Danmark

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Andrea creates costume magic at the theatre

Andrea Momme has always been fascinated by using her hands to create and to sew. Today, she uses her creative talents to make true costume magic in her work as a costume designer.

Andrea Momme · Aarhus · Danmark

January 2024

Andrea Momme has always been fascinated by using her hands to create and to sew. Today, she uses her creative talents to make true costume magic in her work as a costume designer.

Creative corner for children | Søstrene Grene

Fabrics by the metre, sewing thread, and big ideas. Working as a costume designer, a significant part of Andrea's workday takes place at the sewing machine.

A joy of creation from childhood

Andrea spends her working days behind the historical walls of the theatre. Through a couple of winding corridors and a staircase to the top floor, a larger sewing room appears. Here, in a room filled with sewing samples, costumes, and all kinds of bits and bobs, Andrea and her colleagues transform fabrics, sewing thread and much more into marvellous costumes. Since 2017, Andrea has worked behind the scenes in the beautiful surroundings of Aarhus Theatre. Andrea's interest in creating and designing costumes has followed her from childhood where her mother made costumes, and it was a natural part of her upbringing to learn how to sew and use her hands to create. ""I have always been fascinated by that world. It is very much based on interest – I am very fascinated by strange things, and I love to invent and find solutions to projects like you do at the theatre,"" says Andrea, who has an education in tailoring from the Danish National Opera and holds a bachelor's degree in textile design.

The adventurous surroundings. Aarhus Theatre has an enchanting facade that matches the magic unfolding behind its walls.

From thought to theatre stage. At the theatre, Andrea plays the role of a 'craftsperson', translating the scenographer's thoughts and drawings into reality.

Aha experiences. Andrea finds great joy in contributing to the creation of surprising moments on the theatre stage and evoking excitement amongst the audience with the fantastic costumes.

Research, imagination, and play

As a costume designer, no two days are alike, and it demands both a good bit of imagination combined with an investigative and playful approach. "It is versatile, fun, and challenging – and never boring," Andrea explains. "When the idea for a costume is to be realised, there are various processes and challenges that must be solved along the way, especially when it comes to the choice of materials. In the beginning, it is all about exploring, and there is plenty of inspiration to be found in other industries. For instance, we have previously used matresses made for ships and car seats and spray-painted wellies with car paint. It can get quite technical at times – and it is great fun! It is never a boring job," Andrea continues and elaborates: "The challenges that may arise when aiming to make a washable princess dress or even get a hedgehog to somersaults demands an imaginative and playful approach. It is always a delight when you succeed, and a challenge has been solved."

Creative flow. Andrea finds the creative process of working with her hands and letting the materials inspire her enormously rewarding.

Endless possibilities. Behind the sewing room, a diverse selection of costumes, accessories, and not least fabrics of all sorts can be found.

The hands speak their own language

For Andrea, using her hands is a natural part of her work at the theatre, but also her spare time where she has various creative art and design projects going on, especially within textiles. While the magic of Andrea's work at the theatre to a large extent happens in the meeting between aesthetics and function, it is particularly materials and intuition which inspire her own art. "I think it is fantastic to deal with a material, and to investigate and be curious. To be open and curious about the world around me and to let the materials and things that I surround myself with inspire," Andrea says and continues: "For me, creativity is the best state. And the act of working with my hands – with your hands, you can speak a different language than you can with words.""

Imaginative and magical costumes. Andrea loves challenges, such as creating costumes for animals and creatures, or costumes which can transform during the play.

Papier mâché

Andrea recommends papier mâché as a material which is amazing for making costumes at home. It is very useful to make masks and costumes. And at the same time, it is a simple and cheap material.

Masks and hats

Andrea also emphasises masks and hats as an easy and lovely way to make an impactful costume. Here, you have a great extent of creative freedom to personalise and decorate as you wish.

Face painting

Face painting is not to forget. The classic face paint goes a long way, Andrea thinks.

A special sister mug

At each interview, the participant receives a specially selected sister mug as a little personal greeting from Søstrene Grene. In this way, we let the good conversations, 'hygge' and warmth live on and spread amongst the many creative and passionate sisters we meet on our way.