SLUG Style: Aura Martinez Sandoval

Local production and costume designer Aura Martinez Sandoval is as well-versed in putting together stunning, eclectic looks as she is behind the scenes on a film set. Her affinity for unique film and television inspires her one-of-a-kind style and vice versa. Keep up with her creativity on Instagram at @auur0rra and keep your eyes peeled for the release of It Came From Inside!, a short horror flick she co-directed, at @itcamefrominsidemovie.  

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but I take a lot of inspiration from the visual media I consume. I love the way characters in ‘90s TV shows are dressed, specifically Fran

Fine, Sabrina Spellman, Buffy Summers and Moesha Mitchell! I also gravitate toward anything with a vampy or dark fantasy aspect to it—I absolutely adore a puffy sleeve. The costumes in movies like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Labyrinth, Crimson Peak and Poor Things are completely seared into my brain. Right now, I’m really loving Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush’s witchy boho outfits. The more my outfit looks like a costume, the better, I say. 

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

My boring answer to this is reading. My niche answer is that I am obsessed with learning about the meaning of snails in medieval art. 

What is the overlap between your fashion and the personal style you bring to filmmaking? 

I’m very particular about the color palette I wear, fabric textures and even the length of sock I choose. I feel like all these elements and attention to detail carry over into how I plan the costumes or sets for a film. It also influences the movies I most enjoy and would like to make one day.

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?

I’m 100% an always “on” person, but recently I’ve come to realize that it’s getting a little mentally tiring to always feel like I have to wear my very best to the local grocery store. There’s a reason a lot of artists wear simple black outfits or a “uniform” in their day-to-day life. 

What genres of film are you most drawn to and how does that relate to your style? What films have influenced you the most?

I love clothing that skews towards the historical or the fantastical (puffy sleeves!) and romantic silhouettes. I think that has everything to do with watching Interview with the Vampire and Phantom of the Opera when I was 9. I’m definitely drawn to movies with big, intricate costumes, but I don’t think that influences the genres that I like. My absolute favorite genre of film is horror, but I don’t want to dress like a character from Suspiria (the ‘70s version) or Rosemary’s Baby.   

Are there any specific film characters with a unique sense of style that you admire?

I would do unspeakable things to get the dressing robe/nightgown combo Edith wears in Crimson Peak. I also love any outfit in a ‘90s or ‘00s romcom.

Can you share a bit about your recent film It Came From Inside? What was your role on set and how can people watch it?

My favorite thing to talk about! I co-wrote and co-directed my first (anything before this doesn’t count and has been wiped from existence) short film back in the summer of 2023, and it’s been such an incredible journey so far. It’s doing the festival circuit right now, so it’s not currently available to stream, but I can’t wait for everyone to be able to see it soon! It’s a mix of horror and comedy with a lot of inspiration from older ‘70s campy slashers and monster flicks. If I had to pick two words to summarize the plot they would be: Cosmically Queer. 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?

Critical, romantic, wistful.

How has your personal style evolved over time?

I don’t participate in trends as much anymore and I feel like that has helped me pinpoint what silhouettes and colors I actually like on myself. I also used to absolutely hate skirts and dresses, but that’s pretty much all I wear now. I’m so glad I ditched the neon skinny jeans—bless you, 2014. 

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Cry more. Tell the important people you love them. Let them go (and for God’s sake, learn to hem your pants). 

Read more SLUG Style features: 
SLUG Style: Eliza James
SLUG Style: Chloe Akira