CELEBRATING TEN YEARS AT THE TOP OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY, CATHERINE MALANDRINO CONTINUES TO INFLUENCE AND INSPIRE WOMEN WITH HER WHIMSICAL, FEMININE AND BOLD DESIGNS. THE FRENCH DESIGNER HAS SUCCESSFULLY MERGED HER PARISIAN CHARM WITH CASUAL AMERICAN COOL TO CREATE A LOOK BELOVED THE WORLD OVER; FROM THE STYLISH STREETS OF PARIS TO THE SUNNY SIDEWALKS OF LOS ANGELES.
by Margarita Hirapetian
You recently opened Catherine Malandrino Maison in West Hollywood. What made you decide to open another boutique in Los Angeles?
The boutique on Sunset Boulevard was my first flagship store and keeps a very faithful clientele.
[With Catherine Malandrino Maison] the idea was to create an intimate experience where I am sharing a personal image of friends and family around the Maison. It allows me to express my creativity beyond clothes — as a destination that will speak to all the senses. I want to invite my clients to a one-of-a-kind destination; where you walk through a lobby to get to the living room and share a moment by the fireplace or on an intimate patio.
Who is your ideal client?
She is an individual, a lover and a mother. She travels the world. My ideal woman marries the romance of Paris with the rhythm of New York. I design for a woman that dares to use all the codes of femininity to assert her personality.
Is there a particular city today that can be called the “capital of fashion”?
For many years, Paris was known for its traditional craftsmanship and France was the capital of couture. Milan owns sartorial for traditional men’s wear. However, New York today has become an eclectic international scene that is very rich for the designer world.
How important is it for a contemporary designer to work with celebrities?
Dressing the stars enables you to connect with people you admire. I dress a wide range of celebrities including Mary J. Blige, Eva Mendes, Beyoncé, Demi Moore and Charlize Theron.
Celebrity support began 10 years ago with the flag chiffon dress and Madonna during her world tour.
Why did you re-release your iconic American Flag dress in 2008?
This is the dress that placed me on stage eight years ago. After September 11th it became a symbol of freedom for women. With a new election this year, I felt the world needed a change and my “Flag” dress is illustrating my vision of the next step for America.
How would you like to see your brand grow in the next several years?
I want to continue my personal path, and be able to portray my messages through my designs to empower women everywhere.
[ 651-653 N La Cienega
/catherinemalandrino.com ]
