Sci-Fi Design Turns Local

On Wednesday, May 28th, science fiction, or sci-fi, fans and fashion lovers alike gathered together at the Esri Conference Center in Redlands to talk with costume designer June Hudson and University of Redlands Professor, Dr. Britton. Hudson is renowned for her infamous costumes on the highly-regarded television show, Dr. Who, which has aired on BBC America since the late 1950s. New and long-time fans from the late 1950s until now gathered at the event to discus multiple topics ranging from Hudson’s personal favorite pieces, to how to kick-start a career in costume design. Hudson shared many of her experiences working on the set of Dr. Who mentioning that she personally trained the current costume designer for the show, who designed for the most recent doctor, actor Matt Smith. For those who are familiar with the show, Hudson designed the multi-colored scarf that was made as an icon of Dr. Who, worn by the fourth doctor, portrayed by actor Tom Baker. During a side discussion straying away from talk of the show, Hudson spoke in high regards about a series of courses she recently taught at the University of Redlands, titled, “Design for Science Fiction Television,” where she was accompanied by Professor Dr. Britton. This was her last scheduled semester teaching at the U of R, but she shares that she does plan on returning in the future. “Dr. Who was a kids’ show. I was a serious designer,” Hudson explained. At the beginning of its air on television, Dr. Who was not taken as seriously as it is currently. Although she did not start where she envisioned herself, she shares that if she could do it all over again, she would not have changed a thing. The last question of the evening asked Hudson if she had any serious failures on the show. “Well, certainly that’s for somebody else to decide,” replied Hudson with a grin. This event was put on by the University of Redlands’ Town and Gown, an association that focuses on why it is so great to live in a university town. Every year, Town and Gown hosts numerous events such as this. More events will pick up again at the start of the autumn semester.