Where are you from?
I grew up in Palos Verdes, CA. But have been based in New York for 10 years.
How has that played in the way you design or look at fashion?
I honestly think it doesn’t play a role. I never really felt like I fit in there and it always made me feel isolated. Now that I am in NY I can really play off what people are wearing etc.
What effect do you want your clothes to have on the people wearing them?
I want people to feel conscious when they wear them. Self love is the most important thing in my book.
Do you have a general philosophy behind your brand?
CS is a platform for me to raise awareness for social issues.
When you are coming up for ideas, what are some elements that you look for of gravitate towards?
I always tend to design based on things I am looking to buy. There has lucky always been a gap in the market for what I am currently interested in so I just design it.
Do you have a creative process?
isit for days staring at a blank white wall.
What are your goals for the brand? Maybe not achievement-wise but more about the direction?
I want to continue to push the boundaries of our runway concept and speak to a higher conscious consumer.
What do you get out design and fashion, how does it affect your life?
I need it to survive. Its just in my blood to create and I am constantly surrounded by ideas that never get fulfilled.
As a kid, did you have any creative outlets?
I always enjoyed getting dressed. I rode horses and always matched my outfit with the horse and really didn’t know I was a creative until I dropped out of college.
Do you remember the first thing you made that you were proud of?
I made my first handbag for the collection that I loved. And started a whole line based on it that was in 2009.
Who or what do you look at for inspiration?
The inner workings of my mind. I always trust my intuition and what I am liking at the moment.
In regards to your studio and when you work, what is something you do to make yourself feel comfortable? Do you have any routines or rituals?
I play with my dog, Powwow. He will sit on my lap and thats when I get the most done.
Check out more of Hilary’s Work //
Instagram // @_collina
Website // https://www.collinastrada.com/
