Designer Caitlin Crisp. Image supplied.
Designer Caitlin Crisp first caught our eye with her beautiful collection in the Graduate Show at New Zealand Fashion Week 2018. A couple of months later she caught the nation’s attention as a contestant on the first season of Project Runway New Zealand, whose talent and creativity saw her win two challenges and make it into the final few designers. But back to Caitlin’s gorgeous NZFW collection which she recently released for sale online, and is the first of what we’re sure will be many winsome collections to come. We can’t wait to see what this lovely young designer does next.
We caught up with Caitlin to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My latest collection is a fun, feminine, and totally wearable range of looks. I made it especially for the graduate show in New Zealand Fashion Week, it was a fantastic opportunity for me to create a collection of pieces that were a true expression of myself and where I’m at as a designer. I am totally in love with the collection, it’s fun, different, playful and relatable to a lot of people.
What made you become a designer?
There is nothing else in the world I’d rather do so I had to give it a shot.
What inspires you?
Everyone and everything. Fabrics usually spark a lot of inspiration for me, I’ll find a fabric I love and start playing around with it! In the collection I was mostly inspired by the gingham seersucker and brick velvet fabrics, the rest just worked it’s way in there.
Looks from Caitlin Crisp’s NZFW collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I love tailoring and wear a lot of shirts and blazers day to day. However when it comes to dressing up I love frills, feathers, sparkles and all things girly. The way I design is a mash-up of the two extremes.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
A vintage ring that I spent my savings on when I was about 16, I fell in life with it and had to have it. It’s the perfect accessory and I get compliments on it everywhere I go.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A good handbag, I didn’t own one until 22 but now I don’t leave the house without it.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
It’s not so much a rule but I’m a big one for modest dressing, you don’t have to show skin to be sexy!
Looks from Caitlin Crisp’s NZFW collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
So far, showing in New Zealand Fashion Week. Project Runway was incredible and looking back on 2018 I am incredibly proud of all that I achieved but NZFW was the stand-out.
What can’t you live without?
My friends and family, I wouldn’t chose a material item over them any day!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Yellow, in any shape or form, its just never worked for me.
Images supplied.