San Antonio costume designer Grizelda Garza takes big step in film industry

Grizelda Garza has always been intrigued by the fashion industry. As a kid, she was inspired by runway shows and would cut out images of clothing she liked from style magazines. Even at that early age, it was a world she knew she wanted to experience.

“I always wanted to be a fashion designer,” Garza, 39, told MySA during a recent interview. “It’s something I always wanted to pursue. Everyone told me that I would have to go to Los Angeles or New York City, but I didn’t want to hear that.”

After 13 years in fashion, Garza has found a way to craft a career for herself while based in San Antonio. With plenty of commercial and independent film work in her portfolio, Garza has taken the next step in her profession, and it’s a significant one.

In May 2021, Garza was recruited as a costumer for Oscar-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s (The Departed) latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, which is currently playing at theaters. The crime drama stars Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant) and Robert De Niro (Raging Bull) and follows the murders of members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma during the 1920s.

“When I got the call, I knew I had to say yes,” Garza said. “Martin Scorsese is one of my favorite directors. I knew I couldn’t pass that up.”

On the set for two weeks in Oklahoma, Garza, who also founded the online women’s apparel store Zeelas, was one of about 50 costumers working with Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West (Dune) and her team. Garza’s job was to help with background actors and their wardrobes during the outdoor train station scenes.

“We kept our eyes on those actors to make sure they looked good on camera and were taking care of their costumes,” Garza said. “Some background actors would have five different costume changes, so we had to stay on top of every look.”

When she wasn’t working with background actors, Garza would admire the incredible set designs and watch Hollywood’s biggest talents create cinematic art.

“When you walked onto the set, it felt like you were in a time warp in the 1920s,” she said. “It was very exciting. Watching Leo and Martin work their magic was very surreal.”

Born in Laredo and raised in San Antonio, Garza graduated from South San West Campus High School in 2002. She earned her associate’s degree in business management at San Antonio College and then attended the local International Academy of Design and Technology. From there, she started networking, building her portfolio, and embracing her role as a wardrobe stylist.

One of Garza’s first big jobs was an international beer commercial starring actor and martial artist Chuck Norris (Walker, Texas Ranger). She’s also worked with Spurs’ legends like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker.

Some of her major clients over the years include Neiman Marcus, Spotify, Texas Lottery, AT&T, Whataburger, ESPN, Toyota, and Tecate Beer, among many others.

“As a wardrobe stylist, there are fittings and a lot of meetings and approvals and shopping and research, so we have to be on top of all that,” Garza said. “On the set, we’re working 12-hour days with multiple wardrobe changes and learning how directors want things. Every job is different, so you have to adjust and be a team player.”

As she looks ahead, Garza said she would love to work on a movie with someone like Oscar-nominated actor Johnny Depp (Sweeny Todd). Early next year, she will serve as the costume designer on an exorcism movie starring Oscar winner Al Pacino (Scent of a Woman). As her career flourishes, she plans to continue calling San Antonio home.

“You can establish your dream just about anywhere,” Garza said. “I’d rather be a big fish in a small pond. I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities are next.”