Although RESPONSIVE TEXTILES is a one-woman operation, it still takes a village. Photoshoots, runway shows and the like require me to collaborate with others, whose talents truly bring the work to the finish line. With this in mind, I want to introduce you to the beautiful souls, who work tirelessly on RSPNSV projects. This week, meet Astrid Von Winter: a talented model, who recently collaborated in our "We are Woman." Pulling from her ability to empathize and feel, she brings unparalleled vulnerability and strength when she steps in front of the camera...
Read moreFrom Kristine: ON THE "WE ARE WOMAN" PROJECT
A talented team of women made this project happen. And this time, that included me (Kristine of RSPNSV TXTLS) not only being the designer, but also modeling it up! For all who know me even slightly, you know that I am a behind-the-scenes kind of girl. At my runway shows, my finale walk is literally facilitated by a model holding my hand and guiding me the whole way. So the thought of stepping in front of the camera was completely terrifying and vulnerable, especially in the garments I was creating for this shoot. All I could think of was the list of insecurities I felt about myself. However, I was asking six other women, most of whom are not models, to step out of their comfort zone and participate in this project. I knew it was time to be brave with them...
Read moreStyle Files: REBECCA x THE MOONLIGHT TOP
Fashion is your chosen second skin. It is created to serve you. That is right peeps! Sometimes, it may feel like fashion is exclusive to models, bloggers and the like. However, the truth is that we all have to get dressed in the morning. Well, at least most of us do. Fashion exists for everyone. This has inspired the "Style Files" series, a celebration of personal style where a RSPNSV TXTLS favorite is paired into several looks with pieces already in someone's closet.
We are kicking this off with Rebecca: a beautiful soul both inside and out. She is an architect by trade and inspiration in the kitchen. She took the Moonlight Top and paired it with four of her favorite go-to's, serving up some summer perfection in complete Rebecca fashion...literally...
Read moreProcess: MAKING THE SUNLIGHT TOP
The Sunlight Top is a personal favorite of mine from the SS17 Collection. It is light-weight, cotton and perfect for just throwing on during these hot, summer months. And yes, the fact it's bra-optional is an added bonus. With its over-sized fit and easy drape, this piece gives off an air of effortlessness. However, just like achieving that perfect "bed head / I just woke up like this" look, its simplicity is the product of a great deal of effort. Knitting its panels takes about four hours of active work to complete, and the finishing process (hems, seams, ect) takes about another four. Here is a brief overview of the process for creating the Sunlight Top from start to finish, one row at a time...
Read moreOur Collaborators: JOANSIE ROSE, MUA
Although RESPONSIVE TEXTILES is a one-woman operation, it still takes a village. Photoshoots, runway shows, makers markets. All of these projects require me to collaborate with others, whose talents truly bring us to the finish line. With this in mind, I want to start introducing you to the unique and beautiful souls, who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes at RSPNSV photoshoots, and beyond. Let's be real. These individuals are not only kings and queens of their craft, but also as much a part of Team RESPONSIVE TEXTILES as I am.
We are kicking things off with the one and only Brandy Louise Daye, better known as Joansie Rose! She was the first makeup artist I met when I arrived in Georgia. The stars aligned, and fate brought us together...
Read moreProcess: THE STORY BEHIND SS17
Hooray, hooray! It is finally May! I want to jump up, and rhyme all day! Spring is here at last, and so is the launch of our Spring/Summer 2017 collection: Eternal Sunshine! I have been waiting many months to send these limited edition pieces out into the world. Now that these beauties are finally available for order, I want share a closer look into the intention and story behind this collection. Like a mama hen, I love each of my collections for the unique stories they tell. This one, however, is especially near and dear to my heart...
Read moreFrom Kristine: THE QUOTE OF MY YEAR
"When you start these kinds of journeys, it's like you know when is important to you, but you don't necessarily know where you are going. But you know that if you make decisions based on the things that matter to you, wherever you end up is where you needed to go." ~Bjarke Ingels
I normally begin my week with a quote of the day. Bjarke's words, however, are my quote of the year. I have recently been thinking more about my practice since starting RESPONSIVE TEXTILES. How do I work? Why do I work? What does my work say? Am I fulfilling what I set out to do when I began my brand? Have my objectives changed? Through these reflections, I have realized a glaring problem...
Read moreFrom Kristine: FEELING LIKE A QUEEN IN 2017
Happy New Year beautiful souls! It is 2017, and I am feeling like a queen! My heart is open for what is to come and has so much gratitude for the year that just ended. I want to send a huge thank you to all of team RESPONSIVE TEXTILES (every model, photographer, MUA, stylist, collaborator, friend and lover of the handmade)! It is because these many other supportive individuals and talented creatives that this brand can continue to fight the good fight...
Read moreLately: THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!
It is official. The holiday season is here! This is a magical time of year with something extra warm and fuzzy in the air: Merriment, cozy vibes, season's greetings and (for RSPNSV TXTLS' studio) I am also referring to pom-poms! Along with the annual release of limited edition scarves, RESPONSIVE TEXTILES is launching a small line handmade pom-poms this holiday season. I have carefully crafted each with beautiful wool and mohair yarns. Like little snowflakes of fiber, no two are exactly the same. More importantly, they have been designed as small gestures in support of shopping small and shopping consciously this holiday season...
Read moreLately: RESPONSIVE TEXTILES x KICKSTARTER
June arrives with some exciting news! With the Spring/Summer 2017 Collection in the works, I have just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund RESPONSIVE TEXTILES' entry into New York Fashion Week! The collection is sketched out and the yarn has been ordered. I have gone through the application process, and RSPNSV TXTLS has been invited to show at FTL MODA's NYFW! I could not be more excited by this amazing opportunity to show at the heart of America's fashion industry: NYC! In order to participate, RSPNSV needs your support in our journey...
Read moreFrom Kristine: WE HAVE ARRIVED / HI GEORGIA
It is official knit lovahs: RESPONSIVE TEXTILES has trekked cross-country and set up studio in charming Augusta, Georgia! It was hard saying goodbye to sunny San Diego, the city that gave RSPNSV TXTLS its first three seasons. However, it has always been a priority of mine to live in many places and experience as much of this beautiful world as possible. So after four wonderful years in Southern California, it was time to continue on my journey and explore somewhere new. As a result, RSPNSV TXTLS has taken its knitting to America's south...
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