 This led to her receiving a commission to design film costumes for Ann E. Todd, and to create outfits for children including the offspring of stars such as Gracie Allen and Jack Benny.Unlike other designers working in the field, Wilkens designed clothes particularly for young girls and teenagers, rather than making miniature versions of their mothers' garments.Realising that children grew quickly, she made garments that adjusted to accommodate changes in the adolescent figure, whilst maintaining an age-appropriate appearance.