Exclusive Backstage Meeting with Kriss Soonik Spring/Summer Collection

On Thursday the 19th of August, Superstar Magazine was given exclusive backstage access to the Kriss Soonik Spring/Summer Collection Launch Fashion show held at McQueen in Shoreditch. The venue set-up was fantastic, what one could describe as a modern-style Viking themed bar- wooden flooring, fur rugs, animal skulls and horns, black metallic chandeliers and models posing on swings made of ropes attached to the ceiling.

Kriss Soonik's collection was stunning! For this particular collection she had 'orange' as the signature colour and of course designs and accessories with the iconic cat and bow. The catwalk was staged on a platform in the round so all the audience both buyers and others could experience the show!

Quotes of the evening:

Model Norah Mullane: 'Absolutely loved the Kriss Soonik fashion collection, it was sexy, sophisticated and elegant. The make-up theme was Bridget B, and was the perfect look. The show was a real success and I received amazing feed back.'

Model Kasia Bober: ' I was afraid of doing underwear but when I saw and tried on her collection I loved it.I was surprised how comfortable it was. Whatever the outfit would be, I would wear it.

Model Charlene Dang: 'Amazing. Creative.Kriss has put the sex back in sexy! She made the girls feel beautiful and cute, whilst making us little superheroes! Everyone did an excellent job and created a wonderful show.

After the show, Superstar magazine was lucky enough to get a chance to speak with the designer herself- Kriss Soonik and find out more about her creative collection, fabrics, her team, her 'loungerie' concept and why her designs are manufactured in Estonia.

Q: Kriss, first of all congratulations for putting on such as superb show(Smiles). A simple question that must be asked,how do you feel!?

A: I feel amazing, I0'm speechless. Months of organising and so many great people involved in the project. The venue was absolutely packed and the reactions from the people were priceless! I'm really really happy.

Q: I bet.So when did this all start? How did you begin?

A: I've been designing for 8 years but before it was a hobby. Since January last year I decided to pursue and just jump and go for it! I decided to put on a fashion show, and here I am!

Q: Fashion is known for being full of glamour, art and fancy events! But how hard is it to make it in the industry and establish a name for yourself?

A: Fashion is a bitch. It really is a tough thing, I don't know what keeps me going! Everyone asked me when I started, why do you do free stuff and work for free? Fashion is hard but you have to gain experience. I started as an assistant for a friend for a fashion show and the next year I so happened to enter it myself! From my 20th birthday onwards I started designing Loungerie as no one in Estonia was doing it. There are about 3 jobs in fashion in Estonia! To make it, it is almost impossible, everyone is doing everything. I moved to London five years ago. And here I am now putting on my own fashion show in London!

Q: Where did the idea of designing lingerie as outerwear come from?

A: Well I love baby dos, and the idea came from seeing what people like. The dressing gown is FOR the customer and they love the fact 'you can wear it outside!?'. It makes it versatile, lingerie is not just for the hidden but for the outer too.

Q: And the name loungerie?

A: The idea came up from a spelling mistake.Typing away and there it was, that was it…it was exactly what I was looking for! I'm calling it a trend for Spring/Summer 2011.

Q: Out of your collection do you have any personal favourites?

A: Yes, definitely the white crystal body, with the bottom orange. My second favourite would have to be the huge Diana dressing gown with the belt and also the susan classic lace body as it's reversible! I like the fact you can wear it both ways.

Q: Brilliant designs! What type of women would buy them?

A: A women who is very confident with her style yet is looking for something else. The details are quirky but I try to be suttle as well.

Q: Who is your ultimate icon for yourself and your collection?

A: My mum. Honestly, I wouldn't be anywhere without her. My dad as well. In terms of my collections I have different inspirations, the Japanese, Bond girls, for every season I have a new icon!

Q: Fantastic. I look forward to seeing your next collection! So Kriss, out of all the countries, is there one place in the world you consider to produce the best quality fabric?

A: By now it's hard to say. Some countries work hard. France is great for lace, really is 'top noch'. I also get my silk from China. Different fabrics come from different places and I try to source the top ones the best I can.

Q: Why do you like to have all your designs manufactured in Estonia?

A: Because first of all no one does that. I believe in Estonia we have people to do the job to a high standard, they are very skilled and so helpful. Scandinavian designers are also fantastic; the work they produce is really high quality.

Q: How have your designs developed?

A: They used to be crazy! Actually the ideas for my designs in this collection had come from previous designs. I've never studied fashion, my ideas developed within and my work has been affected and inspired by my environment at the time.

Q: Last question.In many of your designs you have an image/logo or accessory with your signature cat design and a bow too in this collection in particular. Tell us more

A: Well for me a cat represents something that you see everyday but at the same time that animal can be the most glamourous, elegant, amazing creature you see and I feel this represents my collection. It is wearable but at the same time it has this additional glamour to it!