In Conversation with Cristina Rojo

Creative Director,

House of Red

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have lived in several countries around the world throughout my life. When I was quite young because of my father’s job we went to live in New York. I’m originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. We lived in the US for about 2 years and a half. When we came back to Mexico I studied in a German school, so I had an International, European upbringing. I had the opportunity to go to study in Germany for one year. After I graduated from high school I honestly didn’t know what to do with my life, I didn’t know what to study. So I went to London for two years. I worked there as a waitress in restaurants and bars, it was one of the best eye-opening experiences and I think it helped me to get to know myself. That’s where I decided that I wanted to study fashion design.

I think fashion design has been in my life for a long time. My mom is a great seamstress and she used to make all of our clothes. I used to watch her all day, sewing, and one day I started making clothes for my dolls. so I think it was always with me, but I didn’t realise it until I went to London. It is one of the fashion capitals and it really opened up my perspective to everything. I went to study fashion design in Madrid, Spain. That’s where it all began.

Which past experiences would you say have shaped your work, design sensibilities, & aesthetic?

I think definitely living in different countries, seeing different cultures, and getting to know so many different kinds of people. Also, I always recurred to nature, I think it’s one of my main sources of inspiration. Whenever I am feeling uninspired, I fly to the countryside or the beach, it’s like meditation for me. Nature is one of the main aspects that I think represents my aesthetic.

What is your personal philosophy in life?

I think a positive mindset goes a long way. Anything you want to accomplish with a positive mindset, you would probably be able to achieve it. Also, flowing with wherever the wind takes you. When we put so many restrictions on ourselves, I think there’s something telling you that’s not the right way. so whatever you believe in, be it the Universe, God, or your intuition, all the answers are really inside you and with a positive mindset, I think you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.

What inspires your work?

Nature, everyday life, living in different countries, my friends, anything honestly. Most of my friends have evolved to freelance working in the creative fields, and that was the subject that really inspired me and that is the subject of my upcoming collection. So many people are turning into freelance workers, which I think is fascinating because you have the luxury to work from wherever you want in the world, from your house, from your bed, in your pyjamas, and that really inspired me recently.

How would you define your personal style?

I would describe my personal style as timeless, honestly because I imagine my future self-looking at a picture and I don’t think I’d regret my style. Really classic shirting, functional cuts, some sartorial looks as well. Some cuts like menswear, but I think timeless would be the perfect word to describe it.

What is your vision for your work?

Right now House of Red, my brand is an online shop. We are also selling through a couple of boutiques. But I would really like to have a concept store that has House of Red on one side and a coffee shop on the other, blend in together. I would like to give the customers a second home kind of feel, to spark a little joy in their everyday lives.

Who are your favourite artists?

I love the classics like Picasso and John Milo, also Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera from Mexico. From the newer ones, one of my best friends is a collage artist. Her name is Paola Torres, she really inspires me.

What is your favourite travel destination and why?

I really love England, especially in the countryside. There’s something about England and their culture, the eclectic side of England is just fascinating, it feels like home to me.

Your favourite book, film or music that motivate & inspire you?

A couple of years ago I read this book, ‘Don’t get a job, make a job’, by Gem Barton. It’s a book I really come back to for motivation and inspiration, it’s one of my favourite books.

I really loved the most recent movie by Alfonso Cuarón which is a Mexican film director. The film is called Roma, it earned several Oscars. I loved the photography, the acting, everything. I also loved ‘Finding Neverland’, by Marc Forster. I am a huge chick-flick fan, I loved the Proposal with Sandra Bullock, Notting Hill.

I really love the Beatles, Queens, Phil Collins, it really depends on my mood.

Tell us something about your brand.

It’s handmade ethical clothing and home linen for everyday life.

Please tell us about your Sustainability initiative.

We want to create awareness from all fabric aspects of your day to day, and we’re trying to make a community out of it. we try to be a little more aware of the material we are using. We try not to buy any more plastic, try to go more organic, eco-friendly, local sourcing. I think it’s the little things that make a huge difference. Just trying to put a little more love into our planet. I think plastic is a big problem at the moment and we all need to push it.