Design and Inspiration

I've always wanted to create a collection of clothing using only black and white fabrics.

The beginning of each new piece is like starting with a fresh blank page...

the personality of the end product is completely dependent on

the graphics and manipulation one chooses to impose on it.

You can manipulate black and white to look harsh and imposing or soft and inviting.

No matter the combination, the end result is always impacting.

It's light and dark--no busy prints to distract the eye--no limitations.

Just pure creation.

Because the design can go anywhere--be anything, with these two colors

it was really important for me to have a specific goal for each look.

The main themes were B&W fabrics, jewel necklines, and lace.

Beyond that, I chose to base each look on the personalities of various friends from college.

I know people change.

These women may not have the same personalities as they did seven years ago.

These pieces weren't designed to be something they'd definitely wear

(they might even say they wouldn't be caught dead in the design that bears their name).

I simply took the characteristics I remember and love about them

to design pieces that reflect those traits.

Each look is named after a different one of them, just 'cuz...it's fun, ya know?

To be able to name something after a good friend is beyond cool and

the only sad thing about this process was not being able to

execute the number of looks needed to encompass all my college friends.

I've made more clothes than I can even remember,

but this is the first time I've ever made a series of pieces with common elements,

and hopefully the first of many such collections to be seen here at Kristina J.

As I introduce these pieces to you over the next several days,

I hope you enjoy the both the process and the end results.

And to the women who inspired and encouraged me all through college and

after whom these pieces are named...

This is my tribute to you.

Introducing

--A Collection by Kristina J.--