Selena Xin Jin is a highly accomplished costume designer who has received numerous accolades for her exceptional ability to create captivating and story-appropriate costumes. Her talent extends across the filmmaking industry, while based in Los Angeles, Selena’s talent extends across China, U.K. and the USA, where she made her mark on a variety of projects.
In addition to her work in film, Selena has also made significant contributions to TV commercials, advertisements, and music videos, demonstrating her ability to create visually stunning costumes across various mediums.
Selena’s impressive portfolio includes numerous awards for Best Costume Design in feature and short films, commercials, music videos, and TV. She has had the opportunity to work with notable celebrities and has even directed her own films, showcasing her storytelling skills through visual narratives. Some of the well-known individuals she has dressed include Megan West, Russell Wong, Derek Cecil, Vanessa Yao, and Candace Kita
What sets Selena apart is her passion for storytelling through visual narratives. One of Selena’s standout projects is her involvement in the film “What the Hell.” This short comedy film follows the story of two neighbors who cannot bear each other and end up in a heaven and hell transfer station. The film explores the testing and rebuilding of their relationships and trust in extreme conditions.
As the characters face their ultimate judgment, Selena’s role as the costume designer becomes instrumental in portraying the dark comedy and supernatural elements of the film. Her costumes skillfully blend modern and historical influences, perfectly aligning with the film’s comedic theme and setting. Beyond their visual appeal, the meticulously crafted costumes effectively convey the characters’ personalities and traits. Selena’s work on “What the Hell” is a testament to her artistic prowess and boundless creativity. Collaborating with the director of the film, Dede Harlan, was enjoyable and productive for Selena. Dede’s cinematic vision and trust in his team allowed Selena to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the costume designs, creating a fantastic working environment. The film’s script, which intertwined dark comedy with the stories of individuals pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles, served as a great inspiration for Selena.
Selena Xin Jin’s creative journey in “What the Hell” primarily focused on pushing the boundaries of costume design to visually represent the characters’ inner turmoil and the fantastical comedy world combined with the reality they inhabit. Her designs were intended to evoke a sense of the unreal, regret, humor, and the complex emotions experienced by the characters. She used a combination of vintage and modern aesthetics to create a visual representation of the timeless topic within the film.
As the costume designer of “What the Hell,” Selena’s responsibilities extended far beyond simply selecting outfits for the characters. She was deeply involved in brainstorming sessions with the director, overseeing the story’s progression, and exploring the myriad possibilities for each character’s attire to ensure they truly came to life on screen.
One of the most intriguing challenges in designing for “What the Hell” was creating the costume for the “judge” of the afterlife, a pivotal character who decides the fates of those arriving at the transfer station. Given the comedic nature of the film, Selena wanted the judge’s costume to have a humorous touch. Drawing inspiration from the 1950s, she envisioned the judge wearing a ruby red hat adorned with feathers, which added a playful yet authoritative flair. The judge’s outfit, a two-piece suit with broad shoulders complemented by gloves, struck a balance between formality and whimsy, using neutral grey tones with ruby red gloves to tie the ensemble together.
While working on the film, Selena faced challenges in designing costumes for the “Afterlife” world setting. However, her extensive research and experimentation paid off as she created unique and otherworldly designs that perfectly matched the film’s setting. This experience not only enhanced Selena’s efficiency but also expanded her network within the costume design community in Los Angeles. Sourcing costumes from the city’s rental houses and vintage shops felt like embarking on a treasure hunt, leading to the discovery of incredible resources and connections that Selena continues to rely on for future projects.
Selena Xin Jin
One of the most memorable aspects of Selena’s involvement in the film was the collaborative process of transforming an abstract concept into a fully realized visual story. The most rewarding part, however, has been the lasting friendships and professional relationships formed on set. Working closely with director Dede Harlan and production designer Coco Li has led to ongoing collaborations on numerous projects, fostering a deep sense of trust and camaraderie. The social aspect of the job, allowing Selena to meet and form lasting connections with fellow creatives, has been incredibly fulfilling and continues to enrich her career in the film industry.
Selena’s costume design for “What the Hell” has been recognized with several awards which include:
- WINNER “Best Comedy” Los Angeles Film Awards, August 2019
- WINNER “Best Comedy” Festigious International Film Festival, August 2019
- WINNER “Best Comedy of the Year” Top Shorts Film Festival, 6th Annual 2020
Overall, Selena Xin Jin continues to make a lasting impact on the world of costume design, effortlessly weaving together art and storytelling. Her impeccable craftsmanship and ability to bring characters to life through costumes make her an invaluable asset to any production.
Selena holds an MFA in Design from the California Institute of the Arts and a BA in Performance Design from the University of the Arts London. She describes herself as a third-cultured individual, having lived in London, Toronto, Shanghai, and LA, and she specializes in reinterpreting the landscape between East and West. Her impressive roster of clients includes renowned names like TikTok and FILA, solidifying her reputation as a sought-after costume designer. In addition to her professional collaborations, Selena has served as a fashion stylist for esteemed celebrities such as Xie Na, Shuxin Yu, Kewei Yu, and Hachi Wang. She was also the fashion stylist for the host of one of the biggest Chinese fashion award celebration ceremonies, “HU FASHION FORWARD.” Selena’s keen fashion sense and ability to enhance individual style have earned her much praise.
To learn more about Selena Xin Jin and her work, you can visit her personal website and social media profiles.
Fame Media www.famemediaus.com
Writer Sherry Lee,
Hollywood Legends Editor in Chief
Media Contact:
Name: Selena Xin Jin
Email: selenaxinjin@gmail.com
Website: https://selenaxinjin.com/
Address: Los Angeles, CA
