ZINAIDA CALIXTE

Zinaida Calixte’s opposing identities have manifested in her designs through a fixation on juxtaposition. She finds inspiration in pairing complementary colors, mixing contrasting prints, utilizing opposing textures, and fusing contradictory genres. The intention of her work begins as a momentary desire to create and embraces the simplicity of beauty for beauty’s sake.

CUT-EDGE

In 1736 mathematician Leonhard Euler examined the Königsberg Bridge Problem, which is now regarded as being the origin of graph theory as a field of mathematical study. In graph theory, edges create connections between vertices and a path is a collection of edges. A connected graph is one where a path exists between any two vertices. An edge is called a cut-edge if deleting makes a connected graph disconnected.

In graph theory, edges create connections between vertices and a path is a collection of edges. A connected graph is one where a path exists between any two vertices. An edge is called a cut-edge if deleting makes a connected graph disconnected.

The Cut-edge collection embodies such connectivity; the hand knit pieces form a connection where the removal of one stitch would unravel the garment. Cut-edge is the bridge between the vertices of streetwear and lingerie, denim and chiffon, animal prints and florals. Juxtaposition is critical to my identity as a designer. I am the bridge that connects seemingly disparate entities such as math and fashion.

Cut-edge looks for cohesion within juxtaposition.

Photo by Patrick Lanham