Graduating from the Performance Costume programme at Edinburgh College Art (ECA) in 2005, Anna Robbins headed straight into industry. In 20 years, she has built an admirable resumé, beginning with a short film Can’t Stop Breathing all the way to her most recent work on Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale where she won The Hollywood Film Awards for ‘Costume Designer of the Year.’
In a 2022 interview on ‘Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast’, Robbins discusses the costumes of the show. As a fanatic of the 1920s, Robbins emphasises the importance of research and remembers her interview for the designer job in 2013, entering with an armful of research folders. After successfully joining the franchise from season five onwards, Robbins was tasked in designing garments for the 30 regular members. Gaining inspiration from understanding the world the characters lived in and their dress codes, Robbins explains her research is ever-continuing.
Like all of us, Robbins felt the effects of Covid. She talks of the initial restrictions on her work but explains how through digital designing, she found her research became increasingly international. For instance, she positively reflected on how trousers for the character Lady Edith were acquired from Los Angeles.
In this delightful interview, Robbins transparently explores her love for the arts and the challenges of the costume designing industry. For those that are interested in Robbins’ work, you can find her on Instagram @annamaryscott. Finally Anna Robbins reflected on her time at ECA offering current students some key advice: “Enjoy the experience. Never again will you have the chance to indulge in your creativity so exclusively.”
“Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle)” by Richard Munckton is licensed under CC BY 2.0.