Former CAFTCAD President Loretta Chin

 

Loretta Chin (1962–2025) was a distinguished Canadian costume professional, stylist, and journalist whose career spanned over three decades in the fashion, film, and television industries. Based in Toronto, she was widely recognized for her multifaceted expertise as a costume buyer, assistant costume designer, and stylist, earning a reputation for her innate fashion knowledge and extensive network of global sources.

Chin transitioned from a successful career in fashion journalism at publications like the Toronto Star and Flare into the world of film and television. As a costume buyer, she described herself as a "problem solver" who excelled at fulfilling a designer's vision by sourcing unique collections and building relationships with suppliers. Her work often bridged the gap between high-end luxury and street-style, as well as period and contemporary aesthetics.

Notable Buying and Costume Credits includeStar Trek: Discovery Season 3, Wish Upon, Incorporated Designated Survivor (AMC), Hemlock GroveJett, and Say Yes to the Dress: Canada. She styled campaigns for global brands such as Nike, Mastercard, Air Canada, and L’Oreal, working with icons like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Milla Jovovich, and Robin Williams.

Chin was a pillar of the Canadian costume community, serving as the long-time President of the Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design (CAFTCAD). In this role, and as Editor-in-Chief of its publication, BeSpoke, she was a tireless advocate for costume professionals, focusing on education and industry promotion.

She passed away in July 2025, leaving a legacy of mentorship and a significant impact on the artistry of costume design in Canada.