Costume Designer Rafaella Rabinovich discusses Her Vibrant and Queer-Themed Contributions to the Television Screen, from Fashioning Jabots to Creating 'Dandyland'
Emmy-nominated costume designer Rafaella Rabinovich forged a creative partnership with performer and creator Dandy, leading to the production of the vibrant web series Dandyland. Backed by TELUS's Storyhive initiative, Dandyland showcases self-expression, creativity, and queer storytelling, highlighting the lower mainland's marginalized groups in British Columbia.
The connection between Rabinovich and Dandy began at a wedding, leading to a series of collaborative projects. During one of these instances, Rabinovich designed jabots for Dandy, which inspired the concept of "50 Shades of Jabots." From there, their bond flourished, eventually leading to the conception of Dandyland.
Funded by TELUS Storyhive, the series follows Dandy as he learns about his community through interactions with local artists and organizations from marginalized groups. In this interview, Rabinovich shares the story of their collaborative journey, the inspirations behind the series' costumes, and the role of Vancouver's artistic community in shaping Dandyland.
Rabinovich, known for her work on To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Imperfects, and Project Mc2, discusses how her involvement in Dandyland became personal. Not long before the project commenced, she had lost her father. Dandyland served as a beacon of light during a difficult time, providing Rabinovich with a source of healing and an opportunity to create something meaningful as a queer individual.
The partnership between Rabinovich and Dandy was rooted in trust and shared vision, allowing them to push creative boundaries. Working with limited resources, Rabinovich drew inspiration from historical and modern dandies, as well as Elton John and early 2000s club kids. The result was a whimsical and campy aesthetic, blending history with contemporary touches.
Dandyland's colorful, dynamic world was not only captivating but also emotionally resonant for Rabinovich. As both the costume designer and production designer, she poured her heart into bringing the series to life, ensuring it reflected her unique creative vision. The series garnered multiple Leo Award nominations, solidifying Rabinovich's role in its success.
Dandyland is now available on YouTube for viewers to enjoy the vibrant, queer-centric world that Rabinovich and Dandy have created.
- Rafaella Rabinovich, renowned for her costume design work in productions like To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Imperfects, discusses the personal significance of working on the queer-centric web series Dandyland, which she created in partnership with performer and creator Dandy.
- With the support of TELUS Storyhive, the series Dandyland showcases a blend of historical and modern influences, as Rabinovich draws inspiration from dandies, Elton John, and early 2000s club kids to create a whimsical and campy aesthetic that reflects her unique creative vision.
- The partnership between Rabinovich and Dandy, built on trust and a shared vision, has allowed them to push creative boundaries and create a series that resonates emotionally with viewers, as seen in Dandyland's vibrant, dynamic world.
- In an interview, Rabinovich discusses the collaborative journey of Dandyland, sharing the inspirations behind the series' costumes, the role of Vancouver's artistic community, and how the project served as a source of healing and a beacon of light for her as a queer individual, following the loss of her father.
