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When “The Four Seasons” hit Netflix in May 2025, most viewers sat back, relaxed and enjoyed a show that followed the lives of three middle-aged couples. Folks who call Hudson Valley home might have even recognized familiar backdrops, including scenes throughout the small city of Beacon, New York.
But one viewer was keeping an eye out for another thing: how each actor’s clothing looked.
Rachaell Dama ’10 (Communication Media), who worked as a costumer on the series, had a unique perspective on the four months of filming. While others on set studied lines and framed shots, Dama was responsible for ensuring that every actor’s outfit was just right for each scene, every tie was knotted just so, every piece of jewelry rested in the right place, and every article of clothing stayed dry even during rainy shoots.
"My specific job is to make sure the right costume is going on the right person at the right time and that it stays correct in the context of which it is being used,” said Dama. “It's reading the script, understanding what’s going on, observing your actor, knowing what they’re doing.”
The project extended a busy and successful career in costume design for Dama, who has previously worked on big name movies like “The Whale,” “Mean Girls,” “Smile 2,” “Companion” and shows like “Poker Face,” “White House Plumbers,” “Pretty Little Liars” and “Gossip Girl.”
“The Four Seasons,” which rose to hold the number one spot on Netflix after launching, features Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney, Colman Domingo, Marco Calvani and Erika Henningsen.
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But even a star-studded cast doesn’t distract Dama from her top priority on set, which is doing her job well. She’s there to do the things that the average viewer might not think twice about – like ensuring that Kenney’s wedding dress in episode one stayed white on a muddy day – so that the story and the performances can hold onto audience attention.
"I really enjoy what I do because it’s a thing that no one thinks about, but if it doesn’t go off without a hitch, then you notice it or something doesn’t feel right,” said Dama. “You know a costume designer does a great job when they make you think that person is in the right thing and you don’t notice it's a costume.”
How does that get done? A lot of running around, communicating and keeping everything as organized as possible. The work brings her back to her time at SUNY New Paltz, when she first dove into the world of production, learning potential career paths with storytelling.
“There is an openness about this place, where I had to do projects with people that I didn’t know and communicate what our strengths are,” said Dama. “I learned you have to be direct and clear in what you’re saying. And then just trying your best.”
Dama was back on campus in spring 2025 for the University’s annual Media Day, a growing tradition hosted by the Department of Digital Media & Journalism, the Center for Student Media, and the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, aimed at connecting working alumni with students who are preparing for graduation for conversations about their career developments and their experiences at New Paltz.
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Dama sat on a panel with other successful industry professionals, including:
- Susanna Granieri ’21 (Digital Media Production; Journalism), a First Amendment Watch Editorial Assistant
- Stephanie Ryba ’17 (Digital Media Production; Journalism), an Associate Producer at Paramount Digital & Unscripted Studios
- James Ferguson ’05 (Communication Media), Vice President of Digital Solutions & Partnerships at Active International
- Heidi Vanderlee ’07 (Communication Media), Founder of Positive Jam PR
- Brandon Worden’20 (Digital Media Production), a Live Video Operator for The Walt Disney Company.
The luncheon keynote address was given by Erin Brady ’05 (Communication Media), a senior producer for Good Morning America.
The event welcomed around 50 guests, including students who were eager to ask alumni about the details of landing a job post-graduation. Dama gave out some helpful pointers on being a part of a union, the benefits of networking everywhere you go and the importance of having the courage to try to do new things even if you think you can’t.
"Do the thing, try it out, and enjoy it, even if it's silly,” said Dama, when we asked her about what advice she has for others emerging into the field. “Try to have fun. Everyone works hard to do something, but it’s not that serious. Go outside, get enough sleep, drink water and wear the right shoes.”
Dama recently celebrated the news that “The Four Seasons” was renewed for a second season. She’s also staying busy on other projects, including something being filmed in New Jersey this summer.
Do you have a story to share for the New Paltz Magazine? Drop us a line at magazine@newpaltz.edu.
