Rosemary Ponzo
I’m a firm believer that style is timeless, bold and without limits. Fads die out and imitators are looking for the next trend, but genuine style stands the test of time. Rosemary Ponzo is an artist that truly represents these qualities and then some. She is an accomplished stylist and designer that has made a significant impact on the world of style.
She has worked in numerous films, television shows, commercials, editorials and with several celebrities over years. Some of her major film, television & theatrical accomplishments include Coyote Ugly, NY Cop, Guiding Light, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum to name of few. She has also designed and styled for Gweneth Paltrow, Josh Lucas, Prince, Mary J. Blige, Michael Bolton and many other celebrities. What I find most notable is that this native New Yorker takes the time out to lecture at NYU School of Film, Fashion Institute of New York and Parsons School of Design & Visual Arts. We were able to catch up with Rosemary who was kind enough to share a little bit more about herself.
Rosemary: I love Japan, and the people there are very willing to take risks, the younger generation. Their hair is always at least two colors and they love everything American. There is a lot of Tradition but with an edginess to it. They love color, color, color and anything over the top. When you are working on a project with them, you are like family, and everyone eats together, and goes out together and every shoot I have been on, the Director always gives small tokens of appreciation to the crew (part of a tradition). We even take a “Class Portrait” and everyone gets a copy! Ha! Ha!
I worked there with another Japanese stylist and she had to have my leopard totebag!
Anything different and unique is what they strive for and it makes it so easy for me to work with Japanese companies here in the States; I know what they are looking for and it does not always have to be according to Costume History. They also love designer labels and I am the Queen of that, although my own designs have gotten great accolades from the Japanese companies as well. As Far as incorporating some of the Asian influences, I try to bring more color into my wardrobe, whether it be a ruby red pair of shoes, or a colored handbag or headpiece. It is not easy getting out of Black, it is a New York Icon in itself.
Rosemary: I was at a party, and I met a friend who said to this Film Director that I was a Costume Designer/Fashion Stylist and had all this experience in styling films. I wrote my telephone number on a napkin and he called within the next day or so, and I said to myself, “Do or Die” and it was an amazing experience. The impact it left was that I as a stylist, even though I now have assistants, must always rely on myself to get the job done, knowing everything about the set, shoot, script, etc. and not be afraid to ask questions.
Rosemary: I was called to style a rock band and three other actors on a Blackberry Apps Commercial and had four hours to style, fit and get the talent to the set, and I did it!!!!! Came within budget, and had a very happy Director, Producer and of course the Talent loved their wardrobe.
Rosemary: This particular shoot I was on had a really crazy time frame, and we could not by any means find the colors the Director was looking for within the time allotted, so I sent the talent to the set in colors I thought could work, and he was surprised, amazed and happy. There was a storm inside me, but I was unfluttered and very composed, therefore, expressed with great style, class and grace why we were using this color scheme. And it worked!
Rosemary: That’s a loaded question! There are so many that it is a really very difficult choice to make. However when I moved to Manhattan, my first job was with Diana Vreeland, so where do you go from there.
Rosemary: It’s great to be invited to Fashion Week and I am extremely grateful to go, some of the shows are very theatrical and fun. If I can assess what The Designer’s inspiration is and the theme of the styling, then and only then I can say wow this is an amazing well thought out Fashion show, with the right shoes and accessories and now of course Fascinators, since The Royal Wedding.
Rosemary: I have had many many aspiring stylists work for me, and the advice I can give them is this: learn the business well, have a quiet confidence about yourself, and realize that you are providing a service to the project, so if the Art Director or Film/Stage Director wants to go another way than your ideas, understand and accept it, and you will always be working!
To see Rosemary’s work visit:
www.rosemaryponzo.com
LOS Profile
Love, love Ponzo! Her designs are uber creative and bold. Those hats are amazing! One of my favorites in this list is the purple one with the peacock inspired trim.
A-MAZ-ING!!! Great interview with Ponzo and I love her style she is in one word FAB!
Love this article! Rosemary Ponzo reminded me of the importance of taking risk in fashion and not caring about what anyone else thinks! Fashion is truly a personal expression of creativity, I admire her risk taking!
Rosemary thanks – You look Fantastic.
I have known Rosemary for many years and have worked with her on movie sets and music video productions. Outwardly sometimes displaying outrageous designs, inside a very Zen and creative thinker. Everything is meticulously thought out there are no last minute problems on the production it is all planned with a backup in place. A true professional asset to any production.
Rosemary has often been quoted as saying: “take the risk, mix up what you are wearing- make them think three times”. Is it old is it new, have I seen that before? A true self driven independent thinking designer. With a flair for old world style in 21St Century clothing.
A Fashion Icon, you bet, now add a sincere passion and love for people and you have the perfect costume designer / stylist.
Rosemary is a unique individual and a true artist. Her passion for living comes through everything she does: her fashion, teaching, singing. Whatever she does it is always positive and uplifting. She is a serious designer that never gets too serious and always puts fun into her designs. Here’s to you Rosemary!