The third episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy ended with a bit of an unexpectedly somber note.
As Starfleet Academy season 1, episode 3, “Vitus Reflux,” drew to a close, a special dedication card appeared on the screen ahead of the credits. “In loving memory of Carla Mingiardi,” read the tribute which aired directly after the episode. It was a touching tribute to a late member of the Star Trek family, who worked behind the scenes to help bring the world of Star Trek to life.
Sadly, Mingiardi passed away at the age of 59 in September 2024 after a battle with cancer.
"Carla was known for her boundless enthusiasm, love of life, and deep affection for those around her. She had a remarkable ability to light up any room she entered, always making time for fun and connection with friends and family," read the tribute in Mingiardi's honor following her death. "Even as she faced the knowledge of having a life shortened by cancer she lived to the fullest."
Mingiardi worked over 30 years in fashion and costume construction, with a specialty in patterns and samples. After studying at George Brown Polytechnic and The International Academy of Design and Technology Toronto, Mingiardi’s career path would take her down many roads which included work as a costume cutter/maker and fitter/seamstress for film, television, and print publicity.
Among the many titles Mingiardi worked on over the years was Star Trek: Discovery. Mingiardi worked on the third season of the hit series as a costume cutter, and also lent her talents to Star Trek: Short Treks as well. Working as a costume cutter on the series, Mingiardi was part of the team that worked to create patterns, cut fabric, and oversee the construction of costumes for the show, working closely with the designers to help bring their sketches to life via wearable garments for the actors they were designed for.
As Star Trek fans know, the series is responsible for some iconic wardrobe designs for its heroes and villains, and those designs take countless hours of work to craft. Mingiardi was among the many talented designers who played a role in creating the iconic looks seen in Star Trek: Discovery.
Although she did not work as a credited member of the Starfleet Academy team, it is not uncommon for franchises to honor individuals who made an impact on the franchise. This was the case in the tribute to Mingiardi in episode 3.
In addition to her work in the Star Trek franchise, Mingiardi founded the Miss Italy fashion line and worked at Valentino Sportswear while living in Italy. She also worked on a number of hit series and films including What We Do in the Shadows, The Marsh King’s Daughter, The Changeling, American Gods, and The Exception.
Her work on The Exception was a career high point leading to one of her proudest moments in her career: receiving a personal letter of thanks and recommendation from Christopher Plummer celebrating her work on the 2015 film in which he starred alongside Lily James and Jai Courtney.
Not every show takes the opportunity to recognize the behind the scenes talents who help bring these worlds to life, and it was touching to see the creative team behind Starfleet Academy honor Mingiardi and her contributions to the Star Trek universe through the dedication card.