Design has always been ingrained in Caitlin Crisp’s DNA. Born and raised in a creative-minded family of tailors and seamstresses, Crisp acquired a penchant for sewing at a young age. Her first exposure to the industry came in 2018 when she landed a spot on Project Runway New Zealand, and despite not winning the season, Crisp quickly earned a following for her vibrant and whimsical garments. Entering her fifth year of running her eponymous label, Crisp manages a small team out of her head office in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. Though she’s keeping her next projects close to the vest for now, FQ caught up with Crisp to take a look back at her career to date.
In conversation with Caitlin Crisp
Tell us a bit about you, your background, and your career to date?
I grew up in Christchurch with an older brother and two very hard working parents. My family are all water bunnies so I was swimming, boating and fishing before I could walk and talk. I have very fond memories of summers in the Marlborough Sounds and Mackenzie Country, places I still find a lot of peace and inspiration. Sewing has been my passion since I was young. I also enjoy people and business, so a career in fashion was a natural progression. After studying fashion at Christchurch’s Ara, I settled back in Auckland and took the opportunity to go on New Zealand’s Project Runway. This experience was the catalyst for me to take the next step and start my own business. It certainly wasn’t easy but all the hard work and sleepless nights paid off. This year is my fifth year running Caitlin Crisp and I couldn’t be happier with my life and team, truly living my childhood dream.
Could you tell us a bit about your time on Project Runway and how it led you to where you are today?
I was fresh out of fashion school with the perfect amount of energy, optimism and youthful naivety so when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it. It challenged me in ways I never imagined and at times it was a real pressure cooker, great preparation for business ownership! I left the show with a vision and sense of direction. It also helped boost my following and awareness in the industry.
When did you know you wanted to be a designer and what made you interested in pursuing a career in fashion?
I made my first dress at 12 years old with the help of my Aunty. She bought me a brand new sewing machine and taught me step-by-step how to read the pattern, fabric, and put it all together. My grandmother was a seamstress and my great grandfather was in tailoring, so I guess it’s in my blood. Caitlin Crisp Limited was founded in 2018 after I debuted a small collection at New Zealand Fashion Week that year. I’ve never been interested in pursuing anything else and I am so grateful for the wonderful mentors I have had along the way.
Have you encountered any challenges since starting your own brand?
My job is 99 percent problem solving and one percent design. We face challenges everyday but that’s often half the fun. The biggest challenge was getting it off the ground. I worked in retail and had a job nannying, putting everything I earned back into my fledgling business until I could grow it enough to be able to support myself. Working three jobs can take a toll on health and friendships but it was a ‘means to an end’. I lead a happier and well-balanced life now so I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m thankful to my younger self for putting in the hard yards early on.
How would you personally define your brand aesthetic? In what ways does your personal style influence your designs?
This is always the trickiest one to pin down as our brand changes and evolves as my muses and I grow, change and age. It’s always heavily influenced by what I’m going through at the time. I struggled not to design a full bridal range instead of ready-to-wear when I got engaged! I always think ahead to what I’m designing for and ask myself ‘what do I want myself, my best friend and my mother to be wearing there/then?’.
Tell us a bit about your most recent collection. How would you say your brand has evolved over time?
My most recent collection was quite heavily influenced by my fiancé’s parents’ house. There’s plum trees and roses, a cottage garden and benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings. It’s the kind of place you could have kids running around under sprinklers in the summer, a pool party, or a garden wedding. The range has something for all of the above occasions.
Who or what inspires you the most when you design?
Beyond the initial spark of inspiration, I always look to fabrics to take it further. Viewing current fabric ranges and new prints always helps to put the whole picture together for a range. It makes it much easier to visualise and bring a design to life.
What separates you from other designers?
I think we’re all different. New Zealand has so many world-class designers covering a wide range of aesthetics and lifestyles and New Zealand designers can hold their own proudly against international designers!
I am still at a small enough scale that we can take on fun made-to-order projects for bridal, eventwear and other special requests. Our showroom, production and warehouse are all in the same location so I get to connect with my team and customers on a daily basis which is somewhat unique to us.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who are interested in following a similar path to you?
Be willing to work really hard, keep an open mind and get as much experience as you can. Find mentors who inspire and support you and listen to them. Have the confidence to talk to people in the fashion industry you admire. I have found the fashion community in NZ to be approachable and supportive. You’re better off taking chances and making mistakes while you’re young, when you get older mistakes become much more costly!
What does an average day look like for you?
Mondays are my favourite. I go to pilates which is always a win for the week, I then get coffee down at Pastrami & Rye, another win. At work we have a Monday morning meeting over (another) coffee which is where we get to reconnect for the week, set goals and keep each other up to date. I usually then brief Nicole on a new design to get started on sampling or if I have time I’ll make the sample myself. My best friend currently flats with us, so after work we walk her puppy and then make dinner together.
What’s next for you personally and professionally?
I’m getting married this year which is the event I am most looking forward to! I went on my first big overseas trip at Christmas and have been bitten by the travel bug. So I am excited to plan a few trips with my soon-to-be husband, including Europe later in the year. Beyond that we also have an exciting new project on at work which I can’t let slip just yet. I don’t plan too far ahead as I love the opportunities that creativity and spontaneity create. So watch this space.
Quickfire questions:
I would describe my style as… Anything and everything Caitlin Crisp!
This season I’m splurging on… Our wedding.. eeek.
Where you’ll find me holidaying this season… Starting to plan our Euro honeymoon.
Best place for a cocktail… Soul Bar’s Pornstar Martini.
Last TV show I binged… Fool Me Once.. holy hecka!
My current podcast recommendation… I’m not much of a podcast listener but my fiance has been bugging me to listen to one called Keep the Change!
Inside my Chanel WOC handbag you will find… My phone, ID, visa, mini perfume and lip balm.
If I wasn’t a designer I would be a… A pharmacist, to follow in my parents’ footsteps.
Imagery: Ruby Holland, supplied.
