Its always a pleasure both discovering and introducing new designers. Seeing a fresh interpretation of the world around us and new ways to can be exciting to say the least. Ettiket is a collection that’s both modern and classic in its own right. Kristina Taylor, known for her unique sense of style is one of New York city’s fine imports. Hailing from Detroit, MI and now currently working in fashion in New York, Kristina is watching a long held dream come true. Recently, I got the chance to pick the brain of the new designer and find out not only what is inspiring her new line but what in fact inspires her.  In the interview Kristina talks ettiket, her take on personal style and her interpretation of a GlamourNerd.

What is the concept behind Ettiket and what inspired you to create the line?

When I think of “etiquette,” I envision a tea party, pastries, and a young lady sitting erect, clad in a floral dress and white gloves. Etiquette is a conventional, unwritten code of practice. My label’s moniker takes on this pronunciation, but certainly not the meaning. The ettiket brand represents a play on the original word. Ironically, ettiket is the polar opposite of its root; non-conformity with a unique twist. My initials are K.E.T. (for Kristina Elaine Taylor), so it seemed fitting to incorporate those into the spelling of the brand name; as the line closely mirrors my own style and really reflects my personality and quirkiness. My friends, twin sister, and I came up with the name one day while we were getting our hair styled. Being a twin, I always felt compelled to express my individuality and create something that I could call my own; thus, ettiket was born.

Who is your customer? What type of lifestyle do they live?

Everyone has experienced an occurrence when an interesting woman enters a room and you’re taken aback by their savoir-faire; you want to know her name, instantly becoming inquisitive about her life and being. “Who is this fair lady?” you ask? She’s my customer…whether she’s on London’s underground party scene, that aspiring model in NY, or the Detroit girl about town.

Who are your favorite designers?

To highlight one designer out of the immense pool of talent is like choosing your favorite child…I simply can’t bring myself to choose a favorite! I had the opportunity to work with Diane Von Furstenberg on her Resort 2010 show at her loft in New York and I was simply awe-struck by her effervescent presence. She is the epitome of a woman with style and grace. Her signature mix of prints, textures, silhouettes, and colors all tell a story with a happy ending. Tracy Reese and Anna Sui are very talented designers, both Detroit natives, who have inspired me to chase my dreams. Other designers that aren’t too shabby whom I love include: Matthew Williamson, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Peter Som, and Isabel Marant.

What’s your take on personal style?

Garments don’t evoke a feeling, it’s how you feel wearing them; that’s what personal style is to me. It’s all about the energy that you exude; so whether it’s a Valentino gown or Alexander Wang sweat pants that you’re wearing, you should always adorn yourself with that grand accessory called confidence.

Who and what are your greatest influences?

One of my favorite pastimes is people watching, especially in New York City. There is a sense of art in the individualism that New Yorkers take on. I find myself pondering: what are they wearing? Who are their friends? Where are they going? What interests them? Collectively sparking an idea that may manifest into an entire collection.

What is your favorite part about living in New York?

New York City has endless undiscovered gems; be it a restaurant, hotel bar, or museum. I have made it my personal mission to discover many more. Don’t worry GlamourNerd…I’ll share!

How do you think our generation is inspiring change?

The lack of conformity! Today, we are encouraged to find “our way”; thus, cookie-cutter mandates and traditionalism are theories of the past. A la Lady Gaga’s meat dress during the MTV VMAs! I dare you to imagine Miss O. donning one.

What goals do you have for your company for the next year? The next ten?

Great question that I typically evade! It would be amazing to get as much press as possible this year for ettiket, i.e. an interview with the ever so chic GlamourNerd! In the next ten years, I’d like ettiket to be sold at retailers across the country and internationally, have its own freestanding stores, and of course present at New York Fashion Week!!! I’ve always dreamt of my twin sister sitting in the front row and greeting me with flowers (any bright bouquet with birds of paradise to be exact) during the finale. I’m a firm believer in speaking things into existence, so the aforementioned is sure to happen one day! You heard it here first GlamourNerd!

What should other people your age and younger know about starting a business prior to taking the leap?

Before embarking on such a venture, you have to ask yourself “is my heart in this”? Often times, people want to start businesses because they believe it’ll be lucrative. The reality is that entrepreneurship takes immense hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. For me, it’s the journey that’s priceless, not the destination.

What does being a GlamourNerd mean to you?

What a brilliant oxymoron! A GlamourNerd, in a literal sense, is a fashion connoisseur, embracing all old and new concepts within the realm of fashion. While this is grand, I believe that a GlamourNerd should embrace the concept that you should treat others with kindness. Let’s break away from the stigma that fashion is this cut-throat environment where women are scratching each other’s eyes out to get to the top and LOVE one another…that’s the ettiket way of doing things (wink)!

For updates on ettiket, please follow us on Twitter @ettiket. We have some exciting news coming up soon! Contact ettiketny@gmail.com for inquiries.

xx Kristina