Arin Robinson (L) and Jessie Zinke (R), Sisters & founders of Zinke Intimates
I got to meet Arin & Jessie of Zinke Intimates back in September at Journelle's Fashion's Night Out event. It was the first time I had seen their collection in person, and I was stunned by how gorgeous their pieces were. I'm a huge fan of bralettes in general (if you haven't figured that out by now), and theirs are definitely at the top of my list of favorites. Their pieces are sexy and playful at the same time, and the colors they choose for their collections speak to me on so many different emotional levels. Whatever mood you find yourself in, Zinke has a bra for that.
They generously answered a few questions I had about their beautiful collection, working together as sisters & what inspired some of their pieces.
(P.S. In case you're planning on doing some holiday shopping (or just putting together your own holiday wishlist) over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out the list of suggested retailers at the bottom of this post!)
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Stargazer bralet & panty set in aubergine
Zinke Intimates: Anyone that has a sister can probably relate to the fact that nobody knows you better than your sister. We can read each other’s minds, get away with saying things others wouldn’t dare and we’re super protective of each other. Now with the distance we communicate more via iChat than over lunch, but our strong connection has remained the same.
PLU: What is the most rewarding moment of the design/production process?
Zinke: Hearing feedback from buyers!
Once Upon a Midnight jumper, Zinke Holiday Collection
Zinke: We debuted Zinke when the economy had reached a significant low, which made marketing especially difficult. We have a great appreciation for the importance of each piece being marketable to retailers.
PLU: What has inspired your past collections? What inspired the holiday collection?
Zinke: Color has been a major player in our past collections (Electric Girl Collection & Summer 2010). The holiday collection is really an extension of our fall ‘10 Love Letters collection. The color palate is smoldering & romantic – a little more subdued than the past collections. Edgar Allan Poe’s darkly romantic work is where we sought inspiration for the Love Letters collection.
Evening Star tee & Evening Star shorts, Zinke Holiday Collection
Zinke: I adore the Once Upon a Midnight Jumper in amethyst, but I reach for my Dream within a Dream Robe daily.
PLU: If you could do a collaboration with any retailer/designer, who would it be?
Zinke: Designers: Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen for The Row, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, and Giles Mendel for J. Mendel top our list. We would also love to collaborate with a retailer that has a broader market, like Target. Everyone should experience daily luxury, we think through a Zinke bralet.
PLU: What advice would you give to other aspiring designers?
Zinke: Be persistent, it will pay off!
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Thanks Arin & Jessie!
Stargazer bralet, $98. Panty, $88. Available at FreePeople.com.
Once Upon a Midnight jumper, $275.
Evening Star tee, $165. Evening Star shorts, $154.
Zinke's collections are available at the following retailers:
FreePeople
Farfetch.com
Brooklyn Fox
Journelle (Other pieces available in-store)
Follow Zinke Intimates on Twitter: @ZinkeIntimates
