Few people in the global beauty and fashion world are as renowned behind-the-scenes as Dionne Cochrane. NYC-based Cochrane is a casting director and producer specializing in global beauty and fashion. With extensive scouting experience, Cochrane’s eponymous casting agency has done exceptionally well in the world of beauty.

Boasting a team that has worked with some of the industry’s top brands and creative agencies, Cochrane Casting’s goal is to provide its clients with the best talent for fashion shows, print, motion, street casting, and commercial projects. Simultaneously, Cochrane works as a freelance producer for beauty and runway productions with brands like Theophilio and Pat McGrath Labs. Within this work, Cochrane lends her skills to campaigns that authentically promote intersectionality and inclusion, and has done so over her almost decade-long career.

Cochrane’s client list includes Google, Mastercard, Converse, Tumi, Shea Moisture, Beats by Dre, Kiehl’s, The Row, and more. Most recently, her casting work for House of Aama’s Salt Water film received a Best Ensemble Cast nomination from the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival.

You can check out more of Cochrane’s work here on Creatively and @hellocreatively on Instagram.

What is the first creative project you remember?

In high school, we had a literary magazine, and I was on the staff. I just remember how exciting it was to not only contribute my poetry but to help put together the magazine for our school. Collaborating with other creative students was really fun and probably why I still enjoy collaborations today. Shout out to the best English teacher, Sr. Connie.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Authentic, Nostalgic, Bold

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I’ve had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects. Recently, I did the casting for Google Pixel’s latest campaign that highlighted their Real Tone software that can capture our diverse skin tones more accurately. Not only did the campaign have representation in front of the camera, but it was also behind the camera! I can’t describe how good that makes me feel.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I was the Casting Director for Black Fashion Fair’s debut issue Volume 0: SEEN. It taught me about the power of community and collaboration. So many talented Black creatives were able to be seen and share their stories authentically. That’s so important and it reminded me that my ideas and contributions matter.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with or something you’re taught?

It can be both, but I know it’s in my DNA. My mom is so creative so I’m sure it made it easier for my brother and me to tap into our creativity early on. There are things we are taught that can enhance the creativity we already have.

What’s a dream collaboration or project you’ve always wanted to do?

I was born in Jamaica but left the island at a very young age. I’ve been able to cast and produce a few editorials there but my dream is to have a campaign shot in my neighborhood—on my father’s land or the roads I used to walk with my grandparents to church. I love how Grace Wales Bonner captures the beauty of our heritage in her work and I’d love to collaborate with her and other Jamaican designers like Martine Rose, Bianca Saunders, Theophilio, and more.

What’s the last dream you had?

I was preparing a bath for someone using rosemary, thyme, and lavender.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

Hopefully, it doesn’t take 100 years for people to write about my work or my impact on this industry. Maybe they’ll write about the award-winning films I did the casting for, or a successful publication I founded that’s still running.

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