Industry Leaders Fashion - Christina Minasian

A few years back, designer Christina Minasian was doing just fine as a celeb stylist. She was also doing quite well as a buyer for Kitson. But, like all true provocateurs, doing fine just didn't cut it. So, she found a hole in the market for chic staples that owed as much to hip-hop culture as French sensibilities, and, despite having no background in design or running a label, jumped straight into it.

The result was Pencey, a collection of dresses, tops, bottoms, and more that serves the woman who listens to Danny Brown and reads Vogue — women just like Minasian. Following that came CHALK, a label that dares to introduce simplified, high-fashion concepts with pared-down price points. Now, you could say her labels are more than fine. But, we know she's not slowing down anytime soon.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEORDY PEARSON.

The biggest challenge I've ever faced
“Every single time I put out a new collection, it’s a risk. I’m exposing myself, running the risk of changing people’s mind one way or the other permanently. I consider that in every piece I design. And, still, I can’t just put out what’s cool at that moment, what people are going to buy, or what our customers gravitate to. I have to consider the customer as a person, as a body, and create something that’s not so complicated, not overthought. It’s still just clothing. It’s a lot to balance.”

How I stay centered
"I work out every morning before work to clear my head. I've been a runner since I was 14, and I love doing it alone. It's always been my time to meditate and think things through. Also, when you’re young, no matter what industry you're in, you think that the more you talk the smarter you’ll sound — but listening is such a useful tool. And, the more you listen, the more you learn. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned more and more to just listen."

How I see fashion's future
"People talk about change, but the reality is that it takes people a really long time to alter their daily habits. My parents don’t even use an ATM! Personally, though, I’d love it if, in the future, we could step back and make quality matter more than quantity, slow down trends, and focus on clothing that wasn't so disposable."

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