35 Years in the Music Industry: Costume Secrets and Travel Tales with Jennifer Jacobs
In this engaging interview, Jennifer Jacobs shares her 35-year journey in the music industry, revealing behind-the-scenes stories of touring, costume design, quick changes, and the joys and challenges of life on the road. Discover how her passion for travel, her meticulous work ethic, and her personal anecdotes highlight the incredible world of tour life and costume management. Jennifer Jacobs shares her extensive experience in wardrobe management for top artists, highlighting the importance of organization, presentation, personality, and industry support systems. Discover her insights on archiving iconic costumes, supporting artists, and evolving industry roles.
EPISODE 347 - LEADING LADIES
Jennifer Jacobs is a veteran wardrobe supervisor, costume designer, and stylist with more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
She began her touring career in 1991 as a wardrobe assistant for Luther Vandross and went on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Tina Turner, Cher, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Cole, and Bette Midler.Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked across global concert tours, television, and theatrical productions, and has also managed costume archives for artists like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Bruno Mars—helping preserve iconic stage looks for future generations.
She holds degrees in both Fashion Design and Costume Design and lives by the motto: “Do what you love and you will have a happy career, not a job.”
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Jennifer Jacobs
04:44 The Role of a Wardrobe Supervisor
08:26 Journey into the Costume Design Industry
14:29 Experiences on Tour and Building Relationships
20:26 Life on Tour: The Ups and Downs
26:24 Traveling the World Through Music
29:02 The Importance of Touring Family
30:29 Maximizing Travel Opportunities
33:31 The Dynamics of Quick Changes
43:32 Behind the Scenes: Stories of Quick Changes
54:20 The Art of Costume Archiving
01:00:28 Advice for Aspiring Wardrobe Professionals
01:01:56 The Importance of Self-Care on Tour
01:03:27 Women in the Touring Industry: A Historical Perspective
01:06:04 Resilience in the Face of Adversity
01:11:11 The Art of Adaptability in Live Performances
01:12:14 Mentorship and Learning in the Entertainment Industry
01:15:05 The Power of Presentation and Attention to Detail
01:23:21 Reflections on a Long Career in Touring
01:25:53 Advocating for Mental Health and Support in the Industry
01:33:19 Leading Ladies Outro.mp4
Jennifer is a veteran wardrobe supervisor, costume designer, and stylist with more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She began her touring career in 1991 as a wardrobe assistant for Luther Vandross and quickly became one of the most trusted wardrobe professionals in global concert touring.
Over the course of her career, Jennifer has worked with an extraordinary roster of legendary artists including Tina Turner, Cher, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Barry White, Sade, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Earth, Wind & Fire, Steven Tyler, and many more. Her work spans touring, television, commercials, and theatrical productions, where she has designed and built everything from elaborate stage costumes to specialty wardrobe pieces.
In addition to her touring work, Jennifer is deeply involved in preserving music and fashion history. She has managed professional costume archives for artists such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Natalie Cole—ensuring that iconic stage pieces are preserved for exhibitions and future generations.
Jennifer holds degrees in both Fashion Design and Costume Design and continues to mentor the next generation of designers. She also serves as Assistant Professor of Costume Design and Costume Director at Tulane University while remaining active in the touring world.
Her personal motto reflects the passion that has fueled her career for decades: “Do what you love and you will have a happy career, not a job.”
