tristan + trista

Fortunate to be selected as one of the finalists of the Carnet de Mode and Le Figaro.fr/Madame International White Swan Contest in 2011, tristan + trista is a contemporary high-end Ready to Wear woman's collection, which takes the principles of masculinity and femininity and infuses them into hand crafted clothing. Raised in Los Angeles, Kristine Megrikian (Owner & Desinger) who is third generation in her family to be in fashion, began her love affair with fashion early in life. Her family operated atelier, which houses the tristan + trista label, focuses on tailored avent garde pieces inspired by all that is beautiful, whimsical and classic. What makes tristan + trista unique is that the designer is able to combine elegant silhouettes with a modern flare using masculine and feminine elements through textiles and fit. The line is most known for mixing contrasting textures of textured masculine leathers (tristan) and soft silky silks (trista). In essence, the brand plays off the duality of masculine and feminine energy within all of us.

On a more literal note, the name tristan + trista was inspired by Sir Tristan of Knights of the Round Table a Cornish tale featured in the Matter of Britain. Tristan is also known for being involved in one of literature's most romantic tales of Tristan and Iseult as well as being one of the protectors of the Holy Grail. In Old French, san graal or san gréal means "Holy Grail" and sang réal means "royal blood." Either interpretation in modern romantic literature suggests that the Tristan was the the protector the chalice of youth, eternal life and revitalization. The line tristan + trista embodies this concept of "forever young and beautiful."