Thirty minutes into our interview, I had scrawled three pages of notes but still no story through-line.
If you try to connect the dots of Chenoa Faun’s life, the line wouldn’t be straight—it would spiral, whirl, dazzle. Sequined, no doubt.
She ran away to join the circus. Modeled in L.A. Danced in more than 100 music videos. Opened and closed two brick-and-mortar boutiques. Became an adept in the healing arts.
She performed burlesque in Paris with ostrich feathers. Danced with Cirque du Soleil in the spirit of the Folies Bergère. She became a mother. She launched a 1930s-inspired lingerie and loungewear line called Chanteuse. She helped establish fire dancing at Burning Man, spinning flames in an aerial act.
I’m in a tizzy—and it’s not the pink champagne. Chenoa Faun has lived a storied life, so it fits that she now finds herself costuming characters for the rock stage and silver screen.
Take a moment to scroll through her Instagram “look book” at @chenoafaun_stylist. Her looks mix loaned and purchased pieces with items heavily customized, recycled or handmade.
Cincinnatus Hibbard: Tell us the sources of your varied aesthetic.
Chenoa Faun: Above all things, fashion is my passion (laughs). I’m so inspired by vintage circus costumes from the ’20s and ’30s—there’s this film Freaks that I often reference. I was in a vaudeville-inspired circus, the Yard Dogs Road Show, with burlesque, sword swallowers and trapeze. Some of the musicians went on to be part of Beats Antique … I’m also inspired by old showgirls—and lately, cowboys. Country and western.
And old Hollywood …
I love it. Elvis … Marilyn Monroe … Nina Simone … Etta James. There’s something about female singers that has always struck me.
That reminds me of your high-profile collaboration with Sierra Ferrell, winner of the 2025 Grammy for Best Americana Album. You put her in the most glamorous showgirl and cowgirl styles.
I love styling people and making them feel their best—putting them in clothes that are authentic to who they are and what their style is. I don’t want to just dress people up in what I like. I want to get to know them.
I understand stage and screen gigs can be intense. You have to be resourceful and work fast. Tell me about your first costuming job.
It was for God of War—the video game character.
No way. Half-savage Kratos the god-killer? (laughs)
It was challenging because there hadn’t been a real-life representation of him.
What did you dress the actor in?
Oh, you know—stuff from the hardware store, some thrifting, cut leather. The actor was taken on a cart drawn by giant Clydesdales through the city to a store for the game’s release.
You should write a book.
(Laughs) I’m writing a screenplay.
Tease your costume collection for the circus-themed North Bay Fashion Ball.
There will be five looks—“the mime,” “the contortionist,” “the horse trainer” [pictured above], “the lion tamer” and “the ringleader” of them all!
Learn more : Follow this url: linktr.ee/chenoafaunLINKS to connect with Chenoa Faun herself. Become a character, become yourself.
