CRISTIN RIVERA

Cristin is a multifaceted artist, an actor, a designer and an all-around creative person.  She was recently awarded the 2022 CT Arts Hero Award, a testament to her years of actively growing the artist community in New London County. 

She designs and creates beautiful and unique clothing, femme comfort for all people. She hopes to empower individuals through fashion. Cristin is also the glue that holds together The Annex, an artist space co-founded and operated by local artists for the community to shop authentically and support local creatives. 

Her creativity ranging from designing clothing and coordinating fashion events, working as wardrobe supervisor for an Off Broadway show, as well as a brand technician in NYC, curating art exhibits and boutique pop ups to working as an actor. She is described as an individual who has endless energy and creativity. She writes and performs monologues, curates storefront displays, arts shows and installations and creates new clothing lines all while working full-time as a model maker at a 3D Printshop and caring for her family. She has been referred to as a Superwoman who knows how to connect and grow projects flawlessly.

"My designs have traveled with me through time and helped me define my existence. When I first decided to alter my clothes as a teen, I knew this was a life long journey that would always fill me with joy and passion.  As a self taught artist, the world that has surrounded me, shapes me. Through love and heartbreak and finding true love, a sewing machine and a dress form have always stood by. A shoulder to lean on, and an escape for a busy mind. Mostly I create wearable fashion. My body, full of curves and turns has challenged me to think outside the standards. And yet traditional designs still spark endless inspiration. Throughout the last decade, I have been involved in the arts community where I’ve lived. Kickstarting my love for the arts in New London CT. A thriving downtown full of artists of all mediums and demographics. Inspired by Independent artist stores in CA and NYC I began to envision my role as an artist in New London. A fashion show at Muse Gallery in 2007 was my first taste of coordinating and designing a line for my very own event. This led to many years of fashion shows and pop up boutiques.  I thrive off of bringing people together to share their talents with others. Being a team player and maintaining a level of professionalism are among my strengths. It has been extremely rewarding working with creatives: artists, models, dancers, painters, photographers, videographers, etc. In February 2021 I came together with 5 other artists and started The Annex, a pop up boutique that sells locally made art, apparel, accessories and much more. I have been the core owner and operator of this business. This has been the outlet for my designs along with over 20 other local creators. I was awarded the CT Arts Hero award for 2022. This was an amazing honor and life changing experience which has provoked my drive to push forward authentically and artistically."

We do our best to source our materials ethically. Whether that means reworking found or vintage goods or printing on organic or recycled materials.