Model’s Corner
Get to Know Designer
I have always had a lot of energy and enthusiasm
about art. I grew up in New Jersey and had the benefit
of frequent family trips into New York City where I
got to see museums, architecture and the bright vibrant
pace of city life. I had a view of the New York City
skyline from my bedroom and at night I would look out
my window at the illuminated skyline and imagine all
of the people, events, and action going on before me.
My parents' most vivid recollection of me in my
childhood is that I was either drawing or doing
cartwheels from room to room in the house.
As a young girl when I saw an actress on television
wearing fashion or jewelry that I really loved, I would
immediately try and draw it to capture the image.
When I learned how to draw a perfect high heel shoe it
was a big victory and I taught all my friends how to
draw them as well.
Early on I gravitated towards bright bold colors with
clean designs and that affinity has carried into my
adulthood which is evident in my work today.
In adulthood, my introduction into the Fashion
industry began as a consumer. I have always
appreciated quality garment construction and design.
Not being able to find garments made of a specific
fabric, color, or style, motivated me to learn how to
create them on my own. I immersed myself in garment
design and construction. My initial motivation to learn,
eventually lead me to want to design for others.
My collection is a combination of Ready-to-Wear
and Couture. I design for women with busy
professional and social lives. People with a vibrant and
magnetic presence inspire me. They influence my
work. As a result I project my inspiration through
eye-catching color, and beautiful natural silhouettes. It
is my pleasure to help my clients' reflect their
confidence and beauty through the clothing they wear.
My process for designing and creating my
collections typically begin with some sketching, but
sometimes it's easier for me to visualize an idea in a
three dimensional way so I draw out my idea in the
air. I'm sure to an on-looker my actions would look
very unusual, but to me I see the idea in front of me
and it makes perfect sense.
Aside from my regular sketching process, part of
my creativity arises from within the fabric itself. I
sometimes look at a piece of fabric in the way a
sculptor looks at a block of marble. Through a process
of removal and replacement, I progress into what will
eventually become the basis for some of my more
elaborate garments.
Fashion is wearable art and the designer is an artist
accommodating functionality as well as beauty. I am
delighted to share my aesthetic vision with others and
my ultimate goal is for every woman in America’s
closet to have one or more looks from the Cari-Renee
Collection just waiting to make someone feel and look
fabulous.
http://cari-renee.com
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