Crystal Jin Swimwear Interview
From LoveToKnow Swimsuits
This Crystal Jin swimwear interview covers the famed designer's 2010 cruise collection. An eclectic mix of soft feminine sheen and strong masculine lines, the designs entice you to peer closer. Both swim and sun friendly, there's something in this collection that just about everyone will like!
Ms. Jin was gracious enough to answer the following questions for LTK. Ever wonder what the creative process is like for a fashion designer? Love Jin's work and want to see more? Read on!
About Crystal Jin Eley's Background
Hailing from wintery Minnesota, Crystal Jin Eley took her summers very seriously. In fact, it was there that her love for swimming, sailing, and power boating first took hold. Luckily for swim aficionados everywhere, she moved to New York City where she secured a position with Vlada; a small boutique on the Lower East Side.
That was impressive enough, but Ms. Jin Eley didn't stop there. Instead, she attended Parsons The New School for Design where she honed her considerable design talent even further. From there, Ms. Jin Eley landed the prestigious position of designing accessories at J. Crew. Not quite satisfied with the accessories field, she decided to launch her own swim line, the Crystal Jin collection.
The Crystal Jin Swimwear Interview
About the Creative Process
LTK: What made you interested in swimwear design? Is there something in particular about it that you just liked or loved?
Ms. Jin: Having been involved in the fashion industry for my entire professional life, I came into the realm of swimwear design ultimately out of necessity. The market lacked what I wanted to own. I could never find the style, color or fabric to appeal to my personal taste. I thought that there must be quite a number of women out there who felt the same way. Women need options!
LTK: What is the creative process like for you? Do you actively seek out inspiration or does it just "come" to you? For instance, do you get a color stuck in your head or a pattern, or is it more along the lines of something you see that triggers the process?
Ms. Jin: It is a little of both. Inspiration is not exactly something that can be easily found, but definitely living in such a high energy city like New York helps creativity thrive.
I gather my ideas from a range of cultural influences throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn: paintings, landscapes, museums…Barneys! It can be as simple as natural beauty or just natural kinetic energy; a particular mood or feeling can have a lot of influence on a design.
In Talking About the Collection Itself…
LTK: This collection is a dynamic one that expertly uses color and cut to convey fluid movement. What was the inspiration for this collection?
Ms. Jin: I draw upon my roots quite a bit; long winters in Minnesota make for heavy anticipation for summer, a season we take very seriously. I have a lot of fond memories of that sort of ethereal time period when we could not wait to shed our layers and spend days out on the water. I spent most of those months on lakes sailing and swimming, and basically just immersed in the whole boating lifestyle.
LTK: As I browsed the 2010 collection, I was impressed with many of the one piece and monokini styles. They seem to be edgy, but not over the top. Do you have any tips to help women decide which type of style is right for them? In other words, what's the best way to choose between a one piece and a bikini style?
Ms. Jin: A woman's wardrobe choice should reflect what she wishes to say about herself. One day an edgier monokini might be right for her, while a more elegant bikini could be right the next. Style is an attitude; it can let everybody know who you are without ever having to say a word. I like to think of my designs as dynamic, which is the kind of women I design for as well. Have fun with whatever you wear!
Learn More About the Collection
LTK: How can interested consumers purchase some of these styles? Is there a specific website they can visit for more information?
Ms. Jin: Crystal Jin Swimwear can be purchased at Studio LX in Miami and Tropical Affair in California, and additional retail locations will be coming soon!
LTK: Once people see this beautifully stylish collection, we can only imagine them clamoring for more! Can fans expect to see you branching out into other fashion areas in the future?
Ms. Jin: As of now, I am concentrating entirely on the world of swimwear, but eventually? Perhaps. That is what is great about the future, it is undetermined!
Final Notes
LTK would like to extend a special thanks to Ms. Jin for extending her time to answer our questions. If you'd like to take a look at the entire Crystal Jin swimwear collection, be sure to visit Crystal Jin.com.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 64 times. This page was last modified 15:18, 15 October 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook