Christina Culver had a self-described childhood filled with “fairy tales and adventures” and the fantasy and fun live on today in the designer’s whimsical creations.
The Vancouver-based Culver grew up in Deep Cove British Columbia, and spent her youth daydreaming, creating, and playing dress-up with her five rambunctious siblings. Her undying passion to create beautiful things led her to the Helen Lefeaux School of Design, where she was awarded the Golden Bobbin for Excellence in Achievement upon graduation in 2004. Following a short apprenticeship with designer Jason Matlo, she launched her “Christina Darling” line in 2005 to rave reviews.
Culver’s varying designs, ranging from sequined short shorts, to flirty tea party dresses, to dramatic evening gowns, always maintain traces of the Christina Darling trademark of fun, flirtatious femininity.
Her grown-up-girly designs are always punctuated by an inspired theme, depending on the collection. The “Paper Doll” collection (Fall/Winter 06/07) was forged in childhood memories of tea parties and playing dress-up, and boasts flirty 1950’s silhouettes framed in flowers, satin and chiffon. “Culver City” (Spring/Summer 2007) was born during a road trip to California and Disneyland. With its ruffled boleros, bright colours and bold patterns, the collection is a sexy tribute to the Sunshine State.
“Rock ‘N Russia” (Fall/Winer 07/08) was inspired by ballerinas, peasant wives and mail-order-brides. The result? Ruffles, long flowing skirts and hot pink leopard print of course! Her latest success was “World Traveler” (Spring/Summer 2008) wherein glitzy metalics, bustiers, and a bright “world map” dress globe-trotted down the runway to appreciative hoots, hollers, and applause from the audience.
Culver’s proven ability to inject flirty fun and fantasy into waiting wardrobes in Vancouver and beyond, has secured her place as the fashion world’s newest darling.