I first met Crystal Sharp back in 1999 when she had a little boutique right off of S. Broadway. Her designs were impecable, elegant, and had this really cool vibe of Victorian chic! I’m so excited to have her at our 15th Anniversary celebration!

What inspired your love for fashion and fashion design?

I started sewing doll clothes for my barbie dolls by age 6 and my father got me my first sewing machine when I was 9. We grew up rather poor so I started to sew for the family.

Did you go to school for design or are you self taught?

I don’t have any technical training in fashion. I moved out at 14 and I wanted a degree that would allow me some stability so I went to UCD and studied economics.

Who is/are your biggest inspiration/s? (Family, Friends, Designers, etc…)

The person who all ways was my biggest fan is my mother she loved to sew and would sew for us kids (7 of us) so I guess it runs in the family.

Coco Chanel is my favorite designer. But I’ve been inspired my many designers along the way.

What is your go to textile?

My go to fabric is silk, my style is somewhat edgy Victorian. I like to make pieces for special occasions Opera coats are my favorite.

I opened my first boutique ‘She She’ in 1999 at the coaxing of friends. I’ve always loved charity work and would host a fall Masquerade and a spring High Tea. I bought The Holiday Chalet in 2004 and eventually moved the boutique there.

What does 2020 look like for you in the world of fashion? 

2020 is still a mystery for me. I try to take advantage of any opportunities, so we shall see.

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