the designer

Hello! My name is Cristin, I am the creator of C*kin & The Violet Sphinx, a fashion line that consists of my original designs, sewn by me. Design and acting have always been my two passions. Since I was a young adult I have been driven by creative arts yet business minded and extremely focused. Detail driven and addicted to productivity.  When I first decided to alter my clothes as a teen, I knew this was a lifelong journey that would always fill me with joy and passion. My mom and grandmothers set the example and fed my love of all things fabric and threads. As a self taught artist, the world that has surrounded me, has shaped me. Through love and heartbreak, 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 I still find myself looking at traditional designs that continue to spark endless inspiration. C*kin has elevated my creative thought and helped to expand my skills. Over the years I’ve continued to add to my design experiences, including; Coordinating local fashion events, Wardrobe Supervisor for the Off Broadway show “Fuerza Bruta”, Brand Technician for “Butcher James” and Wardrobe for the Bloomingdales “Greatest Showman“ promo event. From “Local Threads" to "Ima" to C*kin, my designs have traveled with me through time and helped me define my existence. The Violet Sphinx is a new endeavor for me as a creator which will embody all of my expressions, including clothing design, poetry and mixed media artwork. She brings out what means the most to me and what truly drives my 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. 

C*KIN has elevated my creative thought and helped to expand my skills. 

I create unisex fashion, femme comfort. Experimenting with various fabrics and letting traditional designs spark endless inspiration. 

My brother, Kreatoday is a massive part of why C*kin came to, continuing to contribute his original artwork and designs. .