Although sophomore, fashion design major, Christina Riggio is still learning the basics of being a designer, she already knows exactly what she wants. “A lot of people say they want to be a famous designer, but my aspiration is to work for a famous designer. I would love to be a creative director at Ralph Lauren or Donna Karan,” said Riggio.
Riggio is heavily influenced by contemporary fashion, drawing inspiration for her sketches from magazine spreads and the latest runway collections.
“My favorite designers are ones that can develop, and not use the same design [concept] over and over again. Like you look at Ralph Lauren, and this season he did...fringe, [a] kind of cowgirl theme...You['d] never think to do that,” said Riggio.
For this reason, Riggio favors the on-trend but innovative designs of Stella Mccartney, Oscar De La Renta and of course Ralph Lauren. Right now, Riggio has several projects in the works, one of which is designing a ten-piece collection drawn on the classic American designs of the late Geoffrey Beene and the modern eco-luxe looks of Danish design house Noir. Both are known for their use of organic fabrics.
“You can’t use any stretchy materials, or knits or polyester. You can only use silks, cotton, or chiffon; nothing made out of synthetic fibers. I’m using see-through chiffon over this gorgeous pink silk. The whole collection [has a] sheer, cut-out look.”
Through all her designs, Riggio keeps the basics in sight, emphasizing "color and fabric" because she wants to be unique.
"I really want to make something that stands out,” she said.
Dream Job: Creative Director at a big fashion house, like Ralph Lauren or Donna Karan.
Why you should look out for her: She was one of a select few Freshmen chosen to have her designs featured in last year's "Cents 'n Sensibility" fashion show, with two of her pieces making the cut.
Designer Confidential: “I made my prom dress. I used a very slippery silk and I really didn’t have any intense sewing skills, but I made the dress on my home sewing machine and wore it [anyway]. I was really proud...”
-Julie Kosin
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