Get to Know the Ever Chic Christina Yother

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Effortless elegance — a concept we all strive to achieve that may seem so unfathomable, it’s seemingly out of reach. Well, think again! Meet Christina Yother. Newly launched, this timelessly chic brand is the namesake label of the designer and SCAD alumna. With sustainability and technology at the core of production, there’s no question that Christina Yother is ready to pave the way for innovation in the fashion industry. Get to know the label and its founder and be one of the first to score a piece of your very own!

Tell us about Christina Yother! What sparked the idea?

Christina Yother is effortlessly elegant and incredibly comfortable. I love pieces that are creative and wearable at the same time. I was finding in my own shopping that unique pieces were often not very comfortable, so I decided to take my designs which are effortless, flowy, and abstract silhouettes and make them in soft, sustainable fabrics so that they’re incredibly comfortable. That’s what makes my designs ones that you can wear to a special evening event but also ones that you want to wear all day long because they just make you feel great.

Congrats on your recent launch! Can you share with us a bit about the process from ideation to release?

I designed this collection solely through draping, so my pattern pieces are really interesting and unique shapes. Because of this, developing a production-friendly pattern was a big step in the process. I also spent a lot of time making sure the fit was great for all sizes and selecting the perfect. I hit a lot of bumps in the road along the way but I learned so many lessons from them.

Your pieces are elegantly timeless yet forward — where did you look for inspiration when establishing the brand identity?

The brand identity is all about effortless elegance. My favorite way to design is through draping so that naturally became how I described all of my pieces because they combined feminine silhouettes with modern details.

This collection was inspired by yoga. I found the quote “yoga is a dance between control and surrender” and used gatherings and drawstrings because they control the fabric and create the surrender in the drape.

It’s no secret that the world and the fashion industry is undergoing quite a transformation. How did you know it was still the right light to launch your label?

I was originally planning to launch in April but postponed due to COVID related delays. It was definitely the right decision to wait. I felt like now was the right time because of how my designs make me feel when I wear them and wanting others to be able to experience them also. I always want to feel effortlessly elegant and incredibly comfortable even around the house or for a Zoom meeting so I want others to be able to have those special items that make you look and feel great now and that you’re excited to wear out when the time is right.

Sustainability and technology seem to play quite a role in your brand DNA. I’d love to hear more about integrating those pillars into your mission!

I’ve always been passionate about sustainability (I asked my family to start recycling as my birthday present when I was 12), so having that be a pillar of my brand was never a question. I integrate that into my brand by using sustainable materials, packaging, and sustainable practices. I also recycle my excess fabric into accessories to reduce waste. Profits from those accessories are donated to women’s shelters.

Innovative technology in fashion really fascinates me so I’m really excited about virtual fashion design software which has been growing its presence in the industry. I think it’s amazing because it has huge sustainability benefits for brands of any size. I use virtual fashion design software to have virtual fittings. It has been extremely helpful with everything going on in the world and is very accurate.

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Growing up, were you always interested in fashion? Or what drew you to the fashion industry?

I’ve always been interested in so many different areas from architecture to painting, but fashion is the interest that has stuck with me my whole life. I remember watching my grandmother sew me a dress on her sewing machine and that’s the moment I specifically remember thinking that I could be a fashion designer one day.

Can you tell us a bit about your career before Christina Yother?

I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2018. Between graduation and my brand launch, I worked as a childrenswear designer! I also taught CLO, the virtual fashion design software at SCAD.

Do you remember what you wore to your first interview?

My first interview was for a design internship and I wore the first dress I ever made while studying fashion design. It was a long floral, sleeveless dress with a smocking on the chest. I still have it and love it!

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a similar path?

If it’s your dream, absolutely go for it. It’s a lot of work and so much more than just designing but if you’re passionate about it, it will always be worth it. Take your time and don’t rush because there are lots of things that you’ll learn along the way

Given our current situation, what are you doing to stay sane, inspired and creating?

I’m going on lots of walks to get outside each day and making sure I make time to keep designing. With my brand just launched, I’ve been working so much and been so focused on the business side of things, I have to remind myself to spend a little time designing and draping because it keeps me feeling creative.