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Q1 What's a highlight of your recent design career?
There have been many, but I think that the most important one has been the opportunity to collaborate with indigenous tribes in Brazil on my next collection - I am going to be bringing their embroidery and textile work into several of the designs. Also, I am very excited about the abundance of eco-friendly fabrics available and the transition to a more eco friendly line.... We have also had some stars such as Eva Mendes, Beth Reisgraf, and Scarlett Johansson buy pieces from the collection which is very exciting!
Q2 What did you get the concept for your collection Spring 2008?
It always starts with the natural beauty of women.... Spring 2008 was inspired by the colorful and Grecian quality of Paul Poiret's work mixed with a Studio 54 Jerry Hall/Diana Ross late '70's vibe. Also, nature, I am always inspired by nature and just making a woman feel smart and elegant in my designs |
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Q3 What is your designing process like?
Me and my husband go hiking/camping a lot and I get really inspired from being in nature. Being amongst the trees and the flowers brings forth so many ideas for me + a true sense of beauty and peace. This is where it all starts for me. This natural inspiration gets mixed in with memories and observations from books, movies, history etc... and magically a new collection evolves.
Q4 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
There are several. I have loved Coco Chanel since I was a little girl as well as Lanvin, Vionnet, and Claire McCardell. I also have a special place in my heart for the great designers of classic Hollywood such as Adrian and Travis Banton.
Q5 Music to live by
I love a lot of music but the The Beatles will always come first! Recently, While I'm working I love to listen to Cocteau Twins, Colleen, Goldfrapp |
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Q11 Could you tell us your secret favorite store.
I love Ebay. I have found the most amazing vintage YSL, Ungaro and Biba pieces on Ebay-
Q12 What are your aspirations?
I treasure the beauty in our world and want to protect it. Through my business, I aspire to create beautiful and glamorous clothing that is not only elegant and gorgeous but also ethical and constructed out of sustainable materials. I am starting to give a small percentage of profits to various environmental causes such as onepercentfortheplanet.org and pachamaalliance.org and want to continue doing this as the company grows. I feel that the true beauty of a piece of clothing comes not only from the beauty of the design but from the total integrity of the process from start to finish. Currently Kristinit is only sold in the US and I would love to see the line being sold abroad in Japan, Europe, etc... |
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Q13 Would you like to add anything for the fans?
I am flattered to be interviewed by your magazine because I have always admired Japanese women for their innate sense of style and elegance! I love the way you mix high fashion and vintage pieces... it is so inspiring! |
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In the fall of 2005, Kristina initiated her own line: KRISTINIT. Already recognized as having to offer something of value to the fashion world, the line has been featured in many publications over the past year including IN TOUCH, OK MAGAZINE, TEEN VOGUE, APPAREL NEWS, NYLON, DAILY CANDY, ELLE, STYLE.COM, and a "One to Watch" article in LUCKY MAGAZINE. The stars are lining up as well, as Kristinit counts the elegant and beautiful EVA MENDES, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, ZOE DESCHANEL, BOBBIE THOMAS, and FINOLA HUGHES among her celebrity clients.
More importantly, every garment is locally constructed and a percentage of each sale is donated to various charities that promote the well being of life on our planet including onepercentfortheplanet.org and pachama.org
"As a consumer, it is important to question where your clothes come from. The most beautiful thing about a piece of clothing is not how cheaply you bought it or even the style of it, but rather where it was made, who made it and what kind of impact it has on the environment." says Kristina. |
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Q6 What is the one must-have article of clothing for women this summer?
This summer, I think everyone needs a pair of super chic gladiator sandals. I just bought a fabulous pair of brown patent leather ones from Stuart Weitzman and they are the perfect compliment to all of my vintage pieces and Kristinit silk dresses etc...
Q7 Name three things we might be surprised to find in your closet.
Dusty hiking boots and backpack, handmade wedding jacket made from 19th century French lace(designed for my wedding in 2006) + my cute black and white cat Fonzi sleeping in my laundry basket!
Q8 If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
Marlene Dietrich!
Q9 Whose closet would you like to raid?
Queen Elizabeth! |
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Q10 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
I love all kinds of food and actually enjoy cooking quite a bit. I love going to the Farmer's Market in Santa Monica on Sundays and stocking up on fresh vegetables and baked goods. It's fun to be creative and make sauces and come up with new dishes. Recently, we acquired an ice cream maker and I have been obsessed with making the perfect ice cream! |
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