CF. Goldman‘s unique sensibility thrives upon its tension between the European high concept design community and New York’s energetic expertise in sportswear. Designer Chelsea Goldman founded CF. Goldman in 2014. Goldman grew up in New York City and was educated in London at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. Goldman honed her skills at various houses including Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez, and Celine. Her experience at Celine working both in Paris and London informed the unique blend of cultures that translates into each of CF. Goldman’s collections.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am 25, originally from NYC, and I run CF. Goldman.
How has living in New York affected your work? Living in New York has affected everything about the way I run my business. In New York, everything is about production and sales, which provides a nice counterpoint to London, where I was trained. It’s a mix to have the crazy out of the box creativity in London compared to the business side in New York. We also produce everything in New York so it has given me this access that I would not have in another city. I remember in London you would have to leave the city to get anything done.
What kinds of things are influencing your work right now? Generally, it’s emotions — a lot of how I am feeling personally. Right now, I feel very light and I would like the clothing to reflect that. Next season, you may see a slightly more feminine side to CF. Goldman.
What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on? My main focus right now is Spring 16, but I am always looking out for interesting projects. We were recently part of a trunk show and celebration on August 6th at Assembly Los Angeles with some other brands I really respect.
If you were a drink what drink would you be? Diet Coke.
What designers are you interested in right now? I am always interested in Calvin Klein. I think they are consistently one of the strongest things coming out of New York. I think Jacqumas is doing really interesting things in Paris.
What past trends in fashion should never come back? Ugh anything overtly expensive or logo based; no more Birkins they are boring.
Tell us about your work process and how it develops. It usually starts with an artist that I am interested in and forming ideas around them. For Fall 15 I was looking at a lot of Calder pieces, from that the collection became very sculptural. We also spend a long time in fittings, which is my favorite part of the process, I cut up a lot of samples and remake them until every one on my team wants to kill me.
What do you want a viewer to walk away with after experiencing your work? A sense of confidence that they can wear these pieces not to be overtly sexy or for the view of others, but because they are beautiful.
What’s your absolute favorite place in the world to be? The markets in Morocco. The energy is incredible. Or the diner down the block from my apartment.
Can you share one of the best or worst reactions you have gotten as a result of your work? The worst is also the best. The first season we had comments asking if our skirts with holes in them were cheese graters; I was proud of that one.
