November 2009 - Looking for a sexy new look that won’t break the bank or the environment? Christine Marchuska, Founder of eco-friendly fashion line c. marchuska, along with business partner Brooke Bresnan, may have just the combination you’re looking for.
Born and raised in upstate New York, Christine received her undergraduate degree from Cornell and went on to pursue a career in finance working in New York City for Morgan Stanley. Successful, but unfulfilled, Christine began looking for a way to put her love of fashion to work and delved deeply into sewing and fashion classes based in and around New York’s garment district. When Wall Street layoffs made the rounds in 2008, Christine fell back on her new-found knowledge, and eco-friendly fashion line c. marchuska was born.
With the addition of a professional fashion designer along the way, as well as business partner Brooke, the c. marchuska line continues to focus on sustainability (primarily using bamboo fabrics sourced domestically), urban design, a moderate price-point, and giving back through charitable contributions.
1. Give us a brief description of your line and how it stands apart from other eco-friendly fashion?
c. marchuska is an eco-friendly clothing line by Christine Marchuska and Brooke Bresnan, which provides chic and sustainable clothing at affordable prices. Manufactured in New York City, the clothing is designed to embody versatility throughout different trends and seasons in order to stay true to the sustainable fashion mantra of producing less waste. The sophisticated clothing with green benefits is a perfect match for the socially conscious woman who doesn’t want to sacrifice style, price, or comfort to help save the planet.
2. Fashion design and finance are dramatically different career paths. What appeal does each of them have for you?
Finance and fashion are dramatically different, but are both actually also very much the same in the sense that both industries are constantly changing. Thus, both provide for a challenging environment that keeps us continually learning and trying to adapt to evolving consumer or financial markets.
3. Have you ever felt held back because you don’t have a traditional fashion background?
Well, Brooke actually started out in the creative/design world when she was younger. I have also always had a passion for drawing and art. However, when it comes to design, we knew we needed to utilize true fashion designers who could translate our vision into a reality. We always come up with ideas and the looks we want to capture, but then rely on our design team to make our vision come to life.