The film and television industry lost a vibrant light with the passing of Donna Berwick, a renowned costume designer who left her mark on projects like “Da 5 Bloods,” “Hemlock Grove,” and “Game of Thrones.” Donna succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and a spirit lauded by her loved ones.
A Creative Force with a Diverse Background
Donna’s journey to costuming began with a solid foundation in visual arts. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City. Further honing her design skills, she obtained an associate’s degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
But Donna’s artistic exploration extended beyond academic pursuits. She actively participated in the creative scene of New York City’s garment district for over a decade. During this time, she had the remarkable opportunity to design clothing for the iconic singer and performer, Grace Jones.
This early experience in fashion design likely played a role in shaping Donna’s keen eye for detail and innovative approach to costuming. Her artistic background, however, encompassed more than just fashion. Donna was also a member of the Rodeo Caldonia collective, a groundbreaking group of female creatives who pushed artistic boundaries across various media. Here, she likely honed her collaborative spirit and ability to translate artistic vision into tangible creations.
A Flourishing Career in Film and Television Costuming
Donna’s diverse skillset and artistic passion paved the way for a successful career in film and television costume design. She collaborated with renowned directors on projects that showcased her versatility and talent.
Early Collaborations and Acclaim:
Donna’s early film credits demonstrate her range. She played a role in creating the costumes for Spike Lee’s powerful films “Malcolm X” and “Mo’ Better Blues.” Her work on war films like “U-571” and psychological thrillers like “Frailty” further solidified her reputation as a designer who could adapt to diverse thematic narratives.
Expanding Her Portfolio:
Donna’s expertise continued to be sought after for a variety of projects. She worked on movies like “The Box,” which explored themes of grief and loss, and the lighthearted comedy “Peeples.” This versatility allowed her to showcase her ability to create costumes that reflected the emotional weight and stylistic nuances of different genres.
Recent Work and Recognition:
In recent years, Donna’s talents graced more critically acclaimed productions. Barry Jenkins‘ poignant film “If Beale Street Could Talk” required a period setting, and Donna’s expertise in creating outfits that evoked a specific era was evident. Similarly, Spike Lee once again entrusted Donna with bringing his vision to life in the powerful “Da 5 Bloods,” a film that explored the Vietnam War and its lasting impact. Her final film credit was on Tony Goldwyn’s “Ezra,” starring Robert De Niro and Bobby Cannavale.
Donna’s impact extended beyond feature films. She also designed costumes for television shows like the dark and suspenseful “Hemlock Grove” and the global phenomenon “Game of Thrones.” Her work on these shows allowed her to contribute to the creation of visually stunning and emotionally charged worlds.
A Celebration of Donna Berwick: Artist, Designer, and Friend
Donna’s brother, Stephan Berwick, penned a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, highlighting her vibrant spirit and unwavering zest for life. He described her as “the coolest, most magnetic, joy of life woman,” a testament to the impact she had on those around her.
He spoke of her artistic journey, recognizing how she “embodied the ideals of the artist she was since high school, through her career as a film costume designer.” Donna’s artistic background undeniably contributed to her success, shaping her design sense and allowing her to translate vision into reality.
Stephan concluded his tribute by emphasizing the profound sense of loss felt by her family and colleagues. Her legacy, however, lives on in the stunning costumes she created and the lives she touched.
