I’ve always been one of those people that can seek people’s talent. I am not exactly sure why, but when I see someone with a skill, talent or something special about them, I’m always the first one to call it out.  I’m also the type that loves seeing others succeed and advance.  Therefore, I tend to always have an eye for talent, and when I see it, I’m the first one to praise that person or motivate them to take on that gift, or voice it to the world…  Let’s just say, I’m known to be the preacher of my group, but most of my friends tend to love me even more after! Did you expect any less?! Of course not! J/K

One day, as I was signing on to Facebook,  these beautiful, flirty and classy images of women wearing these gorgeous pieces were popping up on my news feed.  I was intrigued and saw what I liked, but I noticed that I was not expecting it to come from the person that was posting it. So, even more intrigued, I messaged the person and started asking questions about the collection.  I was drawn by the collection, but even more so about her willingness to take the risk to pick up a passion she had after so many years and start executing.  The result Crystal Jo- an up- and-coming, mid to high-end, women collection that embodies romance and femininity, where  each garment is made with luxurious fabric including French lace, Italian wool, and silk. Pieces that every woman can feel beautiful wearing!

Meet Crystal Hanon- a Washington, DC designer that I’m sensing is about to take on the fashion scene, and not just the DC fashion scene.  Based on her designs so far, I can totally see her pieces landing on the spread of Elle or Vogue.  After I messaged her, I decided to meet with her and find more about these DC upcoming designer and this new collection.  Check out the interview below:

Photos by Crystal Jo

- What was your inspiration to start designing? About a year ago when I was in the middle of moving, I came across this book with all of my fashion design sketches that I made when I was younger and completely forgot about. I decided to pick up a pencil and start sketching again. It was at that moment when these visions and ideas for different clothing designs came to me and I spent weeks sketching away. I showed the designs to close friends and family and received great feedback. It was then that I wanted to see my vision come to life.

– For young entrepreneur designers, could you give some tips on how to begin to develop an apparel line? I recommend finding a talented Tech Designer and Pattern Maker because fit is everything. You can use the best fabrics in the world but if your clothes do not fit right then they are not going to sell.

– What can you tell us about the brand? Crystal Jo embodies romance and femininity. Each garment is made with luxurious fabric including French lace, Italian wool, and silk. I want women to feel beautiful when wearing my clothes.

– Is there a specific story behind it? Crystal Jo is very Parisian inspired. I think Paris is the most fashionable city in the world and I wanted to bring their style into my collection.

– Where is it being manufactured? In the USA

– When will your full collection launch? Fall 2011

- Is it available for sale? If so, where? The line will be available online at www.crystaljo.com and in a few boutiques in the US in September.

– Any plans for a menswear collection in the future? No plans for a menswear collection in the future but I never say never, so we will see.

- What’s the price range of your pieces? The blouses start at $250 and the coats go up to $1,600

– What’s the staple piece or your collection? The Rosette dress and the Savannah Sequin dress. They are the best cocktail dresses.

– Will you also be designing accessories in the future? I would love to design shoes in the future

– Who is the targeted consumer for your brand? The targeted consumer is one that appreciates good quality

- Who are your fashion icons? Giovanna Battaglia, Anna Dello Russo, and Ashley Olsen

- How do you define your style? Flirty and Elegant

- What is one thing you can’t leave the house with out? My MAC Myth lipstick. I have naturally bright red lips and I like to tone them down with a light-colored lipstick.

- What’s your favorite brand? I have so many but I would say my absolute favorite brand is Matthew Williamson. I like to visit his store when I am in NYC. It is like walking into a Barbie doll’s closet. I love it.

- What fashion advice do you have for the young professionals that are always on the go? I think the Rouland Mouret style dresses are great dresses to have for a professional who is always on the go. They are perfect for work and you can dress them up in the evening with a chunky necklace, cuffs, and/or dangly earrings. They are the best day to-night dresses.

- Any advice for men? I think every man should invest in at least one pair of well made designer shoes.

Loving the Rosette dress!  Elegant, romantic and perfect for fall. May have to snatch one of those for myself.  Magnifico!

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

2 Comments for ‘Nuovo Designer Spotlight: Crystal Jo’