** This is an interview from 2012 for a different property of Stylepox’s Founder and Editor in Chief **
What’s your name and occupation?
Kristi Vosbeck, Founder and Creative Director of KRISTI VOSBECK LLC, Women’s Cocktail and Evening Wear Designer.
What does fashion mean to you?
A way to express how you’re feeling through dress.
Do you consider yourself an artist?
At times, although I wouldn’t introduce myself as “an artist” and am humbled to be considered an artist. I do try to create beauty in what I design and in that sense some of my dresses are my works of art.
When and why did you decide to get into fashion?
I have always loved to dress up since I was very young and decided to go to design school in 2006.
What was the first thing you ever designed?
A barbie skirt and top in red and white polka dot print with ruffles!!
What is your general process for designing clothing?
It usually goes two ways, either I sketch it out on paper, or drape it directly on the form, or use paper to create shapes I want. Sort of like origami!
How long does it take for you to create a piece?
For very difficult pieces, it can take as long as one month, but usually it will take about one week to have a design made from the initial sketch to the finished garment.
Where do you buy your supplies, fabrics, and materials?
I like to buy everything I can from NY’s garment district – B and J, C and J, are favorites and sometimes I’ll import a special fabric from textile vendors.
What fabrics and patterns do you like to work with?
Ideally I like to use silks and most of my patterns are paper although oak tag is a good route when you have certain bodies you use over and over again.
Is there a person (i.e. model, photographer, designer) that you like to work with?
I really like to mix things up and try different photographers, models, and stylists. In the beginning my first model muse was Holly Cornell.
What is important to you as a fashion designer?
It is important for me that I get my point across through the clothes. That I can express my vision through the garment. The most beautiful and rewarding feeling is seeing your initial inspiration, sketch, and idea come to life!
What are some of your favorite fashion magazines, shows, websites, and-or books?
I really loved Anna Karenina when I was 16 and have enjoyed movies that depict the fashion world, like the September Issue, Devil Wears Prada, Seamless, and recently watched the Joe Zee show All on the Line. It really shows what goes on behind the scenes for running a fashion business. The website, Fashion Reverie, has been so nurturing to me and has featured the brand in many editorials which has been very exciting.
Do you prefer penciling out an idea or creating clothing?
My favorite thing is probably draping on the form. I just love to hold the fabric and wrap it and shape it, no erasing!
When and why did you decide to start your own fashion label/line?
I decided to start my line during a very hard time economically, right after I graduated from Parsons. I thought, what better time to just go for it and began to set up my company.
How do you prepare for a show and or shoot?
For me, the most important thing is making sure the scheduling, coordinating the photographer, location, model, H&MU, stylist for the same day can be a challenge. I like to try to work as far as a month out.
What do you like, love, or find attractive about fashion?
I think fashion is wonderful and really let’s you be an individual and emphasize the beauty of your form. We are all so unique and fashion let’s you become your vision of You.
How would you define your style?
My own personal style varies with my mood. I love to dress up in the KV collection, these dresses are what I would want to wear to a cocktail party, elegant and classic, but I do love to dress a little funky as well, or a nice blazer, jeans, and boots.
How would you define your line’s style?
The KRISTY VOSBECK woman is someone who loves her body and doesn’t want to hide her shape but flaunt it! Pieces that hug the curves in an elegant and timeless style that is also wearable. The line really is about being unique, a special detail here, or open cut-out there, is what sets KV apart from other lines.
Is there a certain style of clothing that you really like? (i.e. formal, casual, retro, high-end, steam-punk, gothic, lolita)
I will always have a special place in my heart for Hollywood glamour. I love sophistication, a polished look is so important, from the shoes, to the bag, it all has to look effortless and graceful.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who just won’t quit and stay grounded and positive when faced with challenges and doubts.
Who in the industry inspires you and why?
I am inspired by everyone in this industry that is doing their dream and making it happen!
Who in the industry has been the most influential in your career and why?
I think the most influential has been my sample/pattern maker, Janny, who brought me out of my studio in the East Village and into her uncle’s factory where I have my studio space today.
Where are you now in your career? What kind of things do you do?
Currently I am showing the SS13 collection to buyers and starting to sketch Fall 2013 and prepare for Fashion Week in February 2013.
What have you accomplished so far?
I have a fashion company that is being produced in New York City and being sold in boutiques here in the US and Saudi Arabia as well. I have had trunk shows with boutiques, a successful runway show in Paris, and have appeared in Women’s Wear Daily and Raine Magazine.
Where do you want your fashion label and career to go within the next 10 years?
Within the next ten years, I will be 42 years old. I imagine that KV will be a recognizable fashion label and be selling at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Lord and Taylor, and other high end boutiques across the world. I will have moved into a bigger design space and staff my own team from production manager, assistant designer, marketing director, sales representative. I will have grown as a designer and improved on my business sense and ability to run my business. I will have shown my line at Lincoln Center and have found an investor in the brand to keep moving things forward. I will have been in Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar and more publications.
Do you have any advice for any future designers?
If you want to do it – you CAN! Believe in yourself and meet as many people as you can, network! Never give up. There is always a way to keep moving forward. Be honest with yourself about what you expect, what you want and how to compromise, but not sell yourself short! Surround yourself with people better and smarter than yourself and create a team of people who care about what you’re doing and stand behind you!
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
You can review the KRISTI VOSBECK collection online at www.kristivosbeck.com and follow me on Facebook and Twitter too!
