Meet the Team
WENDY
Creative Director
T: 07763 842253
Since establishing her business, Wendy has worked with high profile clients and brands to build an impressive reputation as an all-encompassing costume and clothing service.
With a keen understanding of visual representation and storytelling through clothing, Wendy is able to creatively lead projects for commercial clients to create brand aware clothing for advertising, as well as being able to work closely with designers from both screen and stage to ensure excellent design interpretation.
Since graduating from the ‘Costume For The Screen And Stage’ degree at Arts Institute Bournemouth in 2006, Wendy’s path has seen her work in well- established costume companies, gaining experience in cut and construction. She has subsequently acquired her own client base to ensure she now has a team of highly skilled staff who as a whole, have cemented their place as a trustworthy, reliable business to design and create high quality garments across any industry.
“Having grown up in a household where a sewing machine was always on the table, my mother taught me to sew from a young age. Adapting dolls clothing and making for my dance costumes, I learned construction in a fairly intuitive way.
I love film, I always have loved clothing in film and I grew up watching sci fi and fantasy films like The Cell, Star Wars, Fifth Element.. I always wanted to make costumes that transport you to another world, in place or time. I want to tell stories through clothing. My design icons include Alexander McQueen, Eiko Ishioka and Vivienne Westwood.
I have two young children who enjoy bespoke costumes for Halloween and World Book Day!
ATHENA
Head Cutter
T: 07450 863 477
Athena was born in San Francisco and attended the University of California Irvine for her undergrad where she received a BA in theatre. After graduating, Athena found a passion for cosplay, recreating costumes from her favorite TV shows and films. Deciding to turn her passion into a career, Athena moved to Scotland and received her Masters of Fine arts degree in Costume Design from the University of Edinburgh. Since graduating in 2021, Athena has worked on a variety of productions in both film and television as well as theatre before finding a permanent position with Wendy Benstead as her head cutter.
Throughout her professional and academic career, Athena has cultivated a wide range of skills and interests ranging from sewing, pattern drafting, armor and prop making, corsetry, breakdown, leather work, as well as 3D modeling and printing. While she enjoys straightforward construction, Athena finds her strength lies in innovation and challenging builds.
“My skills are well suited for the dynamic range of projects taken on at Wendy Benstead studios that are both challenging and ever-changing, allowing for constant growth. I have a great love for all the arts and am grateful I was able to turn my passion into a career. When I’m not in the studio, I can usually be found in a theatre watching the latest west-end production, in a museum or exhibition, or in a craft brewery enjoying a delicious pint, all of which London is in no short supply of. I’m also an avid lover of swing and salsa dancing, a hobby I’ve rekindled since moving to London.”
REMI
Head MAKER
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Remi developed a passion for all things costume at an early age through a precocious love of period drama and classic movies. She graduated from Arts University Bournemouth with a 1st Class BA Degree in Costume, while there further developing her knowledge and understanding of historical costume – as well as achieving a Highly Commended Award in the Janet Arnold Patterns of Fashion competition for her historically accurate recreation of a 1660s bodice.
After graduation Remi was fortunate to secure a role with the British Armed Forces as a Military Tailor, developing a wide range of specialised skills creating and restoring a variety of military uniforms, designs and details steeped in history with military precision paramount on every project!
Remi believes that costume is so integral to successful production in film and theatre, “Aiding rich and immersive storytelling and fueling an audience’s suspension of disbelief. I’m now thrilled to be part of the team at Wendy Benstead studios, and able to apply my creativity and range of influences and skills in collaboration with our fabulous Head Cutter to an exciting and diverse range of client briefs.”