| We talk to the wonder-woman behind 'CELINE RITA'! |
| Written by Sacha Young | ||||||||||||
| Wednesday, 06 July 2011 10:31 | ||||||||||||
To say that CELINE CHAPMAN is a diamond designer on the forefront of fashion trends, wouldn't be a lie. The young designer of her own two-and-a-half-year-old label 'CELINE RITA' has been dreaming of sewing success since she first discovered her competence in sewing seams when she was in Primary school. Celine has taken inspiration from the Californian coastline for her up and coming collection, which has astonishing alignments to other international cutting-edge labels that have used the same inspiration for their latest ranges as well! I think Celine sums up her label perfectly when she describes the quintessential 'Celine Rita' girl as; playful, effortlessly cool, and quirky. Coup De Main caught up with the darling designer, and also got a sneak-peak at her stunning studio! Treat yourself to goodness below...
COUP DE MAIN: Can you pinpoint a particular moment in time when you knew you wanted to pursue designing to eventually start your own label? CELINE RITA: I remember always wanting to be a 'Fashion Designer' ever since I learnt to sew in Primary School. But realising I could start my own label happened at the end of my final year of uni when I made a range of pretty Summer dresses to sell to friends, and ended up having so many orders it kept me full-time busy over Summer and I realized this could be what I could do full-time and make a career out of something I loved doing. CDM: Who or what influences your designs? CELINE RITA: Pop culture throughout time - I love looking at the 'zeitgeist' of different times, and the reasons for it. History, arts, books, films, architecture... I pretty much find inspiration everywhere! CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? CELINE RITA: I am constantly sketching and researching, looking out for inspiration. Pretty early on I start to get a feel for the range. Once I get fabric samples it definitely helps me to dictate what to design in what fabric. I do lots of playing around on the dress form and making up toiles (samples), trying them on until I get them just right.
CDM: What is the best thing about being a designer? CELINE RITA: The whole design process, starting with research which I love, and ending up with a range that I love, and then seeing 'Celine Rita' girls fall in love with it! CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your up and coming (Spring/Summer '11) collection? CELINE RITA: It's called 'Boulevard Baby' and has been inspired by the sunny coastlines of America, with influences from the now iconic sitcoms and soaps of the decade. CDM: What has been your career highlight to date? CELINE RITA: 'New Zealand Fashion Week' was an amazing experience, opening up my new space with the boutique and workroom all in one, and being recognised by our local stylists and editors in the industry. I know that's not one, but I can't pick!
CDM: Name three qualities you believe a 'Celine Rita' girl has... CELINE RITA: Playful, effortlessly cool, and quirky. CDM: What did you want to be when you were seven years old? CELINE RITA: A Ballerina. CDM: Time machines are yet to exist... What is the first thing that comes to mind if they were real - a particular moment in time, a decade? CELINE RITA: Being a free spirit listening to the live music at Woodstock in 1969.
CDM: What are your top five clothing/accessory essentials to buy for Spring? CELINE RITA: - More Sunblock (non-burnt skin = the best accessory!). - A pretty lace dress. - Bright pastel colours. - 'Miss Wilson' sandals. - New nail polish colours.
CDM: What is your favourite quirky/cute object in your studio? CELINE RITA: My 'Wizard of Oz' pictures I scored at an Op Shop. It was my all-time favourite movie growing up! [ Pictured above ]
CDM: What is the best advice you've ever been given? CELINE RITA: An oldie but a goodie... 'Treat others the way you want to be treated'. CDM: Quick Fire Five: 1. Favourite toy when you were a child? Woofy. Full name: Woof Woof Dogga (Soft Toy Dog). 2. What is something you will never throw out? Woofy! 3. Word that never comes out right? Phenomenon. 4. Ice Cream vs Ice Block? Lemonade Ice Blocks. 5. Late nights = Waste of a Sunday.
HEART LISTENING: Adele. HEART WATCHING: Brick from 'The Middle'. HEART READING: To my little niece Honor. HEART OF THE WEEK: Vitamin C - keeping the colds away! You can check out more Celine Rita goodness on her website HERE. www.celinerita.com |
