Untitled - Christine Kostoff

"HOUSE AND GARDEN "magazine / Bucharest, april 2007
article "ATELIER COUTURE"
Intro:
Christine Kostoff is an incurable romantic.
In an authentic Brancoveanu style old house situated in a historical part of Bucharest,
she set up a atelier-showroom ,where she has surrounded herself with the dear things
that inspire her.
The house interior decorations surprise you with details.
From tea sets made of precious porcelain to a century-old
sewing machines, from paintings signed by Veaceslav Tuhari to taffeta
and tulle for wedding dresses that bear her signature.
The ones who entered the creator's space ,have "tasted" the special atmosphere
and enjoyed a cup of tea,after the ritual of the house.
What attracted you to this place?
I searched awhile for the right place where to set up my atelier and when I entered here
I simply felt this is the place where I could create; it was love at first sight as they say.
The first object I noticed was the old sewing machine that "had dressed"
several generations.
Then I was pleased with the fact it had an open space, with generous wooden arches,
sculptured pillars, and a high ceiling.
Through the window I could see a large piece of sky, trees, and the sun.
It is a bright place, cozy and charged with a positive energy.
I think I liked it because it reflected my way of being; its atmosphere helps me express
my personality.
Who decorated it?
I have always enjoyed being creative within my living space. As a matter of fact,
interior design is another passion of mine.
I enjoy dynamics of the space which I rearrange from time to time.
Did you have an inspiration source for decorating the atelier?
No, I didn't. I improvised on the spot; I tried to understand and interpret the atmosphere
of the place.
There is a perfect symbiosis between this place and my fashion designs. They themselves
become pieces of small furniture beautifying the space, while this old house's "perfume"
offers the proper background for "couture“ outfits.
What can you not do without , in your workshop?
It is a place for study, where ideas are born, ideas which become later collections or
customized creations.
The walls and the empty spaces are full of sketches, collages of newspapers and
magazines, a panel board with the latest fashion trends, samples of cloths and fibers,
pictures, pencils, a laptop, rolls of fabrics, coupons, accessories, clothes.
They are here in full harmony with personal objects that hold a special place in my heart:
the crystal chandelier received from my father, a very old icon that belonged to my
grandmother or the good luck shell, pictures, books, family keepsakes. And a lot of
plants. In addition, many kinds of tea and fruit. And by all means music, lots of music.
What would be inappropriate in your workshop?
This is like my second home. I spend most of my time here, so I tried to recreate a piece
of the family's warmth.
The atelier should not have the cold atmosphere of an office.
Here one can breathe energy and creativity. I use many incentives to
stimulate ideas for my designs.
Which is your favorite corner in this atelier?
I don't have a favorite corner. I "migrate“ from my working table to my laptop and back
to the dummy to finish a drape.
Is it a place open to friends, visitors, to your customers
or is it only for you, a space where you can withdraw to create?
I like to receive my lady customers in the space where I create. My atelier is also a show
room. My customers enter an atmosphere of creation.
Visits are made only by appointments via phone.
What elements in a space helps you boost creativity and which is that element in
your atelier?
My creativity is linked to the persons I create for,it is all about a transfer of energy and
emotions.
.That's why it is important to know how to create the atmosphere, to "invent" your own
place where you can dream .
THE CREATION STYLE
I called it casual evening wear because
it refers mainly to cocktail and special events outfits. These are couture handmade
garments which are sophisticated and unique.
Then there are bridal gowns which are my passion.
That is why I made a catalog, in which they are depicted in detail.
FAVORITE DESIGNER
In this very moment I remember Valentino for the freedom he takes when designing his
creations.
His collections do not necessarily follown a theme– they are his way of
paying homage to pure femininity and elegance.
FAVORITE FABRICS
Silk is, without doubt, my favorite,
in all its shapes – from chiffon to lace, from satin
to shantung or taffeta. Generally, I prefer natural fibers.
And I love organza.
CASA SI GRADINA APRILIE 2007 49
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