Interview with Rachael Wood of Chinti & Parker

Anna & Rachael of Chinti & Parker 

Rachael Wood, Chinti & Parker co-founder, sat down to answer our questions about her playful collaboration with business partner and cousin, Anna Singh.  The quality conscious brand launched in 2009, producing comfortable, timeless cuts that "allows you to simply get dressed and get on with it". With a loyal following on both sides of the pond, Chinti & Parker has made a name by setting high standards for value. Proponents of  a ‘buy better’ philosophy, Chinti & Parker buy the very best materials while insuring that every step of the production is done in safe and fair environments.

Star Sweater by Chinti & Parker

$525

Why did you choose to have the cashmere pieces made in Mauritius? 

We work with many factories, mainly in Europe but we work with a family run factory in Mauritius because their craftsmanship is excellent and they put up with our technical knitwear designs which have been known to challenge the more traditional of knitters.

Guernsey Stripe Sweater by Chinti & Parker

$470

What separates your quality cashmere from other brands that are less expensive? 

The answer lies partly in the question. Quality. To begin with we work with the best yarn available in the market; it is expensive but it will last the test of time. Design, fit and make are all extremely important to us hence why we go to great lengths to find the perfect manufacturers. Workers are paid a fair wage and all working conditions are of a high standard. All of these things mean that our product looks great; plus you can feel great about the way in which your sweater has been made.

External Seam Cardigan by Chinti & Parker

$470

What inspires you and where does your whimsical design sense come from? 

We don't take ourselves too seriously and I think this comes across in our playful designs. When it comes down to whether a style makes it into the collection, we always ask ourselves, would I want to wear this?

Bow Print Shirt by Chinti & Parker

$174 $102

What can we expect from Chinti & Parker in the future? 

Our big news this autumn is the launch of menswear.

"We always ask ourselves, would I want to wear this?" 

What makes a stylish person in your opinion.

Someone who stays true to their own taste, who isn't swayed by trend. Above all, this person has confidence. If you believe you have it, then we will too.

Bamboo Jersey Maxi V-Neck Dress by Chinti & Parker

$255 $153

What has been the biggest obstacle and boon of being a designer? 

I think it's very difficult to get noticed these days; it's a challenge even getting your foot in the door in the first place. Managing the balance between creativity and commerciality is also a challenge. The boon is being able to do something I love. It is a privilege and something I am extremely grateful for.

All images courtsey of Chinti & Parker and Parallel. Article by Elizabeth Aley.

Interview with Nancy Caten of NCbis

Nancy Caten is the designer and jeweler behind NCbis. A bay area native, Nancy creates her unique pieces in her San Francisco studio. Known for combining precious metals, rare and semi-precious stones, her work is influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th century, marked as “a reaction against the industrial revolution and the mass production of goods”.  Her work is unconventional - incorporating vintage materials with a decisively modern edge.

1. In college, an Art professor once told me “the creative part of being an Artist is making a living”. As a professional artist, what has been your recipe for success?

I consider myself a craftsperson, rather than an artist. What interests me most is the process of creation. The journey one takes to make the piece is what drives me, not always the end product. To be successful it’s necessary to take note of the ever changing fashion trends but not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by those constant shifts. You still need to find a place where your ideas and passions fit into the market.

2. Take us through your design process. Where do you find your inspiration when approaching a new design or collection?

I’m inspired by many diverse things. travel, music, nature and I also spend a lot of time in museums which are spiritual places for me. When it comes to designing a new collection I don’t do drawings. Instead I use more of a collage method, assembling different elements like a puzzle and discovering what fits organically.

3. On your website it says your designs are influenced by the “Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century”, can you elaborate?

The arts & crafts movement began in the late nineteenth century as a reaction against the industrial revolution and the mass production of goods. It honored quality craftsmanship of everyday products. My own goal is that each individual piece be designed and well crafted by hand. A personal touch invests the work with a human spirit that’s pleasing to me and hopefully to the wearer as well.

"The journey one takes to make the piece is what drives me, not always the end product."

4. Many of your pieces include vintage materials while maintaining a modern edge. How do the vintage materials tie into your designs? What do they signify?

Sometimes I use vintage french metal stampings from the late 1800’s or vintage Japanese and Czech beads but I assemble them using a contemporary silhouette and color palate. Repurposing and recycling materials is important to me. Each piece should have character and a life, and not be throw away adornment.

5. What has been your biggest obstacle and boon as a designer?

When you have a small design business the multitude of daily responsibilities can sometimes get in the way of the creative process. That’s when I know it’s time to visit an art gallery or take a trip to a new destination to refresh my vision.

Images courtesy of Nancy Caten. Article by Elizabeth Aley 

Interview with Davora Lindner of Prairie Underground

We had the pleasure of interviewing Davora Lindner, co-designer and head of marketing at Prairie Underground. With a background as a sculptor, she has earned numerous accolades for her art and recognition for her collaboration with Camilla Eckersley on their wildly popular apparel line: Prairie Underground. We sat down for a quick chat about this innovative brand out of Seattle.

 


As Artists, what makes you tick? Where do you find your inspiration for a new collection? 

We're self-referential in the way we work. Our theme is generally Prairie Underground and what we have produced historically. The collection is created in homage to a time and place in the late 80's but its meant to address the needs of contemporary women. It's common for new styles to be based on a previous ones that we're perfecting or evolving. We reference fashion history and interpret historical silhouettes in contemporary fabrications. Pret-a-Porter designers also inspire what we create.

"Fashion is an applied art and that dialogue is global and evolving. It's our job to offer garments that are novel that also have a broad appeal. We try to think more like inventors than artists." 

 What does your average day look like? 

Responding to email, phone calls, problem solving and fittings. There are quarterly creative periods devoted to sketching, pattern making, colors stories, textile development and photo shoots but we spend a lot of time on the day to day demands of running our company. We're lucky to work with an incredibly talented team of individuals we also consider friends. It's a unique environment and we laugh a lot.

What makes a stylish person? 

Careful planning and self discipline. Important to note that it isn't essential to be stylish.

What has been the biggest obstacle having your own line? 

It's always been decision making. It's daily, of vital importance and generally time sensitive.

All images courtesy of Prairie Underground. Article by: Elizabeth Aley

Interview with Stylist Scarlet Chamberlin

Stylist and jewelry designer, Scarlet Chamberlin sits down with us to discuss fashion and the upcoming summer season. With a wealth of knowledge about how to wear clothes with confidence, Scarlet works with clients one-on-one to help pull collections together. An advocate for feeling your best by loving what you wear, Scarlet works with clients to find a unique look completely their own.  Let's dive in, shall we! 

What makes a stylish person in your opinion?

A truly stylish person is someone who has considered their wardrobe and their look and fully owns it. They’ve aligned their look with their essence and personality. They draw on inspiration from a variety of sources for example: pop culture, travel, street style, icons from the past, art, film, theater, science. Some of the most stylish women I’ve met are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. They wear a blend of heirloom, vintage, designer, mass produced, and handmade clothing and accessories. They have lived long enough to know that some of the best looks happen when they experiment, they aren’t afraid of what others think, they have an opinion, they understand quality. I think anyone can wear a stylish outfit, especially if it’s free, but building a stylish wardrobe on one’s own with the confidence to pull it off takes time and a sense of adventure!

Any trends you are excited about for the coming season? 

• Comfortable shoes! I’m so happy to see lower heeled designer options, thank goodness, and “comfort shoe” brands are finally offering flattering and fashionable styles. 
• Waist defining silhouettes. I enjoy wearing boxy layers and flow-y dresses, but it’s really fun to see the return of the figure contouring hourglass silhouette available in all sizes. I love the boning, corsetry, bustier details done in an edgy way this season. 
• Tie dye and ombre in understated or subdued tones. Dip dyeing in neutral tones appeals to fashion forward beach babes and a more mature audience looking for visual texture. Great for summer. I love my Kain Label jacket from Parallel! 
• No makeup. It’s happening on the runways. And major celebrities, like Reese Witherspoon in the upcoming movie WILD, are choosing not to wear makeup on screen. Now let’s see if the general public adopts it.  

Tell us about your process with a client; how do you find the right look?

When I work with clients, my main goal is to bring forth the stylish person inside them. That starts with a solid foundation of knowing what suits your body type and personality. With that filter in mind, we analyze and SORT through the existing wardrobe. Then we go SHOPping with a plan, budget and strategy. I encourage them to try new things. I nudge them towards designers, boutiques, and experiences that are in line with their brand. Then we head back to their home to STYLE outfits, blending the old with the new. I teach them how to combine their pieces in ways that are current, flattering, and interesting. And I supply them with tools to remember everything we covered together. By supporting them in their own discovery, they continue to cultivate their own personal style and succeed when I’m not around. That said, some clients don’t buy anything unless it’s “Scarlet Approved”! I’ve worked with some of my clients now for years in this collaborative way.   

What is your summer uniform? 

I’ve got 2:

1. Flow-y Dress (Currently I’m rocking a Vintage Silk Caftan), Structured Denim Jacket (I’m digging my Comptoir Des Cotonniers), Leather Belt with Metallic Buckle (Cheap Monday), Stacked Heel Leather Sandals (On trend but I’ve always loved. My favorite designer is Calleen Cordero), and Jewels (ABCoLab)!
2. Silk Blouse in black or white, a Long Topper (like The Kain Label!), Distressed Denim, refined Black Flats, Bright Pedicure, and a Big Bag. Perfect for long days spent shopping. 

If you are interested in learning more about Scarlet or her services, you can find her online here: Twitter, Instagram & her website.

Image courtesy of Scarlet Chamerlin. Article by: Elizabeth Aley