FASHION FOR BREAKFAST PRESENTS: Christiane King Interview

If you watched Season 7 of Project Runway, you got but a taste of what Ivory Coast born fashion designer Christiane King had to serve, as she was the first to bid the show “Auf Wiedersehen!” Already an established designer, Project Runway only broadened King’s fan base. Fashion For Breakfast recently caught up with Christiane and we asked…

F4B: So, how’s life after Project Runway?

CK: Busy! I’ve had lots of great opportunities presented and I’ve been working hard on promoting myself and my brand since the show.

F4B: Do you feel like your stint on the show was an accurate depiction of your work?

CK: No. I think there was lots to be said from the outcome and editing. Upon watching the show I was surprised. I was affected by how they portrayed me as a designer. They portrayed me as a designer that couldn’t sew and that was hurtful.

FB4: I can imagine! So would you say that all publicity is good publicity? Did your Project Runway appearance help/hinder your career?

CK: The appearance didn’t hurt my career. I had a business prior to the show. I didn’t get to showcase my talents. Show people what I’ve got. However, there are people who now know who Christiane King is because of the show.

F4B: Ok, enough about PR. Let’s talk about the Christiane King FW10 collection, which by the way, totally suits my aesthetic! Ruffles, exaggeration, and a tropical palate. Who is the ideal Christiane King woman?

CK: The ideal Christiane King woman is… she is someone who is stylish, confident with who she is and knows where she’s going. Trends don’t determine her aesthetic, however, she is trendy and flirty and she likes to have her body showcased.

F4B: Your SS10 collection had slight ethnic touches. How would you say your designs have evolved into the current collection?

CK: I do believe my collection has evolved since then (SS10). It’s more focused. I still have a great love for color, which will stay the same. I want to be able to dress all women. Want to filter designs and be able to design for all women. With each collection, I am getting closer and closer to achieving that.

F4B: You grew up in the Ivory Coast. How did that influence your creativity and design concepts?

CK: As far as fashion goes and artistic things, it is not the ideal occupation. I wasn’t encouraged by my parents.

F4B: I completely agree. I’m from Ghana and my parents weren’t very supportive of my fashion pursuits.

CK: You’re from Ghana? We are neighbors!

F4B: Ehh My Sistah *African accent. * (We share a laugh)

CK: I kept my passion alive through sketch until I was able to pursue it. Back home it takes a long time to say, weave a basket, unlike here (US) things are constructed quickly. With that being said, my upbringing caused me to have a great appreciation for craftsmanship and construction.

F4B: Where do you see Christiane King in 5 years? What is your ultimate goal?

CK: In 5 years, I see myself being a household name. I don’t want people to say my name and people ask, “Who is that?” (we laugh). I would like for my line to be sold in major department stores around the country and internationally as well. I’m currently working on having my designs available at major retailers. I’m a designer, but I also want to make an impact on people’s lives, not just have a wonderful career.

Christiane was a pleasure to interview. Talented and down-to-Earth. Her playful collection features fun, flirty, ruffled, body con dress in bold hues ranging from minis to floor grazing lengths. There’s a fit for every woman. Visit www.christianeking.com to view her collections and prepare yourself for impending greatness to come from this Project Runway alum.

I’ve missed a few of episodes of Project Runway this season but I did catch up last night thanks to Bravo showing re-runs. Out of all the contestants that were kicked off, I must admit I was oh so sad to see Carmen go the most. I loved her. I was reading her bio and saw that she is definitely NO stranger to the fashion world. The most interesting fact that stood out to me was that she actually has a clothing line that she’s been apart of for a few years called, Sistahs of Harlem. This chic line has been going strong since 2002. Sistahs of Harlem promises bring you nothing but “street couture” and that it does with a vengeance. I checked out the website and the line is nothing short of amazing! I’m especially in love with their latest Fall collection. The line is called, Powerful Women in Action. I’m in love. If you like what you see below, you’ll have to make a trip to New York City, Houston or Tokyo get your shopping hands on an item from the collection. Those are currently the only locations that have the line available for retail purchase.

Sistahs of Harlem Fall 2007 Collection