Juul Haalmeyer’s story reads like a designer’s fairytale. Born in Haarlem, Netherlands in 1949; immigrating to the U.S. with his family in the 1950’s (California & Oregon); moving to Vancouver, Canada at 18, and then making his way to Toronto with the intention of becoming an opera singer. 

While working his way up through the ranks at Malabar’s Costumes he ended up falling down the rabbit hole of costume design, thanks to a chance meeting with Bob Mackie to see a taping of the Sonny & Cher pilot. Fortuitously, Juul would come onto the scene during the golden age of Canadian television; because of his immeasurable talent, he became an integral part of its magic.

Juul’s career took off after his first break as designer on the iconic The Pig and Whistle variety show. He would go on to work on the Rollin’ on the River variety series, The Bobby Vinton Show and SCTV, to name only a few. SCTV is widely regarded by critics everywhere as ranking alongside Monty Python's Flying Circus as one of the fathers of contemporary sketch comedy, featuring Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, John Candy and Catherine O'Hara. Yes, they were funny. Yes, the writing was hilarious, and yes, they could have all stood on stage naked to deliver their lines and it would have been a success. But they were dressed by Juul Haalmeyer, and that raised their level of play to stratospheric heights. Revered by the cast, Juul’s costume design work was equated to one of the comedy writers; his comedic sensibilities set him apart from other designers.

From Phyllis Diller and Jethro Tull to Shari Lewis and Vincent Price, the Emmy-award-winning designer personally dressed them all. He called himself a “poor man’s Bob Mackie” and  never met a sequin he didn't love. Twice nominated for an Emmy, Juul finally took one home in 1999 for his work with Jayne Eastwood on the show Noddy. In March 2020, CAFTCAD was greatly honoured to present the Nobis Industry Icon Award to a man who was long overdue for being recognized. 

Over a 45-year career, Juul also ran the wonderfully eclectic costume house Homemade Tarts. Not only did he serve the Canadian costume community with his fabulous collection, he supported and mentored many budding costumers. His legacy continues – along with many of his costumes – at Victory Girl Collection in Toronto, where you can still find his touch among all the glitter.