FOR EXAMPLE SHOWROOM

Brand

Kalissi

Designer

Christina Maria HRDLICKA

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

Originally I had never imagined myself working in the fashion industry. I grew up watching my mother design all of my childhood dresses and it really inspired me. Loosely related to fashion I studied advertising, graphic design & photography. Since I was little, I always imagined pieces that I wanted to wear but couldn’t find anywhere else. It sounds odd but fashion design as a carrier just seemed far off. One day I was working on a still life campaign for a jewellery shop using fruits as backdrops. When I finished the job I couldn’t stop thinking of the colours. I wanted to bring these images to life. I then started to design my first set of clothes, a year later I launched my first collection and founded my brand.
 

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

I love colours, I am obsessed with layering patterns, mixing different fabrics and creating wild shapes. My designs are inspired by decades like the 20s, 60s and 80s. I use bright colours & contemporary shapes to pay tribute to a retro look without being dated. Mostly my choice of colour comes from flowers, I like to play with the paradox between the fragility of a flower and the bold shapes and impressions of my clothes. Overall I want to encourage women to be fun and daring when it comes to their choice of clothing.
 

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

I’m visually inspired by my surroundings. I take tremendous amounts of photographs and use them a lot when I start with the actual designing process. I hardly ever do any typical fashion sketches as I don’t really like to draw. Instead I use photographs, play around with paint and create funky collages. I tend to find a lot of inspiration in old Slim Aarons photographs or early Hockney paintings.
 

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

So far we have a shop in Vienna and London that is selling our pieces. It is definitely a very different group of people following the brand in Vienna to the people in London. Having such different groups of followers it makes it even more interesting to play with various marketing strategies.
In general I would say my followers love everything that is fun, funky and feminine.
 

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

I try to avoid looking at other designers’ work in order to stick to my own signature style. My Mom is my biggest inspiration as she used to make all of my clothes when I was little. I am very inspired by the people in my life, I let situations and encounters influence me on a daily basis. If I had to name one designer that really inspired me on my way it would be Ettore Sottsass and his work with Memphis Design.

About 2019 S/S collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo(Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO) as the venue for presenting your collection?

I believe that Japan is a great market for the brand’s concept and aesthetics.
Participating at AmazonFWT I am hoping that it will help the brand to grow and to expand to the Japanese market.
 

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2019 S/S season?

The towel series‘ is a hommage to one of my favorite fabrics and the collections signature material – Terrycloth;
It has such a great structure to work with and reminds me of a 60ies Poolparty. It also plays with the functionality behind the clothes. If you’re attending a Poolparty and are bored of packing a giant towel, a ‚Poolside‘ blazer or Kimono is your go-to item when in need of a towel and wanting to be dressed at the same time. Apart from that it is all about clashing colours!
 

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

The presentation in the A-gallery reflects the conjunction of arts and the everyday life, as it was characteristic for Viennese modernity at the beginning of 20th century. The Opening Press-Event: A Dinner (Installation) will take place on 16.10.2018 at 1pm and is going to be a visually inspiring installation for press, experts and friends.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal?

Expanding further in to the UK market and being represented in all relative fashion melting points of Europe and Overseas. Building more bridges between fashion and art and focussing also on jewelry, leather goods and home decor as little add ons to the main collections.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

Tokyo represents quality, fine culture and garish lights everywhere.
A place to get lost but peaceful at the same time.
 

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

It is my first time in Japan so I don’t know yet.

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

Happiest when sitting at a typical Viennese Heuriger or a Viennese Coffeeshop with a piece of Apfelstrudel and a cup of Melange. I love the Conran Shop in London, 10 Corso Como in Milan and any flower market will do. Drinks at Loos Bar in Vienna or some live Blues at ‚Ain’t nothing‘ but‘ in London.