What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I am a fashion designer and what I love the most is to create : to sculpt a piece of clothing from calico or to draw a sketch from ink and paper. This really is a thrill for me ! It’s also quite addictive, as I get quickly unhappy or frustrated when I’m not creating, it is as much a drive as it is a need.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Change ! I like the fact that every day is different, I like quiet places and alternately super busy places depending on my mood, I like to be free and to have options.
What is my greatest fear?
I would hate to feel stuck.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Dissatisfaction. I question a lot, I am very hard on myself and I am never fully satisfied.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
I love the minimal yet experimental silhouette of Dion Lee and the sculptural effortless look of Monse. I admire the work of Kevin Germanier of the eponymous label, which is eco-conscious. It is something that we really need to develop in the fashion world, our industry is so polluting ! As a fervent ecologist, I try to upcycle as much as I can in my personal work : the pieces from my collections are mainly created from left-over fabrics and trimmings from other fashion houses.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I am not scared much about my style, I am quite daring. But I guess my greatest extravagance would be my nails, always painted in crazy colours or my lips, often super bright.
On what occasion would I lie?
White lies, I would lie to avoid hurting someone.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
All the administrative side of it. Creation is sadly only a part of the job.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Dressing celebrities. I really enjoy the challenge of these special projects: travelling, making it happen in such short deadlines until the final intense happiness when the VIP wears it ! So to answer the « where », it would be at the event or if I couldn’t attend, on instagram after refreshing frantically the star’s page to check that she did wear it.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
That feeling of restlessness.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
When I can tell wearing my creations makes a customer feel confident and fierce.
Where would I most like to live?
Definitely a big cultural city, anywhere in the world. I really need to discover, to learn a lot : I go to exhibitions, galleries, concerts, to the theatre, the opera, and I love Paris for that, the possibilities are endless…
What is my most treasured possession?
Probably the first item of luxury I ever bought, a pair of Tabi boots in patent leather from Margiela. I still love them, they did not age one bit.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I’d prefer something more inspirational, but if I’m honest I would have to say hardworking. That is usually the first word people use to describe me !
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Picking one is really hard, I would say the Palais de Tokyo, always avant-garde. But so many places are my inspiration rituals, like Galliera, Guimet, Branly, Grand Palais, Pompidou, Art Deco museums…
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
I love the cocktails at Le Max next to Chatelet-les-halles. The owner is a friend of mine and I feel at home there. I have the same feeling at Cyril Lignac’s restaurants, even if they are gastronomic. They serve classic French food with a twist, which I find both comforting and delicious.
What books influenced my life and how?
As a child, my parents offered me a book on fairytales from various countries for my birthday. It was « Contes des Monts et Merveilles », the Gründ edition from 1987. I felt really disappointed, wishing for toys instead. But this book soon became my favorite item, and throughout my life, every time I moved to a new place, I brought it with me : to Paris, to London, to NYC… I always had to have it on my bookshelf. Not only was it an opening to the world and to cultures I had no idea about, but the illustrations were magnificent ! Alfons Mucha, Aubrey Bearsley, Eugène Grasset, Ivan Bilibine… to name a few. It definitely exalted my imagination and my desire to draw.
Who are my favorite writers?
As most Parisians, I take the metro every day which gives me the opportunity to read a lot. The first who comes to mind is Stefan Zweig, who can go from the powerful « Lettre d’une inconnue » to the thrilling biography of Magellan. I love Balzac also, how his choice of words triggers the imagination. I fell in love with « Peau de Chagrin », which inspired a collection I designed when studying at Central Saint Martins. René Barjavel as well, who has a way of captivating me, like in « La Nuit des Temps » or « Les chemins de Katmandou ». At the moment I am devouring Pierre Lemaitre’s books.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
« Exit Music » by Radiohead. Quite fitting, right ?!
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I grew up with mythology and always dreamed of those legendary stories with powerful goddesses and strong-minded nymphs. I admired Atalante who did not want to take a husband and outran all her suiters or Demeter who provoked a drought to get her beloved daughter back from hell.
These heroines influence my personal work, for instance the pieces from my last collection are named after them. I aspire to bring forward the strength in women, I wish that putting on my creations gives them a feeling of confidence, I want them to feel like empowered goddesses.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
As a fervent feminist, I would say Olympe de Gouges. In 1791, this activist wrote the « Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen », hoping the French Revolution would better the fate of women, but she was beheaded for this. I remember learning about her in Junior high and being impressed by this strong and brave woman. A contemporary heroine of mine is Simone Weil. This incredible politician changed the lives of French women forever. She is a true inspiration.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
My mother grew up in the States and « Gone with the wind » has always been a classic in our family. Even now I can’t help to watch it if it is on television. It’s quite possible this crucial scene where Scarlett takes down the green velvet curtains to make a fabulous gown inspired my vocation.
What role plays art in my life and work?
A daily part. It nourishes both myself and my work, in many different forms : music, painting, sculpture, architecture…
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My best friend and photographer Marie Colibri. We have complementary jobs so it is not surprising we collaborated a lot over the years ! She has a strong artistic personality and is such a perfectionnist… I feel very lucky that she has always supported me unwitheringly.
Whom would I like to work with in 2019?
I would love to have more projects in the cinema, work with more directors and actors.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2019?
The design team of Mugler, they are doing an amazing job at reviving this fashion house.
What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on?
A short movie we are working on with an actress friend. She is for the first time writing the scenario instead of interpreting it and my creations would play a big part in it.
Where can you see me or my work in 2019?
I am participating to projects also outside of fashion : for the cinema, music videos, artistic performance… So keep an eye out !
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Passion is a long lasting drive: your passion can evolve or even switch fields but it will always be a part of your life !
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
I really admire the photographers Marie Colibri and Kasia Kozinski, the costume designer Sandrine Mestas-Gleïzes, the visual designer Aurélie Tripier, the make-up artist Isabelle Lefebvre, the actress Sandy Farhi and in a totally different field the vegan chef Clémentine Lenglet. I would be really interested to read their interviews.
How can you contact me?
On my instagram : @moiracristescu or on my website : https://moira-cristescu.com/
The Heroine's Journey 