Made In The USA Designer: Christy + You
Photography by Bryan Henao, Eldon Phillips.
1. Designer Name:
Christy Huang
2. Where are you located?
Christy + You is a New York-based high-end Women's Ready-to-wear Clothing Brand.
3. How would you describe your current collection?
“Papillon” is the French term for butterfly, a triumph, a celebration after breaking free of the cocoon. Papillon also can be seen as a symbol of a new beginning. Papillon S/S 2019 Collection represents the transformation from conceptual fashion to commercial fashion while keeping the conceptual design philosophy. It also conveys that the collection has been developed to “reversible” from “layering”. There are no chains on the Papillon, as there are no restrictions on creativity - they go where ever they want and do whatever they choose.
Photography by Mike Ruiz for Jejune’s December Cover.
4. How long have you been around?
The launch of Christy + You is in February 2018 during New York Fashion Week. Cubism Fall / Winter 2018 Women’s Ready-To-Wear Collection of Christy + You is showcased at Museum of the City of New York during Harlem Fashion Week on Feb 4 & at Angel Orensanz Foundation during New York Fashion Week powered by Art Hearts Fashion on Feb 11. Moreover, Cubism Fall / Winter 2018 Collection was exhibited at Coterie Women’s Fashion Trade Show at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York from Feb 26th to 28th, 2018.
5. Where did you study fashion design?
I went to Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California and have my Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Fashion/Textile Design.
6. Tell us where your brand is manufactured?
All items are made in New York.
Photography by Mike Ruiz for Jejune’s December Cover Story.
7. Why do you feel it’s important to do this in the USA?
Being made in New York can have the connotation of high-end quality or durability, having manufacturing associated with a cultural capital imbues it with a certain level of credibility.
8. Is it more expensive to do this process here than international destinations?
Making things in New York is not the easiest because it’s definitely the most expensive place
Christy Huang’s photo taken by Brayn Henao.
9. Where you born in the US? If not, where are you from? And, is there something about your upbringing that led you to this process?
I come from China. I have been stylish since my adolescence. However, I wanted to be someone who is skilled, is able to design/make clothes not just stylish outside.
10. Your designs seem to play with androgyny, with your Papillon collection taking from both the male and female uniforms. I love it! What inspired this?
Relaxed tailoring - Menswear-influenced tailoring offers androgynous appeal and being made in New York can have the connotation of high-end quality or durability, having manufacturing associated with a cultural capital imbues it with a certain level of credibility. Making things in New York is not the easiest because it’s definitely the most expensive place to make clothes in tailoring techniques, construction, draping and pattern making from school that allow me to do being trained a good job on fabric manipulation.
Photography by Mike Ruiz for Jejune’s December Cover Story.
11. What inspired your Papillon collection?
A song called Papillon by Jackson Wang who is my aspiring idol.
12. How would you describe your style?
The transformation between Conceptual Design and Commercial Design. The creation of layering, detachable & reversible. Christy + You embraces avant-garde and trendy feel with de- constructivist approach while following the refined minimalism with simple, pared-down aesthetic. Design Philosophy of Christy Plus You is “One Piece, Two-ways of Wearing.” And “One Outfit, Multiple Looks.”
14. Where is Christy Plus You sold?
We currently accepting online preorder and attending pop-up events.
15. How did you come up with this name?
It is my English name Christy plus my Chinese name You. Having the connotation of “Double Myself” which would bring double of luck, energy, talent etc. into my brand – Christy + You.
It also means I and You — my customers!
Photography by Bryan Henao, Eldon Phillips.
16. Website Info: www.christyplusyou.com/
17. Social Media Info: www.instagram.com/christyplusyou/
