Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Blake.
Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today ?
As a designer working for fashion houses in NYC and Los Angeles, I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to travel the world for inspiration, sourcing and manufacturing.
The most exciting part of creating for me has always been discovering beautiful leathers, colors and treatments and pulling them all together to design a unique and special product.
Last year, I realized that while working for other brands provided security and opportunity, I still had a creative vision of my own that I wanted to bring to express. So – I created Citriin!!
Blending my influences from art, travel, music and fashion into each piece I produce. Citriin has taken on a life of its own, each design inspiring the next…
Has it been a smooth road?
Creating Citriin has not been without its obstacles! I started this brand independently, so I’ve navigated all the steps along the way, some of which I didn’t anticipate! The mistakes I made are mine alone and because I am so deeply invested in my brand, creatively, emotionally, and financially, the lessons that resulted from those mistakes resonated far deeper than if I had been working under another company. I’ve learned so much as a result and feel those obstacles were part of the journey as a entrepreneur.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Citriin story. Tell us more about the business.
Citriin is a fashion leather goods and apparel design brand influenced by art. Many of the designs include unique paint splatterings and one of a kind hand painted details. The designs are comprised of Italian and South American leathers and produced in Los Angeles.
Citriin stands at the intersection of fashion and art, offering unique, high end handbags and apparel, as well as limited-edition pieces with custom painting, personalization, and dip dying applications. The focus is on quality over quantity, using sustainably treated leathers, and other materials for its small-scale production runs to reduce our ecological footprint. By producing locally and giving back, 5% of sales are donated to charity each month, Citriin keeps community at the forefront of operations.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think more than ever, we are seeing a shift in retail and more people buying online, and through word of mouth, from local designers and artisans. I think people are thinking about quality and sustainability looking toward the future.
Overall, I’m optimistic about the future of the industry. I hope consumers will buy pieces that speak to them in a special way, bringing a resurgence in more unique and handcrafted fashion pieces to keep in their wardrobe for years, rather than just a season.
Pricing:
- Joanni Croco Tote $495.00
- Ami Convertible Belt Bag $195.00
- Keli Bucket Bag $375.00
- Lily Leather Dress in Bone $595.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.citriin.com
- Email: love.citriin@gmail.com
- Instagram: @citriin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love.citriin/
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