Cristina Guijarro, tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What’s your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
Well, I am Cristina Guijarro, a simple girl but passionate for fashion. I come from Motril, a small town on the coast of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. I am an Advanced Technician in Industrial Pattern Making, Fashion Design and Plastic Arts. I have also attended monographic courses in higher schools of design with Javier Galan and Maya Hansen.
My professional goal is to keep making a living out of my passion, which is creating fashion.
My personal interests are achieving peace of mind, developing my spirituality and enjoying life, my family and my friends.
What does fashion mean to Cristina Guijarro?
Fashion is everything to me. It is a part of myself, but only when I create it, not when it is imposed.
How would you define your city’s fashion?
We could say it is a mix of urban, classic, and beach styles … An explosive mix!
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
When I was about 5 or 6 years old. I always made dresses for my dolls and I was also drawing all the time.
What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
It was my little sister`s First Communion dress, my mother and I together made the design and she did the tailoring.
How does designing jewelry differ from designing clothes?
Well, you need to know which are the adequate materials for each thing, and study the human body in different ways. There are many things that differ. Clothing design covers more ground and you can develop your creativity further.
How long does it usually take to construct a piece for Cristina Guijarro?
It depends on the difficulty of the piece. I study the pattern, then I do a scale test and, if it goes well, I continue with the process. It may take a week or so.
Who is one of your favorite local models to work with?
There are many beautiful and very professional models in Spain. I don`t have any favourites.
Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing.
- Visualization in my mind.
- Sketch of my idea.
- Specifying the real pattern.
- If it is a custom-made piece, I study the design with the client.
- Taking body measurements.
- Realizing the pattern in paper.
- If necessary, do a test in toile.
- Cutting and assembling the pieces. If they fit, they are ready to be sewn.
- Last fitting on the client or mannequin.
- Finishing touches, ironing, sewing on the labels, etc.
What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
I have designed a wedding gown and many bridesmaid, ceremonial, and party dresses. I have also made clothes for children and flamenco dresses. My customised designs are pretty successful: when people in town see my work, they know I did it.
Who are some of favorite designers for Cristina Guijarro?
Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Lorenzo Caprile, Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, Maya Hansen, Alexander McQueen …
Where can readers buy your clothes/ jewelry?
They can buy everything on my website, www.cristinaguijarrocouture.com, or on my Instagram page, @crisguijarro_78.
How long have you worked as a designer?
…
