Welcome to

Kathy Kincel

Costumes

Highly skilled London based costume cutter and maker with over 15 years’ theatrical and couture experience, having worked for some of the best-known theatres, costume houses and film productions in the UK and abroad.

Historical costumes

Historical costumes of all styles and eras interpreted for theatre, ballet or film.

Contemporary costumes

Contemporary costumes interpreted for theatre, dance and film – inspired by both, my theatrical and haute couture experience.

Tutu making

Extensive tutu-making experience and fitting experience. I have worked for various ballet companies and hold great in-depth knowledge of different tutu styles and making techniques.

Workshops and lectures

Having completed a Master’s in Research, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience and inspiring a new generation of costumiers.

Services

Having run costume workshops for many years I am very familiar with all processes involved in making historical costumes, contemporary costumes, and ballet tutus to the highest standard.

I am available for consultations and meetings, for pattern cutting and developing toiles and prototypes, for fittings and for the making and finishing of costumes.

My costume making service includes taking care of each project from start to finish and can be tailored to fit with the needs of each individual theatre or film production. I am sensitive to the artist’s needs and expectations of their costume.

I work with all body shapes and expressions of gender.

Experience

2019 - 2024 Head of Ladies Workroom/Head Ladies Cutter for all new opera and ballet productions at the Royal Opera House, London

2024
2020 - 2023 Completed Master of Research Historical Costume, Arts University Bournemouth focusing on historical tutu-making.

2023
2017 - 2019 Assistant Head of Ladies Workroom/ladies cutter for all new opera and ballet productions at the Royal Opera House, London

2019
2013 - 2016 Freelance pattern cutter and dressmaker for ballet, theatre, film and fashion, e.g. English National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Cosprop, Glyndebourne, Halfpenny London and Emma Hunt London.

2016
2009 - 2013 Costume cutter at the ladies' opera and ballet costume department, Staatstheater Stuttgart, Germany.

2013
2004 - 2008 Meister Certificate Tailor and Dressmaker, Germany (German dressmaking and pattern cutting degree and apprenticeship – BA equivalent, passed with excellent grades).

2008

Cover letter

Having originally trained in Germany in both, historical and couture pattern cutting and dressmaking, I hold over fifteen years of experience working for various well-known theatres, film productions and couture houses in the UK and abroad.

Most recently, during my time as head cutter and ladies costume workroom manager at the Royal Opera House, London, I have proven excellent cutting skills for opera and ballet, covering all historical periods and contemporary styles and I hold a successful record of working together with many well-known designers to interpret their design concepts by combining excellent technical skills with creativity and a distinct eye for detail.

Additionally, over the past few years, I have shown that I am passionate about creating a highly motivated, safe, efficient, diverse, and inclusive working atmosphere. I lead by example and apply a positive, approachable, and supportive management style while ensuring that work is delivered on time to the highest standards, even under pressure.

As part of my management experience, I have effective budget management, planning, problem-solving and communication skills, as well as relevant IT skills.

I am flexible and extremely passionate. I strive for perfection in everything I do with great energy and enthusiasm, and I would like to invest these skills into your project.

Get in touch

To discuss any historical, contemporary or ballet costume project or for any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I would like to hear from you.

ADDRESS:
London and Sussex
TELEPHONE:
075 3441 3238
EMAIL:
costumes@kincel.eu
WEBSITE:
www.costumes.kincel.eu