Crystalyn Kae Blog

I was recently asked to participate in an upcoming fundraiser for a local non-profit, which will be hosting a fashion show and auction featuring reworked fashions created by Seattle designers, using vintage prom dresses

 

It’s hard to believe it was 10 years ago that I quit my day job and embarked on this crazy ride. My business has grown exponentially over the years, and sometimes it’s a challenge to keep my sanity and still...

I was delighted to participate in the annual Thaw Fashion Show, featuring a live auction and a pop-up shop of independent designers. The event is a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the Hungtington’s Disease Society of America. Each year the show … Continue reading →

 

I haven’t been drawing for long. With exception of occasional doodles and simple sketches, I would have emphatically declared, “Hell no, I can’t draw!”  The truth is, I never really tried.  But a strange thing happened. During a bout of …  

It has been a busy week in my studio – I’ve begun sewing a batch of brightly colored bags for spring!  I strive to incorporate reclaimed  or recycled materials into my designs, and these clutches are no exception.  In this … Continue reading →

 

I’ve been making the Metier tote since 2005 – and it has become one of my absolute best-sellers.  It has recieved tons of press, including InStyle Magazine and even featured in a movie. But after 6 years making the same bag, … Continue reading →

 

multitasking: shipping bags and making new ones, originally uploaded by Crystalyn Kae. why is it, if there’s a large open expanse of space, I will easily find objects to fill it? My new huge work table has quickly been fille

 

This Thursday, my bags will be featured at Thaw, an annual fashion show in Seattle, featuring independent designers and showcasing the epitome of Seattle style. In addition to the runway show with DJ Darek Mazzone, there will be a live auction … Continue reading →

 

My best selling bag of all time is most certainly the Soiree Drawstring Messenger.  It closes securely with a drawstring & magnetic snap – but I recently was commissioned by customer Kerry in Federal Way, WA to customize a Soiree

The weather in Seattle this weekend was a stark contrast to last weekend‘s rainy blustery-ness.  It has  been sunny, mild and glorious for a few days now.   

whoa.  2009 has flown by!  I am relieved to start a new year with a fresh start.  Once we got my studio set up, I don’t think I’ve come up for air since.  This holiday season I felt like I was … Continue reading →

 

Wow, I have been not so patiently awaiting the completion of my studio.  We have been priming and painting for what seems like weeks and last night we finally laid the carpet tiles!  It was VERY late when we finished, but … 

 

We were finally able to clear *almost* everything out of the garage, so we could begin preparing the walls to be painted.  My brother Marc came to lend a hand, and we managed to get most of the lumps and …

 

After 3 1/2 years, in our itty 1 bedroom apartment – my husband and I are moving to a bigger space.  To our first home, in fact!  Although it is incredibly exciting to be homeowners, I can’t help but feel a … Continue reading →

 

  Thank you to everyone who posted their responses to the question: “What makes Crystalyn Kae different from major designer brands?”  58 (and counting) of you submitted your comments (and even a poem!) expressing why you choose to support independent … Continue reading →

 

This spring, it seems I have had about ten girlfriends and fifty customers beg me to make them a sophisticated diaper bag that doesn’t scream “I’m a Mommy”.  More often than not, my most popular baby bag has become a …

 

Katie from Seattle asked me to create a unisex incognito diaper bag: one that both she and her husband could carry,  that would be machine-washable, super durable, and be used long after Sebastien is out of diapers. 

She requested to have a long adjustable strap,  flap closure with magnetic snap, and a foam-padded bottom.  I came up with 3 sketches and a stack of swatches in blues and greens to choose from.

 

So far, the Seattle autumn has been quite lovely. Whether we are hiking in the mountains, or simply crunching through the leaves on our daily post office run – it has been a blissful season. These past few weeks have … Continue reading →

 

I have relished the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of fashion designers: mentoring students in preparation for their senior fashion show, hands-on demonstrations in my workshop, as well as offering jobs and internships.   

I was recently filmed at work in my studio and around Seattle, sharing my experiences as an alumni of WSU‘s Apparel & Textiles program. 

 

A big thank you to Steve and Susan at the Balmar, for hosting our photoshoot last week! The exposed brick walls, wooden staircase and cocktail vibe were a perfect setting! 

 

I was honored to be included in the Thaw Fashion Show, which an annual fashion show and fund-raiser in Seattle featuring independent designers. Proceeds benefit the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) to fund social services and research. this year. … Continue reading →