Pop Culturalist Chats with A Series of Unfortunate Events’ Cynthia Summers

Cynthia Summers is the creative genius behind-the-scenes on Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Her breathtaking costume designs have brought beloved characters from the iconic book series to life and empowered actors like Neil Patrick Harris to truly step into their roles. Pop Culturalist spoke with Cynthia about her creative process, when she discovered she wanted to pursue a career in design, and what led her to A Series of Unfortunate Events.

PC: When did you discover your passion for costume design?
Cynthia: Oh my goodness! I started my career in dance and musical theatre. At that point, dance was one of the most underfunded of the arts. I ended up doing a lot of alterations and making pieces for costumes. I think that’s when I caught the bug. Film didn’t come until much later and by happy consequence. That was in 1994.

PC: How did that lead you to Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events?
Cynthia: I interviewed for season one but I didn’t get it and that’s okay because that’s how it goes. When they were picked up for season two and three, I came back and met with them again. Season two and three were more suited to my design aesthetic. It worked out perfectly.

PC: Did you draw on the novels as a source of inspiration?
Cynthia: Definitely! Anytime you’re creating a television series or film from a book, you need to pay tribute to the source material. When you’re doing a television series, you have more time to play out the different storylines and to develop the characters. When you’re working on a film, you don’t have the time to go in-depth with the characters or to tell longer stories. There’s nothing worse than when you watch an adaptation for the screen and it’s nothing like what you read. It’s really disappointing. [laughs] Another benefit of television series is that you can develop characters who may not have been focused on as much in the book. You need to go back to their smaller stories and use that as a core to build upon. It’s a nice surprise for the audience because maybe it’s their favorite character.

PC: Is the process different when you’re developing a character who may not be as well-known?
Cynthia: It actually isn’t. When it’s on paper or in the novel, it’s words. It’s not tangible. When we’re creating something to put on a body, whether it’s a guest appearance or for Count Olaf, you have to explore who the character is, why they’re there, what their motivation is, who are they going to be in the room with, what is everyone else wearing in the room, will there be stunts involved, and then you get the actor and you have a body to work with.

Photo Credit: Eric Milner / Netflix

PC: Do you have a favorite character that you love to design for?
Cynthia: I hate this question! [laughs] There are so many good ones on this show. Count Olaf, from the beginning, was a huge source of creativity for me. Neil Patrick Harris is a genius and he’s so invested in his character and every disguise that he has. It’s always one of the greatest gifts when he comes to a fitting and brings the voice of the disguise because he does a different voice for every single character that Olaf goes under disguise as. It’s a fun process. I’ll take my idea, put it on paper, and then we’ll talk to Neil. I’ll give him swatches, fabrics, textures, glasses, hats, and then he’ll come in for a fitting. I don’t get a lot of time with him because he’s the busiest man on the planet. When he adds the voice, the whole thing comes together.

My second favorite has to be Esmé in season two. She is driven solely by Esmé vanity and craziness. Olaf is motivated by disguise and the location of the disguise but Esmé just shows up. She dresses for the occasion. Everything about her is fashion-driven and over-the-top. And of course, she’s an evil character which adds a lot of fun.

Photo Credit: Joseph Lederer / Netflix

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Cynthia: UnREAL. I love Constance Zimmer.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Cynthia: Shape of Water. I think it should have won more awards. I loved the story. I loved the colors. I love the performances.

PC: Favorite book?
Cynthia: Outlander

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Cynthia: Three Tall Women. It blew me away.

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Cynthia: Instagram

PC: Hidden talent?
Cynthia: I’m a dog whisperer.

Make sure to follow Cynthia on Twitter and Instagram, and see her work on Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.