Designer Spotlight: Cristina Martinez

My Sister first introduced me to Cristina's blog My Fashion Distraction last year and I have been a loyal follower ever since. What caught my eye was of course her beautiful designs and sketches but after finding out that she taught herself how to sew, I was blown away. Cristina's blog inspired me to start one of my own and also sparked my interest for learning how to sew. I like to support and promote talented people. So we did a Q&A together. Check it out below.

Who? Who am I? Or who do I sell to? ...ill answer both :) who am I.....I am Cristina Martinez, aspiring designer. I'm self taught and still teaching my self new things everyday. I started sewing because I loved to do it, not necessarily because I thought I was good at it. Lol. Over time I've read book after book and really studied my craft and finally I feel comfortable enough with my skill to sell my pieces to the public, on a small scale for now. But hopefully for the masses in the near future. On top of being on my quest to really make a name for myself in this ever changing fashion world, I am a mother, a new mother and loving ever single minute of it. My new little boy has definitely brought on a ridiculous amount of motivation and inspiration and through all the hard work that comes with being a new mom, I continue to create with every free moment I get. Who do I sell to - women. All women. Big women. Small women. Pregnant women. Short. Tall. Etc. I am inspired by women of all types. They say you are supposed to narrow it down to a specific market and stick to it, but I'm not ready to do that yet. Ill create for anyone that appreciates my work. I have designed pieces for many types of women and I learn something new with each piece. If you want it....ill make it. I've had the chance to design for some really amazing, interesting, creative ppl through my blog and that's what makes me happy.

Where? Right now, I design out of a room in my house that we like to call "The Dream Room." I've really turned it into a space of my own with inspiration and paintings I've done covering the walls. I'm currently in San Antonio, TX but not for long. I've lived everywhere from Vegas to China...We are a pretty spontaneous family, definitely helps expand my mind and get inspiration. You never know where ill be next but wherever I am....ill still be designing, creating and selling :)

What do you do? I am a one man show right now. First I think of a design...then I sketch the design...then I create the design (fabric, cutting, sewing, editing) and last I sell the piece and ship it...then do it all over again. Its quite the process...and hard work of course but it brings me nothing but pure happiness. Ill continue to do this until I reach my ultimate goal.

When did you develop your love for fashion? I've always sketched. It didn't cross my mind to actually get a sewing machine and try to create some of my sketches until about 2 years ago. I think I've always loved fashion. I've been disecting fashion magazines for as long as I can remember. But it didn't hit me until a few years ago that this is what I want to do. And once it hit me...it hasn't left. I HAVE to do this. I have to see the world in my designs.

What inspires you and your designs? My biggest inspirations come from people. I love people. I love different personalities and I'm surrounded by them. I kid you not , I have some of the most driven, motivated, creative people in my circle and that is where I get my inspiration. As far as my designs go, My favorite thing to do is to take a person, it can be anyone...maybe a girl I see at starbucks or someone in the mall that intrigues me and I visualize pieces I could see them in. And then I sketch. I do this for all types of women. Sounds a little crazy I know. But it works for me.

Where do you get your ideas from? I wish I had a really good answer for this one but honestly...I have no idea. I just create a space with my pencils and my sketch pad and I just go to town. Not all my ideas are great but I save them all. The good the bad and the ugly. and sometimes I can find things I like about the ugly ones later on and ill use them in future pieces. Save all your work...you never know.

Do you have a signature feature? I will find an excuse to put a bow on anything. Its kind of become my signature but not purposely. Something about Bows just intrigues me. They are so feminine. I love them!

Who are you favorite designers? Chanel of course. Who doesn't love Chanel. I, like everyone else in the world love LV and Gucci accessories but as far as actually clothing....I love any and everything Marc Jacobs, Jeremy Scott, oh and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Elizabeth and James shoes.

How would you describe your personal style? I am not afraid to try new things but I tend to lean towards reallllllly feminine pieces. I don't believe that in order to be fly you have to spends crazy money so I love to find cool cheap pieces and pair them with maybe more pricey accessories. I love to be comfortable but still look like I made an effort. I wear a lot of my own pieces and then buy shoes and jewels :)

What is the next step for you? I'm working on my official site and an official logo. My line finallllllly has a name, but its Top secret until my site is finished! Haha. My goal is to make my pieces more available. I love my blog and I love giving people the chance to get to know me, I love how personal blogs are...but I think its time to make it a little more professional and make it easier to purchase my pieces. So be on the lookout...!


Follow Cristina on Twitter @Imsewambitious