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Back in August, model/yogi Christy Dawn Petersen revealed to us that she was in the process of producing her own clothing line. Given that she's a favorite of vintage-loving retailers like Nasty Gal and Reformation, we had a hunch that the blue-green eyed babe might take the retro route for her debut collection, and we're so glad she did.
Here, Petersen talks us through DAWN, which just launched this week with ready-to-shop styles ranging from $87 to $330. She also shares the stars she'd die to dress and what trends you'll probably never see her repping.
What sets your line apart from others? What are you most excited about?
"Every DAWN piece is treated like a work of art, from start to finish. We use only deadstock fabrics and we have everything made by local artisans in Downtown LA. We make a very limited number of garments for each design, and every single piece is numbered, so our customers know exactly how many dresses of a certain style exist. I can honestly say that I love each and every piece that we've made, and I'm really excited to see how women react to the line."
What inspired you to launch it?
"I set out to create a line of vintage-inspired dresses and tops that I would want to wear. Once I committed to launching DAWN, it has been a fast track to opening day. We started designing and sewing samples in late August, and five months later we are selling our first set of pieces online!"
What part do you play in DAWN and how many people are on your team?
"I design all the dresses. I pick out all of the fabric and prints. We use only deadstock fabrics, so finding the right print for every dress is quite the adventure. After I've designed the dress and picked out the fabric, my seamstress makes a pattern and a first sample. I'm also the e-commerce model and one of the three girls in the lookbook. I'm a bit of a jack of all trades. The DAWN team is small. We are five deep, and each one of us is critical to DAWN's success."
Is there an advantage to being a model running a clothing line?
"I do think my experience as a model has given me an advantage in starting DAWN. I've been fortunate to work with incredible clients and designers throughout my career, traveling to places I would've otherwise never seen, and being exposed to cultures that have left an indelible mark on me. Each dress I've modeled has left a lasting impression on the way I relate to clothing. That perspective gets infused into every piece I design and informs every decision I make regarding the company."
Does DAWN reflect your personal style?
"Definitely. I love vintage anything but mostly vintage dresses that I've found in thrift stores and swap meets. They are so comfortable and so unique. Everything in our collection is inspired by vintage and what was hanging in my closet."
What trends or styles will we never see in one of your collections?
"I never want to say never and limit myself, but you'll probably never see wedge sneakers, neons, graphics or sheepskin boots. Then again, you never know."
Who are some famous models/stars you'd love to dress?
"Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen...the list goes on!"
· DAWN [Official Site]
· Christy Dawn Petersen on Loving Yoga and Hating Heights [Racked]
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