Tara Knol is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of remarkable achievements in the world of costume design. Her unwavering determination and passion propelled her into a career that would see her enjoy success in the film and television industry both in Ireland and across the globe.
Tara’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and commitment to a dream. After graduating at the top of her class from Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, where she studied Fashion Technique and Design, Tara moved to Europe to chase her lifelong dream of working in the film industry. Her story is nothing short of inspiring, as she kicked off her career as a costume trainee under the esteemed guidance of industry legends Bernie Pollack and Joan Bergin on the film, “The Devil’s Own.” Following that Tara enjoyed a remarkable string of opportunities where she learned her craft across various roles within the costume department. Her talents brought her into the orbit of some of the industry’s brightest stars, including the likes of Brad Pitt “The Devil’s Own’, Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘The Boxer’, and Meryl Streep in ‘Dancing at Lughnasa.’
Having made her mark in Ireland, Tara eventually returned home to Toronto, Canada, where she seamlessly transitioned into the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This dual experience of working on both sides of the Atlantic proved invaluable, allowing her to collaborate with the highest echelons of costume designers and filmmakers.
With a passion for breathing life into characters through the medium of costume, Tara’s talents culminated in her first feature film as a Costume Designer, earning her a coveted IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) nomination for Best Costume Design. Her brilliance continued to shine as she took on more roles as Costume Designer on acclaimed TV series such as “Moone Boy” and “KIN.”
Tara’s innovative spirit extends beyond the realm of costume design. In 2012, she embarked on a tech entrepreneurial journey and introduced iCostume, a groundbreaking app that digitally records costume continuity. Her forward-thinking approach also revolutionised the Irish film industry by pioneering the use of iPads to replace traditional camera and paper methods. Her entrepreneurial excellence was recognised through accolades such as winning the Female Founder Programme at NDRC and securing the top spot at the Bell Labs IP Mash Up. Tara was also a finalist in prestigious events like the ‘Coca-Cola Pitch’ and the ‘ESB Spark of Genius’ at Web Summit.
From 2017 to 2019, Tara held the esteemed position of Head of Costume at the iconic Gate Theatre in Dublin. Her tenure was marked by a comprehensive overhaul of the costume department, which included enhancing health and safety compliance, developing a departmental database, and restructuring staffing and budgeting in accordance with GDPR regulations. Simultaneously, she managed a portfolio of successful productions, demonstrating her multifaceted talents.
In the wake of the pandemic, Tara returned to her true passion, the world of film and television. As an assistant costume designer, she lent her expertise to Apple TV’s flagship sci-fi series, “Foundation,” working across locations in Ireland and the Canary Islands.
In 2021, Tara chose to devote her career exclusively to costume design for film and television, and she left an indelible mark on some of Ireland’s most popular television series, including the stylish “KIN” Season 2.
With unwavering dedication and unending creativity, Tara looks ahead to the future, she carries with her a lifetime goal; to win both an Emmy and an Oscar for Best Costume Design. Tara’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.