ErinHirsh (1)
Erin Hirsh is one of the most sought after and artistically diverse costume designers in the entertainment industry. Having worked with a multitude of celebrities, her resume spans from Ellen De Generes and Rihanna to critically acclaimed directors David Lynch and Spike Jonze. She is best known for executing conceptual designs with impeccable craftsmanship.
Currently Erin is the head costume designer behind NBC’s Emmy Award winning television show The Voice, where she has earned herself two Emmy nominations.
Prior to her career in fashion Erin worked as a professional dancer in New York. Her experience as a performer was instrumental in discovering her talent for costume design and lends itself to meet the unique demands of dressing artists for stage. She has designed multiple world tours and award show costumes for Kanye West, Rihanna, Janelle Monae, and Gnarls Barkley. One of her most recognizable pieces of work was a design collaboration in conjunction with Kanye West and NASA engineers to create the elaborate “light-up jacket” and glasses worn during Kanye’s Grammy performance of “Stronger.”
Critically acclaimed by the fashion community as well as the technology industry, the jacket was revered as ground breaking, and currently resides as part of the permanent collection at the Grammy Museum. In addition to being an innovative costume designer, Erin is often brought on as a creative consultant to help artists realize their vision, from staging concepts to video treatments and album packaging. Erin doesn’t confine herself to any particular area of art or fashion. She prides herself on being able to take on any creative challenge, whether it’s designing for pop stars or hired to consult on projects in the realm of visual art, theater, or dance.
How many children do you have? What inspired their names?
I have one son, Cairo, who is five years old. If you ask him, he’s technically five and three-quarters, he loves to celebrate his “in-between birthdays!” His name was inspired by a pro skater named Cairo Foster who my son’s father idealized growing up and always loved his first name.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
Any way I get to be with Cairo instantly become my favorite way to spend time with him. With a hectic schedule as a single mom I have to prioritize, and Cairo is always number one on that list! His energy is contagious and instantly puts a smile on my face. He’s such an adventurer and loves traveling, it’s so much fun to explore new places with him!
Are their any children’s brands you find yourself buying over and over again?
Cairo definitely has his own style that reflects a bit of rebel and rock & roll. He is so vocal about what he wears! It’s fun to see him experiment at his age and how his style totally reflects his emerging personality. Vans, Gap Kids, & Target are some of our favorites.
How has motherhood affected your personal style?
My life before Cairo was filled with a world of insane fashion, but my style has always remained structured, simple, and feminine with a masculine edge. After Cairo, I swapped comfortable and convenient pieces into my wardrobe that remained true to my style roots. I’ve continued styling since Cairo’s birth and found it easy to dress true to my aesthetic to reflect my work, but I needed to be able to dress strategically enough to bounce back between work and home life. It’s so important to find pieces that are easy to slip on and great for on the go; life with a new man in the house gets unpredictable!
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
I love experiencing something new everyday with Cairo; he has taught me love exists on a level I never knew was possible. While it’s also bittersweet, I adore watching Cairo grow into his own personality and into his age. I’ve started to see that he’s wildly creative and imaginative. It’s amazing to watch him discover or creative something new and share it with me.
What’s the hardest thing about being a mom?
Finding the perfect balance in between everything! Time escapes you as a Mom and that makes it very difficult to balance everything on your plate all at once. Your time for friends, leisure, and work gets put on the backburner and time management becomes your new best friend. My schedule at The Voice can get super hectic and taking any extra time away from Cairo or even not being able to pick him up from school can really take a toll.
What’s your favorite recipe to make at home?
I love making Kale Chips. They are quick, easy, and delicious!
Has your beauty routine changed at all since you’ve had kids?
Everything became simplified. Being pregnant makes you super aware of the harsh things you use on or put in your body, so I started to reach for more organic products. I keep makeup to a bare minimum, always moisturize, and drink tons of water throughout my day to stay hydrated all around. Whole Foods is an amazing place to shop for beauty products that are great for your skin and body!
What have you learned from your kids?
Children are so observant. It’s shocking! Cairo sees and knows things I could have never noticed without him being there to share with me. Cairo is adventurous, curious, and innovative – his actions inspire me to be so, too. I have learned how to be patient on a totally new level. If you think you’re patient, having a new addition to the family will definitely redefine that word for you! I’ve also learned how to just go with the flow and enjoy life right here, right now.