California Dreaming with Corey Lynn Calter

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
April 8, 2011

Los Angeles-based fashion designer Corey Lynn Calter wasn't always a resident of the left coast. The Philadelphia native got her professional start in New York City via "Sex and the City" stylist Patricia Field, who spotted Corey Lynn Calter's creations early on and stocked them in her eponymous Lower East Side store. Nineteen years in the fashion business and a move to L.A. later, top fashion designer Corey Lynn Calter has transitioned her aesthetic from downtown denizen to beach-y Big Sur surfer girl (the inspiration for her Summer 2011 delivery). Here, we chat with the busy fashion designer on her East meets West design inspirations, early vintage shopping finds and Corey Lynn Calter's charity-minded dress collaboration with actress Krysten Ritter.

The Inside Source: After being in the industry for 19 years and starting your own eponymous designer fashion line 10 years ago, how would you describe the fashion trends in your current collection?

Corey Lynn Calter: The collection is whimsical. Playing with prints and color are the strength of CLC. I also explore vintage and heirloom details, which give the line a feeling of my own closet, which is everything from Brooks Brothers to Chanel.

The Inside Source: Having once lived in NYC, do you find being based in L.A. has influenced your fashion designs?

Corey Lynn Calter: L.A. has this relaxed and slightly undone vibe to it. This is not something I am used to, being from the East Coast. Once I moved here, I became very interested in this aesthetic and how to make it work for me. Early on, I became very interested in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles. In the 1960s, some of my favorite artists and musicians—Dusty Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Iggy Pop—lived there and still do. It is always in the back of my mind when I create a collection. It becomes the feminine bohemian side to each group. Of course it’s a great look for summer.

spring collection 2011

Corey Lynn Calter, Spring 2011 fashion designs

The Inside Source: Speaking of Summer 2011 fashion trends, tell us about your Summer collection. It's inspired by Big Sur surfers?

Corey Lynn Calter: Once I saw the fabrics, all I could think of was the surf culture of the '60s and '70s. The feeling of free-spirited clothes that are easy to wear, but still chic. Big Sur is a truly beautiful place along the Central Coast. One of my favorite getaways is Ventana Inn and Spa.

Corey Lynn Calter, Spring 2011

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Photo Credit: images courtesy Corey Lynn Calter

The Inside Source: You've been keeping busy. The are big fashion design projects in the works for you this year already, such as the dress you designed in collaboration with actress Krysten Ritter, with proceeds going to children's charity Dare to Share.

Corey Lynn Calter: Krysten was great to work with. She clearly knew what she wanted, although we could have done about 20 pieces due to how much fun we were having. Narrowing it down to one design was not easy.

Top fashion designer Corey Lynn Calter collaborated with actress Krysten Ritter to design this dress, with proceeds going to children's charity Dare to Share.

The Inside Source: Do you think you'll work with Krysten again or possibly another celebrity fashion designer?

Corey Lynn Calter: Of course! I am always open to new projects. We are working on new ventures now.

The Inside Source: We heard you're a big fan of vintage fashions. How did that all start?

Corey Lynn Calter: I discovered vintage when I was about seven-years old. I started asking for my grandma’s clothes or jewelry. I remember peering in the cedar chests at the saved cherished pieces from proms and weddings. I like that vintage pieces have history and a story. As a teenager, it was the perfect way to shop—it was unique and affordable. My taste in vintage is more elevated now, but I had a good eye even then. I remember putting a pair of Victorian lace up boots on layaway at 11. When my friends were wearing combat boots, I wore them.

The Inside Source: Any memorable vintage finds on eBay online auctions?

Corey Lynn Calter: I have gotten fantastic things on eBay. I furnished almost my entire home there as well as a good portion of my wardrobe. I generally search for very special pieces, mostly vintage and big crazy jewelry! Love it!

(images courtesy of Corey Lynn Calter)

For the Spring-Summer season, what will you be shopping for?

Roll over items for details

Vintage Clover Charm Set

Belt Buckle Scarf Ring

Vintage Silk Bed Jacket

(buy it now price, $123.25)

Emerald & Diamond Sterling Silver Stack Ring Set

(buy it now price, $246)

Vintage Irish Fisherman Sweater

(buy it now price, $56.88)

California Dreaming with Corey Lynn Calter

1. Tiny vintage charms, old sailor necklaces, sharks tooth necklaces, lockets: "I am into tiny chains layered with mixed charms for spring. Even plastic charms are fun to mix in. Again, they tell stories."

2. Scarves, scarf accessories: "Hermes has great scarf accessories and I am always on the look out for new ways to wear scarves. It's a great beach accessory and so versatile."

3. Fisherman sweaters: "I love that look for cool nights with our CLC maxi Indian voile skirts."

4. Diamond stack rings: "Who doesn’t need that?"

5. Victorian bed jackets, antique lace dresses, vintage slips: "They feel right to me for spring, again mixed in with contemporary pieces. It feels very sexy and sweet at the same time."

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