CHRISTINE ALCALAY

“I had an obligation to continue the story my mom started, take it to another place that was beyond survival but the expression and thriving. Here is my part of the journey that has already begun for me. As a designer, I understand construction details and fabrics because it was part of the language I learned as a child.”

— CHRISTINE ALCALAY, OWNER/FOUNDER OF KIWI & FIG

With two iconic brick & mortar shops in Brooklyn, and her own line of sophisticated womens RTW under her belt, Christine is someone we admire as a designer and business woman. She sticks to her core morals and principals without sacrificing an iota of style along the way. Beyond thrilled to have captured a bit of her story to share with you below!

1. We love how connected you've been to fashion since childhood, how has that history helped shape your design aesthetic/identity?

From a very young age, Fashion was introduced to me from a "Behind the Scenes" perspective, also known as the backbone of the industry. I grew up around the factories, the sample makers, and the pattern makers in the design and cutting rooms. We emigrated from Vietnam when I was 3, and clothing was our lifeline. Fashion has never been about runways or privilege- it was our life. My days after school and summers were spent helping construct the garments my mom, a sample maker, made. I felt very at home in these spaces where piles of clothing were made, and steam came out of the irons. The construction of garments was how we paid for the food on our table. Fashion was not a luxury but a necessity. It was our source of income and the way we would pave our way for a future and success. It was a lot of work and many nights of burning the midnight oil. I remember clearly the nights when I would head to bed, and I could still hear my mother buzzing away on the sewing machine. Fashion is, in essence, the fabric of my being. Fashion also became a way of expression for me as time went on. I loved to draw, but I mostly loved to make things with my hands. I perused the fabric shops with dreams of making clothing to wear at school. I bought Simplicity patterns from the fabric shop and made the things my heart desired. Somewhere along the line, I decided that this was what I wanted to pursue. I had an obligation to continue the story my mom started, take it to another place that was beyond survival but the expression and thriving. Here is my part of the journey that has already begun for me. As a designer, I understand construction details and fabrics because it was part of the language I learned as a child. My style is for the woman I've always wanted to become. Coming from Vietnam, the American dream of success meant so many things, but for me, it was to become a successful creative who was free. My designs are a combination of free-spirited drapey dresses, power suits, and blouses that range from romantic to simple, but they all express the woman I've always wanted to be and have become.

2. How do you go about deciding on a seasonal story and identifying key silhouettes for your collections?

My design process and the collections I create are part of a story. Each collection is a chapter in a larger story that I've been trying to tell since I came to this country. Each collection's inspiration comes up naturally and is inspired by my life events and the challenges or questions I face as a woman. Clothing can be a form of escape, we aspire to feel or be a certain way when we get dressed. It can be a form of release and for me, it is essential for my evolution as a woman. All of the elements and designs I was unable to bring to life in previous collections always make their way into future collections. I design for all the different sides of who I am along with how I picture myself in the future.

The inspiration & design period is about 2 weeks long. During that time, I read, write, go to museums, sit in coffee shops and try to slow down and absorb and observe. Fashion is personal but also a window into what happening in our world. My inspiration always comes from that place between personal work and growth and how I want to be in the world. With this, I select colors, fabrics, and design silhouettes that reflect the theme.

Design for me is a process with no end.

Through the years, certain silhouettes have naturally become staples in the collection. Some styles are requested every season and have become staples in my closet.

3. Can you describe a little bit about what you look for when sourcing fabrics?

The way a fabric feels and drapes are essential to me. We wear fabrics on our bodies, so if it does not feel good, even if it looks good, I refuse to use it. Before sourcing new materials, I always look to see what we already have in the studios and factories. Because we are a small company, we must use our resources and find intelligent ways to use and reuse them. I usually design my prints, but for solids, knits, and wovens, I consider whether they are recycled, organic, and their origins. When possible, I search for end lot fabrics as well. Most of the materials I use are natural fibers from small family-owned mills that have years of history. Fashion innovation comes from textiles, and this progress has always been exciting and inspiring to me.

4. Lastly, for any of our readers new to your brand, what’s something you think they should know about you and/or your TWO shops in Brooklyn (Fig & Kiwi)?

I'm celebrating 20 years of my women's boutique, KIWI, this Month! My men's shop just turned 7! It has been a journey that started with creating a site where I could house my ideas, things I love, and all that I admire. The creation of my businesses came from not knowing where my place was in the fashion world and then believing in my vision enough to make these spaces while cultivating the community. Now, I have both shops where I not only have my collection but can also support and bring in the other designers and lines that I believe in. Sometimes, if you don't know where your place is, you must create it.

contributing Editor Cassiel Davis

“The creation of my businesses came from not knowing where my place was in the fashion world and then believing in my vision enough to make these spaces while cultivating the community.”

“My style is for the woman I've always wanted to become. Coming from Vietnam, the American dream of success meant so many things, but for me, it was to become a successful creative who was free.”

“My designs are a combination of free-spirited drapey dresses, power suits, and blouses that range from romantic to simple, but they all express the woman I've always wanted to be and have become.”

“Clothing can be a form of escape, we aspire to feel or be a certain way when we get dressed. It can be a form of release and for me, it is essential for my evolution as a woman.”