CRistina Ruales has come a really long way from her freshman event. From changing venues to keeping up with all the greats, this year is all about versatility. Do you really see yourself wearing what you see on the runway? Couture and innovative cuts are starting to emerge into everyday wear. Cristina Ruales’ shows appeal to fashionistas attempting to find the right avant-garde edge for everyday wear. “The collection takes things from the office to casual levels or upwards to a night out on the town. It all depends on how you wear it. The focus is on creating artistic pieces that flatter any body.” Cristina said revealing that her vision came alive.
This collection appeals to a more varied yet charming clientele who live their lives where their fashion should be the lifestyle inspiration they juxtapose. I interviewed Cristina at her own Fashion Week after party held at the ultra-exclusive members-only club, Parlor.
Jocelyn: Every designer has some rules that they adhere to. what’s yours?
Cristina Ruales: The rules I started with that still apply that will develop a brand identity are, 1. Architecture Versus Nature 2. Man-made fibers are innovative and can be made to serve any purpose or for technical reasons. (This means if you need a stiffer fabric that lies well, you can expand it.) 3. Sophisticated innovative cut- something that has never been done before.
Jocelyn: What are some of your goals with this year’s line?
Cristina Ruales: My goal is to grow the line. I slowly try to build blocks to take clients who want to take their wardrobe to the next level.
Jocelyn: What do you consider a terrific asset about your collection?
Cristina Ruales: I wanted to return to the basics of wardrobe making and found that it needed to have versatility. We have a cocktail party cut turned into an office look by wearing a blazer which makes it look so much more muted. It all depends on how you access. Many of my clients live in duality, my collection is made for that.
Jocelyn: Your design has a really unique look from the pattern to the architectural way of finishing the pieces. Where does this inspiration come from?
Cristina Ruales: I studied at Parsons and was influenced by the Japanese cut. I was born in Ecuador and have developed a palette from my experience. While I’d like to combine these patterns from my imagination, it isn’t very affordable to do much aside from create new fabrics. Epson made my vision come true. I was selected to represent the US in their event Epson Digital Couture Show. I’m very happy to have been selected!
I can add prints like brush strokes, which are both sophisticated and straightforward. I can come up with plenty of colours working with Patrick Jacobs.
Our collection has been housed in Showroom 7, our Knitwear and a few of our intricate designs and architectural statements are at Neiman Marcus.
Jocelyn: Your show is a blast. The music matches the visual delivery. You are a designer to watch. Congrats on a terrific show!
Sportswear model Cristina Ruales at the Epson Digital Couture Fashion presentation during New York Fashion Week Women’s Fall/Winter 2016 on February 9, 2016 in New York City.
