The Craftsmanship Behind Enchanting Animal Costume Heads

Through her unique artistry, Lisa Laurén has blended her imaginative upbringing with her skill in textiles, creating captivating animal costume heads that have garnered attention in the performing arts world, starting from $2,500.

In the vibrant world of performance art, Lisa Laurén stands out for her extraordinary ability to bring animal characters to life through custom-designed costume heads. With a background rooted in a creative commune in Sweden, her artistic journey is fueled by a childhood filled with imagination. “When I receive a request for an animal head, it feels like I’m going on a play date,” Laurén expresses from her airy Berlin apartment, where colorful character creations begin to take shape.

Each piece reflects her dedication to manifesting the visions of clients, as she describes her work: “I’m trying to condense somebody else’s dream and make it into something.” The animal heads are one aspect of Laurén's diverse career as a freelance textile artist. Her portfolio showcases collaborations with prestigious clients, including Netflix, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Tate Museum, highlighting her versatility and expertise in textiles and performance design.

Her journey into the realm of animal costume heads began in 2011 when she and her collaborator Benjamin Tyrrell were commissioned by the Komische Oper Berlin to create costumes for the production of Leos Janacek’s “The Cunning Little Vixen,” which features characters inspired by forest creatures. Since then, Laurén has established herself as a go-to artist for theatrical, operatic, and expressive performances, with her stunning creations priced between $2,500 and $3,500.

Laurén’s passion for transforming dreams into reality continues to captivate performers and audiences alike, making her works not just costumes, but an essential part of storytelling in the performing arts landscape.