Slinkiness, comfort, and a healthy dose of languor: there's a lot Kriss Soonik lingerie has in common with the designer's favorite animal, the cat. The Estonian-born, London-based Kriss, who worked previously for Agent Provocateur and Madame V, branched out to start her own line in 2009 and chose the animal as her logo. "It's natural that the cat is the best symbol for the collections," she told us via e-mail. "Comfortable and chic."
It should be no surprise, then, that Kriss is fond of the term "loungerie." Now at Opening Ceremony, the designer's Fall/Winter 2014 line mixes soft fabrics and easy shapes with neon pops of color—and the occasional Marabou feather puff your own feline companion would purr over. We spoke to Kriss about manufacturing in Estonia, sourcing fabrics in France and Italy, and when and when not to wear underwear as outerwear.
Shop Kriss Soonik in Opening Ceremony stores or by phone order at (646) 237-6078 Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM EST
KRISTEN BATEMAN: In which ways do the individual cities of New York, Paris, and Tokyo inspire you?
KRISS SOONIK: It's the feeling or mood of the particular city, whether it's the cool vibe you get in New York, Tokyo’s eccentricity, or the chic factor of Paris. Moreover, it's the constant evolvement of these cities that excites me; this and the fact that even though there's constantly something new there, they still maintain their one-of-a-kind factor—a philosophy that hopefully reflects in the Kriss Soonik brand as well.
Why do you choose to manufacture in Estonia (besides the fact that it’s your home country)?
The quality—our manufacturer has mainly been producing for Scandinavian designers who are known for their high-quality standards. I love the support I get from them, the enthusiasm. Even though the company is outsourced, it feels like they are part of the team.
Can you tell me about some of the high-end materials used in your pieces?
We use lace and fishnet from France; our super-soft jersey fabrics come from Italy. We always look for the very best materials from all over the world. It has to look and feel good and be amazing to touch.
How can someone wear your pieces as outerwear? What are some good pieces for layering?
The bodysuits and suspender tops are two of our best-selling styles. And I guess for a reason—they are so easy to layer and to dress up or down. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of randomly peeking bras. I think a cool look is something bold—wear a black bra under a black see-through shirt or match a colorful bra with a colorful outfit. Make it a strong statement to make it work.
Which is more important: good lingerie or good loungewear? Why?
Ouch, good question. I think it's absolutely vital to wear good-fitting lingerie. You don't want to feel uncomfortable about your bra all day. Loungewear is more like an indulgence, the next level from lingerie.
If you were an animal what would you be?
Koala—apparently they sleep about 20 hours a day—I could easily do that...![]()
Kriss Soonik Alison Lace Bra in lime green (available in OC stores). Photos courtesy of Kriss Soonik
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The designer's Fall/Winter 2014 collection mixes soft fabrics and easy shapes with neon pops of color—and the occasional Marabou feather puff. Above, the Alison Lace Bra and Alison Lace Knickers.
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It should be no surprise, then, that Kriss is fond of the term "loungerie." Now at Opening Ceremony, the designer's Fall/Winter 2014 line mixes soft fabrics and easy shapes with neon pops of color—and the occasional Marabou feather puff your own feline companion would purr over. We spoke to Kriss about manufacturing in Estonia, sourcing fabrics in France and Italy, and when and when not to wear underwear as outerwear.
Shop Kriss Soonik in Opening Ceremony stores or by phone order at (646) 237-6078 Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM EST
KRISTEN BATEMAN: In which ways do the individual cities of New York, Paris, and Tokyo inspire you?
KRISS SOONIK: It's the feeling or mood of the particular city, whether it's the cool vibe you get in New York, Tokyo’s eccentricity, or the chic factor of Paris. Moreover, it's the constant evolvement of these cities that excites me; this and the fact that even though there's constantly something new there, they still maintain their one-of-a-kind factor—a philosophy that hopefully reflects in the Kriss Soonik brand as well.
Why do you choose to manufacture in Estonia (besides the fact that it’s your home country)?
The quality—our manufacturer has mainly been producing for Scandinavian designers who are known for their high-quality standards. I love the support I get from them, the enthusiasm. Even though the company is outsourced, it feels like they are part of the team.
Can you tell me about some of the high-end materials used in your pieces?
We use lace and fishnet from France; our super-soft jersey fabrics come from Italy. We always look for the very best materials from all over the world. It has to look and feel good and be amazing to touch.
How can someone wear your pieces as outerwear? What are some good pieces for layering?
The bodysuits and suspender tops are two of our best-selling styles. And I guess for a reason—they are so easy to layer and to dress up or down. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of randomly peeking bras. I think a cool look is something bold—wear a black bra under a black see-through shirt or match a colorful bra with a colorful outfit. Make it a strong statement to make it work.
Which is more important: good lingerie or good loungewear? Why?
Ouch, good question. I think it's absolutely vital to wear good-fitting lingerie. You don't want to feel uncomfortable about your bra all day. Loungewear is more like an indulgence, the next level from lingerie.
If you were an animal what would you be?
Koala—apparently they sleep about 20 hours a day—I could easily do that...
Kriss Soonik Alison Lace Bra in lime green (available in OC stores). Photos courtesy of Kriss Soonik
The designer's Fall/Winter 2014 collection mixes soft fabrics and easy shapes with neon pops of color—and the occasional Marabou feather puff. Above, the Alison Lace Bra and Alison Lace Knickers.
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