Her clothes have timeless femininity, and with that comes overall image. Catherine Malandrino has created a haven in each boutique for regulars to seek refuge and newcomers to experience life a la vie en rose.
With the launching of her jewelry line this fall and a new store in Los Angeles, we sat down with Ms. Malandrino to find out that indeed there is nothing like building an entire look from start to finish.
Name: Catherine Malandrino Corporation: Malandrino & Catherine Malandrino Designs Location: 468 Broome Street, NYC
Nolcha: Fall 2008: Each piece was so unique; please tell me a little about the detail work done to create a cohesive collection?
Catherine Malandrino: Everything starts with an emotion, a color palette and an image. I was inspired by the symbol of freedom in the American Flag from the movie Easy Rider, the spirit of Harlem in the show Hallelujah, the dance energy and the boyish spirit of Zizi Jeanmarie and the art in the peaceful village of Saint Paul de Vence in Provence for my La Colombe show. Inspiration starts anywhere, any day, at anytime. I consider myself to be a citizen of the world and tend to draw inspiration from wherever I am.
N: How do you feel the balance of smooth silky draped fabrics vs. chunkier knits, and leather etc. echo a woman’s personality?
N: How do you feel the balance of smooth silky draped fabrics vs. chunkier knits, and leather etc. echo a woman’s personality?
CM: A woman can express her feelings and personality through the way she dresses. When she is feeling romantic she can wear a pleated silk chiffon dress with high heels to evoke sleek sophistication. When she is feeling adventurous she can wear a high-waisted belted pencil skirt paired with a top of cascading ruffles and a leather motorcycle jacket as a statement of cool femininity. I love the craftsmanship of couture, such as the draping, the bias skirt and the creation of three-dimensional textures. For fabrics, I like to contrast the lightness of silk chiffon with crispy poplin, and the vibrant colors of the taffeta with soft printed knitwear and rough leather. The way I think about my dresses is very detail oriented and ultra feminine in the choice of fabrics, using satin silk, organza, cashmere with a velvety touch. I like to contrast it by using rough and raw cut stones that give an idea of a primitive talisman bringing strengths and positive energy.
N: In creating a collection, do you keep all of your retail buyers in mind, or do you create an entire vision and then help each store provider work the current inspiration into their seasonal collection?
CM: When creating a collection I have every woman in mind. I design two lines of clothing, Malandrino and Catherine Malandrino, and accessories. I am my own model. I drape the clothes on myself. I handle scissors and sticking pins to create a personal relationship with the clothing. I always try on my dresses to validate my ideas.
N: You create iconic pieces for iconic people (Madonna, Demi, Mary J to name a few). How do you pay attention to your non-celebrity clients to give them the sense that they have purchased their own iconic piece?
CM: I always have a woman in mind. She is an individual, a lover and a mother. She travels the world and dares to use all the code of femininity to assert her personality. She uses her femininity as strength not as a weakness. I am very interested by the sensuality and suggestions that are offered through clothes. The clothes express and whisper your feelings; it is the language of emotion. It is when you discover a women’s character, when you go deeper and deeper to learn and appreciate her full personality and the soul. Every item of clothing has its truth and every client interrupts that truth for herself.
N: The new store is going up in Los Angeles and Las Vegas soon…when does it officially open and how do you decide what new markets you are going to enter?
CM: Each market that I enter as well as each store I have designed has its own individual inspirations. For LA, I feel it is important to open a concept store at this time, instead of another more traditional retail space. I wanted a home destination where you spend time, a place full of poetry and curiosity. The boutique will create a full living experience and allow me to express my creativity beyond clothes, a destination that will speak to all senses…the touch, the vision, the taste, the sound, the fragrance. I want to invite my clients to a unique destination. Catherine Malandrino’s new destination will include a Malandrino cafè and library creating a poetic living experience. It will house my two lines of clothing, Malandrino and Catherine Malandrino, and accessories, including the first collection of costume jewelry and the signature “Summer Rain” chandelier. I want my client to have a warm living experience versus another shopping stop where she can spend time exploring!!
The Las Vegas boutique will continue the tradition of all the worldwide Catherine Malandrino boutiques. This newest addition will also be designed in collaboration with French architect Christophe Pillet. The color palette reflects Catherine Malandrino’s aesthetic with shades of a warm citrus yellow. The boutique will also feature the signature “Summer Rain” chandelier; an oversized sofa with a seating area installation and the patchwork of curved amber glass wall will capture the energy of Las Vegas.
N: When opening the store in Paris, what parts of New York did you bring back with you to start a new venture in your own country?
CM: I have a love story with Paris and New York and I could not live without both in my heart. Over the last ten years, I have mixed both my New York and French identities by infusing the casual cool of the New York streets with the craftsmanship and refinement of French couture.
N: What would you love to add to the Catherine Malandrino Collection?
CM: Anything that can be integrated into a Catherine Malandrino lifestyle!! My mind is always curious and awake!
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