rachelschwartzmann@yahoo.com
The Style Line is extremely happy to present the much anticipated interview with Cally Rieman founder and creative chief of emerging brand KAL RIEMAN. Now I know what you may be thinking, why debut a F/W 2012 collection in the dead of summer? I like to think of it as taking a vacation via the internet and going to a place where luscious leathers and cuddly autumnal tones are welcomed alike. But to give you the best of both worlds, along with debuting some of Cally’s F/W 2012 pieces, Cally discusses her S/S 2012 collection, along with her endeavors, hopes and dreams.
Tell us a bit about your artistic endeavors.
Running a business is one, big artistic endeavor. Besides the design process, it take much creative effort to build a brand, execute photo shoots, present the brand to buyers and customers, create a website, and take care of all the business matters associated with it.
All of my energy goes into this process. It is a bit overwhelming at times, but nonetheless exciting.
How did your experiences contribute to the birth of KAL RIEMAN?
By chance, I wound up working in men’s wear for the first 5 years of my career in fashion. It taught me a great deal about tailoring and wardrobe building, because those are the foundations of men’s wear. I realized that those principals could apply to a women’s collection and make it more sound, viable, and long-lasting.
How would you describe KAL RIEMAN as a brand?
KAL RIEMAN, Inc. creates ready-to-wear, women’s clothing, designed and tailored for successful, cultured women. The collection of styles is sold in high-end retail establishments and directly to private clients, focusing on women ages 30 to 50 who are seeking unique and original wardrobe essentials grounded in classics.
The company distinguishes itself from competitors with foundational, tailored, suit separates and designs that are at once timeless and fashion forward. KAL RIEMAN is committed to creating beautiful, structured garments that will be staples of our clients’ wardrobes for many years.
Tell us a bit about your design process.
It starts with a feeling or a gesture—an attitude, if you will. That is often provoked from an image found in art, music, an old photograph.
For Spring 2012, that image was a photograph of Jean-Michel Basquait by Nicholas Taylor
From there we begin to look at fabrics with this idea in mind and start building a board of fabrics for the collection. Simultaneously, we research the color palette and typically go through at least 30 colors before we decide what works. Our inspiration board changes on a daily basis, but is always in front of us. We put things on the board and within a week, we know if they “work” or not. It is a really fun and exciting evolution of a feeling.
What do you consider the brand’s great accomplishment thus far?
KR’s greatest accomplishment so far has been are connection with our clients. It is a very personal relationship and we have developed very strong relationships with our stores and our private customers. By holding trunk shows, I have had the opportunity to get to know these women, find out about their lives, hear what they like or “need” or what they are looking for, and to watch them react to the collection. It is amazing to watch each one of them adapt the collection to their own style; to select the pieces that fit their personality and lifestyle. It has been a great lesson and a heart-warming experience.
Would you say your personal style influences KAL RIEMAN?
Absolutely. The Tomgirl that I am runs through this collection at all times. That and my Libra self. A continued effort to find the balance between masculine and feminine, between structured and unstructured, between art and wearability.
Who is the KAL RIEMAN woman?
The Kal Rieman woman is confident, assertive, and direct. She is cool without being cold, forthright without being in your face, and smart without being a know it all. She knows how to enter a room and her effortless grace is noticed by all.
