San Francisco based designer Christopher Collins is my new local favorite!  As a master of many things; making women look and feel beautiful, making his dreams come true, and helping make San Francisco the fashion city it was always meant to be, Mr. Collins is coming onto the fashion scene with style and praise.

Fall 2009 is a mix of easy city chic and sheer elegance with a piece for every occasion in a woman’s life.

On a recent warm afternoon, I stopped by his cozy design studio on Sutter to meet the designer and view the latest collection.  Along with his fabulous female staff we ended up chatting for over an hour about his line, background, the feel and look of SF women, and what the future holds for a designer who has no plans of leaving the city.

Keylee: What was the moment you knew you wanted to have your own label?

CC: I knew from the moment I chose fashion as my profession.   I like to make women feel beautiful.

Keylee: What’s one piece from your own wardrobe that you will never part with?
CC: An old brown leather belt with a big brass buckle, I found at a swap meet in Oakland.

Keylee: Where did you find the inspiration for your Fall 09 collection?
CC: It came from nature, manzanita branches actually. They look hard and soft at the same time. Structured and free at once. The colors were sincere.

Keylee: Why start a line in SF?

CC: Because this city inspires me.  The architecture, people, weathery sky, bridges and water. Also, the quality of sewing in the Bay Area is immaculate- much better I find than in LA.

Keylee: Favorite place to vacation?

CC: While Paris is my favorite city in the world, I love Kauai to relax.

Keylee: Favorite place to grab dinner and meet up with friends in San Francisco?
CC: Il Borgo in Hayes Valley.  It’s mom and pop owned/operated as well as the best Italian food!

Keylee: Who is the Christopher Collins woman?
CC:She is adventurous in her fashion choices and in life.  She loves to feel naturally beautiful and treats herself to her own happiness. Sophisticated and unique.

Keylee: Who is one celebrity you would love to see sporting a look from your next collection?

CC: MICHELLE OBAMA! (San Francisco’s first lady Mrs. Newsom is a fan!)