BWW Interviews: KRISTA BLOMBERG Fashion Designer

Krista Blomberg, a multi-talented fashion designer in New York City, created her first skirt at 8 years old. Creatively exploring sewing, drawing and film were at the cornerstone of her childhood, but it was her excitement for fashion design that took center stage. As her interest for design deepened, her work advanced to a sensibility of modern elegance. Krista was designing one of-a-kind pieces for Private clients even before she graduated high school which led her to working in the industry with mentions in magazines such as Vogue and Racked.

Krista attended the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City where she received their Thimble Design award along with affiliated ABSOLUT Vodka award. Her design work requires travel to Paris, Milan and London and other major related fashion markets to gather inspiration for new collections.

Blomberg's love for fashion has been joined by her love for theatre and film. She has trained at The LAByrinth Theatre Company and The Barrow Group which touts Anne Hathaway as an alumnus. In 2010 and 2011, she collaborated with Indie film legend, Whit Stillman to design signature dresses for Greta Gerwig in his comeback film "Damsels in Distress". Working within the director's 50's film vision, she created whimsical stylized dresses that were well received by film critics and Variety magazine.

As well as designing for prominent American designers such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang and Calvin Klein, Blomberg has been on part-time faculty of Parsons and mentors seniors on their thesis collection for the school's annual Fashion Benefit show. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Krista Blomberg about her career in fashion.

Tell us about the recent Annual Benefit show at Parsons.

It was an evening fusing emerging talent, philanthropy and honoring Parsons Alum, Marc Jacobs, as well as LVMH. It gives talented young designers an opportunity to take to the main stage with such a notable audience. The show infused statements in sustainability and an element of film which I believe will be a growing trend.

Can you tell us about one situation or event that was a turning point in your career and why?

I wouldn't say there was a specific turning point as a designer as each position had a design element I was exploring. At Ralph there was emphasis placed on classic beauty and the integrity of design, rich fabrications and lifestyle. With Vera Wang it reinforced the feminine edge in my work. Directing Women's Design at Hilfiger, I led multiple divisions within his brand (including his specialty line which hangs with collection within his 5th Avenue store) and interfaced with Amsterdam to re-brand and revitalize Hilfiger's presence in America to create a fresh and modern spin.

We asked Blomberg about some of the fashion designers she admires.

I love modern femininity. I especially admire Madame Gres for her sculptor techniques, Madeleine Vionnet for her unique bias drapes and Cristobal Balenciaga for his structural beauty; additionally, Hubert deGivenchy and Jacques Fath for their feminine view and their interest in drama and film.

How has teaching helped you to better realize your own goals for fashion design?

When I attended Parsons, I, like most students, pushed the boundaries of design and was immersed with the aspiration to make beautiful and thought provoking work. It's been rewarding to come full circle in my design career. Mentoring and critiquing passionate designers who want to forge a new path within the fashion world has given me a fresh perspective and renewed respect for the craft.

Is there anything else you want readers to know?

While designing for Mizrahi, who was backed by Chanel, I met people there who asked me to do side modeling for groups like, Mikimoto Pearls and the luxury Stanhope Hotel. This new exposure in front of the camera, later segued into an interest in a theatre group I admired, The Barrow Group, where I trained and performed. Later at LAByrinth, I integrated my own fashion pieces with a vignette I wrote and directed. This expansion of my creativity opened new doors with Stillman, and inspired me to write a piece which was adapted into an award winning film where I played a lead role.

We also asked Blomberg about her plans for the near future.

I'm currently collaborating with an Emmy-nominated Executive producer on a Television series that integrates my fashion design background with master designers, and accomplished actors and directors.

Photo: Courtesy of Krista Blomberg/Warren Saltz (photographer)