If fashion is an expression of experiences, Catherine Casias has a lot of area to cover. She has excelled as an Olympic volleyball player, a philosophy major, and a fine artist. And now she can add fashion designer under her belt. Hand drawing and painting prints for her textiles, Casias transfers subconscious dreams and long forgotten memories into asymmetrical skirts, slim pants, and billowy blouses. Her ultimate goal? “Illustrate the cosmic resonance between individual and the environment they exist within.” Judging by her own diverse yet interconnected road into fashion, it’s safe to say everything happens for a reason. 

------CATHERINE CASIAS INTERVIEW------

1. It’s so cool you made the Junior Olympics for volleyball! Did you ever think you would end up as a fashion designer? 

CC: The love and respect for fashion designers and artists was always there. I took private art lessons at a young age, and art was always a passion. That inspired a lot of interest in fashion. As a young girl I had a subscription to Sassymagazine and would set my alarm for 6 am on Saturday mornings to watch VideoFashion. Those two things had a huge impact on me. 

2. You have traveled and lived across the country. How has this influenced your style, and is there a city that resonates with you most?

CC: I lived in New York for seven years and Seattle for seven years. When I first moved to Williamsburg in 2003 it was the best experience. So many amazing people. It inspired me to feel confident and wear whatever I wanted to, and that was liberating. 

3. You name film as one of your biggest sources of inspiration. What films inspire you most?


CC: I love so many! However, the ones that have inspired my design aesthetic the most would be: Spellboundby Alfred Hitchcock, Suspiriaby Dario Argento, The Keepby Michael Mann, Eraserheadby David Lynch, Ugetsuby Kenji Mizoguchi, Eyes without a Faceby Georges Franju, and Inaugurationof the Pleasure Domeby Kenneth Anger. 

4. What differences have your found in being a fashion designer compared to a fine artist?


CC: Being a fine artist is a very personal and independent thing. It is almost purely cathartic and a form of communication. Being a fashion designer is working with other people to see your vision through. 

5. I read your designs capture dreams and long-forgotten memories. Could you elaborate on this process?

CC: I have very vivid dreams that have always had a profound effect on the way I see the world. I tend to gravitate to artists who have that same cerebral process. 

6. When I look at your FW 18 collection, I see a bit of 60s/70s prints as well as 80s silhouettes. Which decade of fashion is your favorite?


CC: I am most inspired by the 20s and the surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli. It was really the first time art started to redefine the silhouette and boldness of prints. 

7. What person has made the biggest impact on your career?


CC: My business partner Kinda Lincoln believed in my concept and my vision. Also my mother who helped cultivate and foster my artistic impulses when I was very young. 

8. What advice do you have to individuals wanting to launch their own brand?


CC: You have to believe in yourself and your vision. So many people are going to challenge you and your ideas that you have to stay steadfast and follow your gut always. 

CATHERINE CASIAS'S WEBSITE

CATHERINE CASIAS'S INSTAGRAM

INTERVIEW BY EMILY CIESLAK

PHOTO CREDIT CATHERINE CASIAS