When B.Barnett called to say that Cynthia Rose would be in town, we immediately grabbed our camera, a notepad and headed out the door for a quick interview with the fashion guru.
Cynthia Rose, the fashion and jewelry designer, is celebrating 15 years with B.Barnett, through Saturday. The fiery redhead set up shop and brought New York fashions to Little Rock. The cake and champagne being served is just a bonus and you’ll live the next few weeks with regret if you don’t go see her collection.
We are thrilled you’re in town, but are you in Little Rock for any particular reason?
Cynthia Rose: I am celebrating 15 years in business and 15 years of doing business with B. Barnett. I brought my fall 2015 collection as well as some pieces from spring. I am here through Saturday.
What are we seeing this fall from Cynthia Rose?
CR: You’ll see an elegance with an edge vibe, a little redheads rock, which is our theme for the fall. Highlighting great furs, limited edition and one of a kind pieces. It’s always about texture and color and of course, always black.
What do you pay attention to when you are designing clothes?
CR: I am always looking for new and interesting ways to mix beautiful fabrics in fabulous ways. Attention to detail is always important.
We fell in love with this jacket. Anytime you can open the jacket and be as excited about the lining as you are the exterior, we are sold. You offer accessories, jewelry and clothing through your line. What came first?
CR: I started with scarves first. I had collected beautiful beadings and embroideries and fabrics and I just started making shawls because they were easy. That led me to jackets and blouses, furs and fur embellishments. Fur as fashion is more aesthetic than actual function, but we try to do both.
Who is the ideal woman you design for?
CR: The vintage fabrics I use really allow my customer to be who she is, to be an individual. She doesn’t want to look like anyone else. When you’re spending money, you should really look like your own person.
You live in New York, but are you from New York as well?
CR: Yep, a New York girl through and through.
For our readers not familiar with your line, what do you want them to know?
CR: Most women who spend money on fashion will find themselves traveling, especially in a town like Little Rock where you don’t have many shopping options available to you. It’s not like New York where you roll out of bed and there are 10 stores outside your front door. So I bring a little bit of New York to Little Rock so that you don’t have to travel.
We’re always curious to know where visitors go to eat while they’re in town? Do you have a favorite spot here in Little Rock?
CR: I stay with a dear friend when I am here who I have known for over 25 years. I’m also very particular about what I eat. I’m a fish person, and am gluten-free and dairy-free. The last time we went out to eat in Little Rock, we went to Kemuri and I loved it. I’m hoping we go back there!
Last question: What is your go-to beauty product?
CR: My new obsession is Charlotte Tilbury makeup, her magic cream, the bronzer, lipstick, everything. It’s amazing and she’s a redhead, so I was sold immediately.
