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Q1 Could you tell us what's a highlight of your recent design career?
The opening of my own brand-name boutique: Smith on Sullivan, featuring our "Made in NoHo" (local) production of the Kareen Smith Design line. Recently, the boutique was described by ZAGAT, as: "a brick-walled atelier on the SoHo [- NoHo] Village border."
Q2 If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
Renee Zellweger |
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Q3 What can you tell us about your designs?
This Spring line is very romantic and ideal for layering. I like to use natural fibers only; they are easier to wear, more comfortable for the body; they breathe. I like loose fits in highly designed, minimalist pieces. It is the woman's body that completes and shapes my pieces. You have to feel and see them on. Note that my line is constantly evolving and added to throughout the season – one of the advantages of producing onsite.
Q4 What are you wearing this spring?
Kareen Smith Design
Q5 What do you offer to consumers different than others?
Original clothing at great value, produced on premises with always with something new. Great, warm, personalized service.
Q6 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
Everyday people inspire me. |
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Q14 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
Boyd Thai on Thompson Street.
Q15 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
Please come and meet the designer. I produce in my boutique, and I love to share a cup of tea or a glass of white wine (depending on the time of the day). I look forward to meeting you. |
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Kareen Smith Design started out in the late 1990's as a company making clothing out of hemp and organic natural textiles. With the 2006 opening of Smith on Sullivan boutique, Kareen has expanded to a full line of fine hand-crafted ready-to-wear garments.
Kareen plans to slowly expand production to keep with a hand-crafted approach that never compromises design and quality. Soon, the Kareen Smith Design line will be available for wholesale to select boutiques. For the moment, the Kareen Smith Design brand are treasured pieces with the astute connoisseur who knows they have encountered something unique at great value. |
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Q7 What project you are working on right now?
Fall 2008 and immediate Spring updates for the boutique.
Q8 what do you see people wearing on the streets that you think is not tasteful?
Tight leggings, which reveal a bit more than our imagination wants to see. Leggings are not pants.
Q9 Whose closet would you like to raid?
Katharine Hepburn (if she were alive).
Q10 Music to live by
Pink Floyd
Q11 If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Somewhere I have not yet been... Thailand. I like the food.
Q12 Tell us your secret favorite store.
No secret: Barney's NY. |
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Q13 What are your aspirations?
To get women to start dressing again and find their individuality, and decide for themselves what is beautiful. Also, I want to bring back the passion for craftsmanship, and hands-on production. Local production is also more ecological and more inspiring than the industrial, global practices. A piece of garment is a piece of art, not something to just consume and throw away. |
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