Designer Profile: Christina Karin

Smoke and Sequins: A Feminine Allure

Christina Monley is the designer and creative director behind the contemporary women’s label, “Christina Karin.” Although the brand’s collections boast sequins and plunging necklines, the Fall Winter 2014 clothing line makes a sophisticated statement.

 

Monley got her start in the fashion world with a brief modeling and acting career before she became interested in the business side of fashion. She studied fashion design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was named a 2012 Designer in Residence for the Macy’s Chicago Fashion Incubator. The up and coming designer will be showcasing her Ready To Wear Fall Winter ’14 designs at Chicago Fashion Week.

The clothing line delves deeper into a glamorous side of sophistication by showcasing the moodiness of what it means to be soft, sparkling and glamorous.

Monley explains the concept behind the Fall Winter ’14 line came to her with the vision of a woman sitting in a man's smoking room, surrounded by art, dark mahogany, and swirls of smoke—a feminine allure in a masculine environment.

Asymmetrical lines cut across dresses, skirts and blazers giving the garment a daring edge.  Gold Lame and leather follow the asymmetrical cuts calling for a dramatic touch on the otherwise subtle silk, jersey, and knitted textiles.

Sequins make an appearance throughout the line from subtle inserts to entire glimmering sleeves. The brand caters to a wide audience with garments ranging from modest dresses with hemlines below the knee to sequined mesh crop tops paired with leather cocktail skirts. The designs boast metallic, gold, leather, snakeskin and hints of indigo, which cater to the inspiration behind the line.

Written by: Natalie Craig