Interview with Kristina Lenss of Kristinit
From LoveToKnow Womens-Fashion
The true beauty of nature is alive and well in Kristinit, designer Kristina Lenss' eco-friendly line of elegant garments. Though the aesthetic allure of each piece is apparent at just a glance, it's her deep respect for the environment that makes them such inherent beauties from inception to finished product. Kristina sat down with us to discuss her burgeoning label, what inspires her and what the future might hold.
About Kristinit
LoveToKnow: Kristina, thank you for taking some time to speak with us! Please tell us a bit about your background. How did you get started in the industry?
Kristina Lenss: It is my pleasure!!! I actually started out as a theatrical costume designer and fashion illustrator. I studied art, costume design, and theater history in London and at UCLA. I designed costumes for plays, ballet, and opera productions. I also worked as an illustrator for some well-known Los Angeles stylists and their celebrity clients. I was always experimenting with designing one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing on the side and would sell my clothing in small boutiques around LA for fun. These pieces brought together my love of textiles, history, and glamour. A few years ago, Show Pony in Echo Park was selling some of my vintage silk peplum jackets. An editor from Lucky Magazine came in and loved them and the next thing you know, I’m designing a collection!
LTK: You've talked about the importance of protecting the earth through your work. How are your eco-friendly beliefs reflected in your designs?
KL: We’ve really come to a critical point on our planet. It breaks my heart to see the animals, plants, and people suffering. I think a lot of people are becoming more aware of the negative impact they have on the planet and are trying to make small changes in their daily lives, be it using energy efficient light bulbs, using canvas bags at the grocery store, or volunteering to clean up a local beach. I’m trying to employ that same kind of day-to-day awareness with my business. Every piece of clothing is manufactured locally. A select range of my line is constructed out of organic fabrics and we donate a percentage of our profits to a couple of great charities: 1% For the Planet and the Pachamama Alliance.
I’m also working with Zoe Melo and TOUCH. She introduced me to these wonderful artisans who live in the Brazilian Rainforest. A few of my pieces in the fall collection will feature lace made by these artisans. It is a wonderful way to provide good work for people in the Amazon so that they do not need to resort to deforestation of their land for survival.
LTK: What inspires your seasonal collections?
KL: Even though I draw a lot from historical and artistic references, as I grow as a designer, I’m reflecting more on the innate power of a garment and what it is about a piece of clothing that makes me feel confident and beautiful. I also spend a lot of time in nature and absorb a lot of influences by watching the sun set or the leaves change color—there’s so much to be inspired by!!!
Fashion Advice, Memories, and More
LTK: What is one article of clothing you believe no woman should be without, and why?
KL: I think any piece of clothing that makes a woman feel confident and beautiful is the one piece that she should not be without, whether it is a couture jacket or the perfectly worn pair of jeans!
LTK: What is your earliest fashion-related memory, and what impact has it had on your life today, if any?
KL: One of my earliest fashion memories…watching old movies with my mom on TV. She grew up in the ‘50s, so I learned all about Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner, and Ava Gardner at a very earlier age. I was absolutely mesmerized by these movies and the costumes! I still am. They represent the power of feminine allure at its best!
LTK: What does the future hold for Kristinit?
KL: I’m hoping with each season to incorporate more eco-friendly/sustainable practices into the line. I’m looking forward to expanding as an artist and a person through Kristinit and providing women the kind of clothes that make them feel beautiful and sexy while at the same time offering a product that is responsibly made and hopefully inspire other people to seek out ways that they can make a difference, too.
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