New luxury women’s wear brand Christine and Christophe have already received substantial industry and blogosphere buzz with their debut collection for SS ’14, entitled ‘The Playfulness of Leather’.

FAULT spoke to chief designer Yemi Phillips to give us an insight into the brand’s creative direction…

FAULT: What was your main inspiration behind Christine & Christophe?

Yemi: Throughout my years in fashion, I have always believed Fashion has the power to transform an image and make a social statement. My inspiration all began from my desire to be part of this revolution, to create‘our’ woman and transform her image in such a way that through our clothing she carries a unique personality. Also as a leather lover myself, I am on a mission to change the average woman’s belief that the leather fabric is only worn by a particular type of woman, with no real feminine appeal. Hence my first collection showcases leather as a clean and highly feminine fabric without losing its strong appeal.

Can you tell us about some of the unique features of the label?

Christine & Christophe is characterised most assuredly by the use of leather. To create pieces that embrace femininity with strength. My goal is to give ‘our’ woman – mentioned above – a wardrobe which exemplifies who she is, stylish yet practical. Stern chic marrying feminine glamour is my idea of making a statement and overall outlines the unique features of the label.

 

Is there a particular process you follow when designing?

Firstly, the decision of how we are dressing our woman for the season is key to the design process. Thereafter, playing with fabrics, colour palettes and trend boards becomes part of the process. Not to forget, music! Listening to songs such as ‘Moon River’ helps to create a relaxing environment for us to work within.

Tell us about your latest collection – ‘The Playfulness of Leather’. We love the fact that it appears both clean and stark but also very feminine and upbeat – as if the former was meant to emphasise the latter. Is that something you had in mind during the design process?

Yes definitely. As the name of the collection depicts,each piece takes on a down to earth and contemporary feel. This then goes on to make the edgy material that is leather, into wearable fashion that women can feel powerful yet still embraces their femininity. We want Christine & Christophe to been shown and seen as a label with a strong voice and a powerful signature that influences everyone who sees or wears our clothes.

 

Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?

I love them all! The feedback on the collection has been great, although the Mira top and Isabella trousers seem to be a common favourite and are both a key piece in the collection.

 

Who would be your dream client to design for/work with?

The list is long! However,a dream client would be Christine Centenera, Senior Fashion Editor of Vogue Australia and Fashion Editor of Miss Vogue. Also a leather girl, Christine Centenera is certainly one of the industry’s most visible style icons. She is AMAZING at working proportions and statement pieces, whilst always looking effortlessly put together.

What are you currently working on?

We are currently working on the website to launch in time for SS14 sales and other avenues to promote ourselves. Working ahead, we have also started the design process for AW14. Therefore much more to come from the brand!

 

What are your plans to expand the line? Where does Christine & Christophe go from here?

We have big and exciting plans for Christine & Christophe. Securing orders and establishing our label through showrooms and tradeshows is definitely a next step.

 

What is your FAULT?

Now more than ever, never knowing when to switch off!!

 

Christine & Christophe on the web:

For stockist/preorder opportunities, please contact: [email protected]
Press and media relations: [email protected]
Twitter: @CandCrtw
Instagram: @christinechristophe