5 questions to Christina Sfez (EN)
If you’re familiar with wedding dresses designed with flawless cuts that embody freedom and movement, then you must know Christina Sfez’s designs and bridalwear. With an endless passion for color, Christina lives the American dream where she continues to impact the bridal industry with her style, passion, and attention to detail. Learn more about Christina Sfez through 5 questions answered below. You’ll even find a bonus question..
Hello Christina. You who hide behind the eponymous brand Christina Sfez, can you introduce yourself a little more?
Christina : I was born in the 18th arrondissement of Paris (a former artists' village where Picasso and Dali lived) before moving to eastern Paris where I grew up. In my younger years, I spent most of my time at the Marché Saint-Pierre. After college, I went to fine arts school and attended École Boulle, graduating with a Bachelor's in Applied Arts degree. I then spent two years in the city of Lille at the Lycée Sévigné for BTS Fashion Styling. Following my time in Lille, I returned to Paris for a few years, then decided to move to Marseille at age 23. This is where I met the love of my life. Since then, we’ve had two children: Margaux and Joseph.
Photos Aubrey Westlund - Chloé Lapeyssonnie
Growing up I was lucky to have two sisters, one older and the other younger. They are my best friends in life. No matter the distance, we still exchange messages all day long. When it comes to my personality, I’m a very sensitive person. I’m also a big dreamer, extremely empathetic, a go-getter (despite my fears and doubts), and I like to try things in order to avoid having regrets. I have made mistakes in my life, (haven’t we all?) but I have little regrets. I believe our mistakes shape our experiences and help us grow.
When it came to developing my craft, my mother and aunt Stéphanie were very influential. As a kid, my mother would sit at her sewing machine and take turns asking us what we wanted for our Barbie outfits. I was always fascinated by what she could make, the way she could turn a flat fabric into a three-dimensional creation that my dolls could wear. My aunt on the other hand introduced me to Waldorf dolls, hand sewing, and taught me the art of precision.
From an early age I liked tinkering with my hands, and most of the time with fabric. I would spend hours cutting fabric and putting things together. It didn't have to look like much but I was happy and proud to do it - that's all that mattered! I often made birthday presents for my whole family, not to mention advent calendars that I would fill with little hand-sewn baubles.
“ I never dreamed of becoming a wedding dress designer…”
How did you come up with the idea of starting out with Christina Sfez, your signature wedding dress brand?
Christina : To be honest, I never dreamed of becoming a wedding dress designer. In my family, marriage wasn’t very common and I grew up attending very few weddings.
The first clothing line I started was a ready-to-wear brand that I created at the age of 21, all on a whim too (that’s another story...). Three months after closing my 8-year-old clothing company is when I started my own signature wedding dress brand. It all started with a friend who dreamed of a wedding dress she couldn't find, and so I designed and created it for her instead. I fell in love with the whole process and became inspired by antiques and fabrics that I had been collecting for years. Even though I’ve always designed with lots of color, I found the neutral colored wedding world GORGEOUS, very special, and even magical. I guess you could say that I found a better fit for my skills in bridal wear. I still feel the same way today, and love to make each dress unique like the bride it’s made for.
Photos Débora Traitè, Chloé lapeyssonnie, Mackensey Alexander
Can you tell us more about your 2022 Breathe collection? What were your inspirations behind these new models?
Christina : This new collection is inspired by elements of freedom, light, and the chance to breathe again after this long period we’ve gone through. I used silk fabrics and timeless cuts, played with various new textures, and highlighted different aspects of each dress that come alive when worn. I was inspired by designs that imbue delight and poetry. The credo? A collection of dresses that help you live your day to the fullest. To encourage new brides to feel at ease, to laugh, dance, enjoy the moment, and most of all feel beautiful being yourself.
Photo Time of Joy
You welcome us today in your San Diego showroom. Between the United States and France, why did you choose to work in America and what does this multicultural approach bring you on a daily basis and in your brand?
Christina : Exploring the United States was my teenage dream. When I was 14, I went to Nevada with my family and I loved it, but I was still eager to see more of America. My husband and I explored moving to New York, but then we had Margaux, and we couldn't imagine living in such a fast paced environment with our new family. But then one summer, we visited California and instantly fell in love with San Diego and its relaxed lifestyle and positive energy. In San Diego everything seems possible and the people are incredibly kind! Now that we live here, it’s been our priority for Margaux and Joseph to be bilingual. We feel so lucky that our children are growing up between two continents, in a multicultural, caring and creative environment - it has become essential for us.
“ To help someone channel their inner self through that special dress, without changing or hiding themselves, but instead highlighting their full essence.”
In my work, the multiculturality and richness of my two homes are an endless source of inspiration. Whether it’s landscapes and historic monuments inspired by French heritage (musical, artistic, architectural, etc.) or the California regions spread with a variety of tropical foliage, the most pleasant climate, and breathtaking beaches...they both move me beyond words.
What is the aspect (or aspects) that you prefer in your daily life as a creator / business manager / woman / mother?
Christina : Personally: 100% without hesitation, morning hugs and cuddles with my children. Even if they’re short and sweet before the alarm clock goes off.
Professionally: On the first appointment, we have our brides handpick several options to try on before we provide any consultation. Once they have tried on their picks, we’ll then offer suggestions based on their personality and style. I take this part very seriously and give my best advice when sharing this experience of a lifetime with our brides. Once a bride finds THE dress, I feel very honored and privileged to have helped - I even get emotional. There is nothing like seeing a bride light up - I think Jessie and Adelaide in our Paris and Marseille showrooms feel the same way too. When a bride feels beautiful and free, it's always very touching to see. That is why I do this job. I wish I could count the amount of times I get goosebumps...and that's what you call passion, right? To help someone channel their inner self through that special dress, without changing or hiding themselves, but instead highlighting their full essence.
Also, as an art director, there is always a curation phase where I collect materials from my favorite suppliers and impatiently write out the ideas running through my mind. I also talk quite regularly with Anne, my “model maker with fairy fingers” who shares the same passion; we can spend hours talking about details and new models or embroidery.
BONUS QUESTION: The Christina Sfez woman for you, she is …
Christina : Free and content.
She frees and loves herself as she is. Anyone can feel her radiance. Whether it be through her gestures, her posture, or her gaze. It’s so powerful that it touches anyone around her and invites them to love her for who she is. It’s quite simple.
Photo Time of Joy
