Chic Interview: Raissa from Brigid Catiis

May 18, 2009 | Tags: Chic Interview 

These days, it’s rare to find an innovative, contemporary designer, but what’s even more rare is finding one with an eco-friendly line that’s also fashion savvy.  Brigid Catiis is the product of a young Los Angeles based designer, who’s obsessed with vintage clothing and accessories. “It felt good knowing that I was the only one that would be wearing my outfit- guaranteed.” After college, she shopped regularly for vintage and soon began making re-creations from vintage clothing, each one uniquely distinct from the other.  We got a look at the items up close and personal, and saying that we were blown away is an understatement.  The 2nd best part about her 100% green line?  The affordable prices.  Read on to hear more from the designer and then head on over to her website.  Wanna buy? Check out her pieces on revolveclothing.

Chic Intuition:  Let’s start with the obvious question, what got you interested in fashion design?

Raissa:  One word: vintage! Having been an avid vintage shopper for almost 7 years now, vintage gave me a history of fashion. I realized that fashion never repeats itself, it just re-invents. It sparked a deep interest and now a love because fashion is a true expression of one’s self. This was made evident through vintage shopping- clothes are expressive in any given era- no matter what!

Chic Intuition:  We think the idea behind your line is so current and interesting.  What made you decide to go green by using renewed vintage fabrics for your pieces?

Raissa:  It’s funny because I began doing vintage remakes so long ago just for the love of it and the actual realization that I was being the greenest of all green’s came later! I first fell in love with the idea of creating pieces that were exclusive to the person wearing it- one of a kind-always! I knew the best way to do this was to use amazing fabrics that I would see on weirdly shaped dresses and skirts.  After gaining momentum from selling to hundreds of women who loved the re-made designs, the light bulb finally went off in my head! I put two in two together and created Brigid Catiis in 2008.

Chic Intuition:  Do you feel that by not using any new resources you’re creativity, in turn, is limited?

Raissa:  Yes and no. Yes because I don’t have the luxury of creating necessarily whatever I want. I have to always take into consideration the fabrics that are available to me.  However, this makes the design process so much more challenging and therefore, fulfilling. To take something old and breathe new life into the fabric to make a brand new piece takes every inch of creative energy from me, but when I see my ideas come to life from these recycled fabrics, it makes all the effort worth it. Let’s put it this way, it feels like a Project Runway challenge every time I start designing! Like, how do I make brand new women’s trousers from vintage garments?

Chic Intuition:  What we love about your pieces is that they have a flirty vintage-y feel to them.  Do you think that the fabric you use keeps your piece in a relative era?  Or do you completely take apart the old piece and revamp  it into something more modern?

Raissa:  Each vintage garment is totally taken apart and made into something else. Most of the time, a dress, playsuit, and even a blouse require 2-3 vintage pieces to create 1 brand new piece. For example, for Spring ’09, I used a lot of denim to make playsuits/rompers. 3-4 vintage denim wrap skirts are required to make one garment, so I have to make sure to buy vintage wrap skirts that are very, very similar in color so that 1 can be created.  Yes, it’s hard, time consuming and requires a lot of patience- but I love what I do!

Chic Intuition:  If you had to choose one favorite piece from your collection, what would it be and why?
Raissa:  I don’t like this question. I’m bias. I like everything! LOL!  If I had to choose just one, which I can’t, I would have to choose 2! Sorry!  Rachel and Leah are both playsuits that are easy- easy in terms of not having to think too much to look cute. The pieces are also great for day to night events since it’s casual enough for a bbq, but cute enough to be worn to a bar. I love the fit and how it emphasizes a woman’s waist and both have side pockets. Enough said!

Chic Intuition:  Now, we have to ask, what line or fashion statement piece do you wish you had designed yourself? Also, just for fun, give us a piece you’re glad you didn’t design.
Raissa:  I have to give it up for American Apparel. They revolutionized basics and how fashionable it can be.  We all own an American Apparel piece for very simple reasons- they’re easy, they’re comfy and they go with everything! American Apparel, in my opinion, catalyzed the t-shirt/tank/leggings/basics staple and they do an amazing job with it!

Now, for the piece I’m glad I didn’t design- Uggs. I just don’t get it. I live in L.A. and still see girls wearing them in sunny California. Don’t they make your feet sweat? 

Chic Intuition:  Describe your personal style.  What are your three style must-haves?
Raissa:  It’s hard for me to describe my personal style.  I don’t necessary follow trends, but again, just stay true to my taste. I also wear lots of vintage. I would say 90% of what I have in my closet is vintage, so I mix that in with newer pieces. I can tell you that I hardly own any flats and save tennis shoes for the gym.

My 3 style must haves are:

1. Animal print: I have been obsessed with animal print since college and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.
2. LBS: Lovely Black Shoes: Every woman should have a go to pair of black shoes that makes any outfit glamorous!  
3. Tuxedo jacket: My Brigid Catiis tuxedo jacket is with me everywhere I go. The tuxedo jacket can turn a jeans and a t-shirt outfit into an amazing jeans and t-shirt outfit!

Chic Intuition:  Lastly, a philosophical question, how green is to green?
Raissa:  I don’t think there’s such thing as being too green. With all the information we know now, in regards to the state of our planet, there’s no restrictions on how green we should be.

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