Motivate Me Monday! Interview With Fashion Designer Christa Taylor

Today's featured blogger is actually not a 5:16 gal (yet), but she is an amazingly talented fashion designer of modest apparel. Meet Christa Taylor!

10 Days To Modest! Day Five - Interview

Sarah: What gave you your passion to design modest clothing?
CT: From earliest recollection my mother inculcated the paramount importance of modesty. Not only the need but also the beauty of modesty. As I grew, I became increasingly frustrated by the paucity of modest clothing on the market. There was simply nothing available that was stylish and modest. So, we decided to create our own line to meet the growing need.


Sarah: What is your history in design?
CT: My history in design is limited to the years since we have started the business. To be certain, looking back I could have benefited from going to design school, but as it was, I went to the "school of hard knocks." My first design was the swimsuit back in 2004 (I was 17). The design development started with meeting with a local seamstress and pattern maker. From there we sourced the materials, found the manufacturer and launched the site.



Sarah: Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
CT: When I want to get inspired, I pull out two dusty tomes from underneath my bed. My favorite is a McCall's pattern book, circa 1950s, the other a Sears Robuck from the same period. Ideas just emanates from those aged pages. If I'm really in need of some creative stimuli- I look at some of my favorite designers or photographers. Great work inspires imitation.

Sarah: How did you pick the specific cause of caring for orphans and widows in Cambodia?
CT: What we so appreciate about our partner organization (Warm Blankets Orphan Care International) in Cambodia is their transparency. Years before we started Christa-Taylor.com my dad visited Cambodia and became involved there. Since that time, nearly half my family has been on Cambodia soil multiple times and each time our relationship is strengthened. Not only that, but they do things so incredibly well. We've seen first-hand where *the money goes and how it is used. There is no bureaucracy, and no rich evangelicals at the top. Because our hearts were already there, it was a natural fit to support them through our business.

Sarah: You call yourself an empowered traditionalist. Can you tell us a little bit about what that means?
CT: An easy definition of an empowered traditionalist is someone who is confident on the traditional values of femininity and modesty in the face of opposition. An ET is someone feminine and modest and not ashamed to revel in it.


Sarah: What is your best fashion tip for 2009?
CT: Mix contrasting fabrics. It's so easy to get stuck in a traditional style, same shirts paired with the same skirts/pants. Experiment pairing a silk blouse with a leather bomber or cashmere v-neck. Pair a silk/sequined cami with a long cardigan and jeans. Pair a stunning red dress with a cotton t-shirt, canvas jacket and leather belt. The key to good style is knowing the rules, and then knowing when to break them. So break a few rules in 2009!


Sarah: Thank you so much for answering my questions!


To purchase some stylish and modest fashions, click on the Christa-Taylor button on my left sidebar! To become an Empowered Traditionalist, check out Christa's personal blog Empowered Tradionalist!


*When you purchase something from Christa-Taylor, 5% of that purchase is sent to the orphanage in Ta Lam, Cambodia.


Your Turn! *You do not have to be a 5:16 am gal to participate!

• What have you learned and/or how God has spoken to you lately?
• Share some advice, wisdom, practical applications, tips you've learned, etc. that you think would benefit and motivate others.

*Make sure to link directly to your MMM post and then link back here!