Introducing...Cristina Marie

CRISTINA MARIE

About two weeks ago, I was put on to someone who I think is sooo talented. As soon as I saw her work, I was blown away. Cristina Martinez is a designer, but really just one of those people who is creative in general and can create beautiful things. From the sketches to the actual clothes....everything is vibrant and gorgeous and has personality. Of course she has a little obsession with Rihanna, I mean...what designer wouldn't want to dress her. But beyond that pieces she has sketched and created some very impressive pieces. I just had to share!

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I am 22 and a half haha. 23 this year....I'm currently living in San Antonio, Texas. I moved here recently (about 3 months ago) from Vegas. I was Vegas for 4 years for college but I'm originally from Seattle. I plan on moving to NY or LA sometime within the next couple of years.

How long have you been sketching and designing?

I've been sketching my entire life. When I was younger I would give all my sketches these crazy exotic spanish names. Lol. I still don't know where I got that. Lol. I love all things artistic> I used to paint more than anything. It's crazy because I sketched and sketched all dayd but never attempted to make any of the clothes...until about 4 months ago (yes that's it 4 months!!!) When my bf bought me a sewing machine and it was love at first sight hahaha. I haven't put the thing down since. I've never had any training....everything just kind of came natural to me. I plan on going to school soon to expand my knowledge but so far things have been going well without it.

What made you start?

I can't think of one specific thing that made me start. I think when you are passionate a bout something its just kind of imprinted in your brain waiting for you to act on it. I lay down and night and can't sleep because all I can see are visions of fabric and dresses and shoes just running through my mind! It's nuts! I went to college for something that has nothing to do with fashion (blah) and I started to notice that in my quiet moments when I had no distractions...all I wanted to do was design and sketch...for no reason at all. That's when I really knew what I wanted to do.

What are your sources of inspiration?

Man, I get inspiration from any and everything...from Rihanna to color combos on a mug at starbucks to the costumes in Lord of the Rings...lol literally everything.

How much do you charge and what exactly do you make?

My biggest seller is my bow skirt (above left). I can make it in any color any fabric etc. And those sell for $60....occasionally I will sell them 2 for $90. I also make maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, summer dresses etc. Pretty much anything you can think of...I will find a way to make it. I love a challenge.

To keep up with Cristina and follow her journey to success....check out her blog [www.myfashiondistraction.blogspot.com] ...she puts up a lot of her work there. Please be respectful and don't claim her sketches as your own! Also you can follower her on twitter!