Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent turns ten years old this year, and lucky for us, the super chic designer stopped by Tootsies on Wednesday for a cocktail event, where guests enjoyed a runway show featuring some of her spring designs. After watching the show and sneaking a peek at the upcoming fall collection (spoiler alert: it’s gorgeous), I sat down with Cynthia to chat about ten years of Twelfth Street, spring trends, and of course, Dallas. —Jessica Mitzner
Me: Looking back on the past ten years, do you have a proudest moment or a favorite thing that has happened?
Vincent: Well, the birth of my daughter, but collection-wise, this year, I was going back and looking through the archives and seeing that the product is still relevant and meaningful, which then prompted me to re-issue some of my best-sellers and most requested pieces. We’re offering them for the 10th anniversary, so that’s been really great, because that means that people love the product, and the product lasts.
Me: Did you have a specific inspiration for your spring collection?
Vincent: Spring was all about the Ivory Coast meets Pueblo tribes–which is a reoccurring theme, mashing up different cultures, different tribes, different ethnicities, and putting them together. So I took a lot of the colors from the Ivory Coast, and I took it very nationalistic. I didn’t want to do flags, but I took the idea of stripes, and then mixed it in with Pueblo etchings and patterning that is associated with that. The interesting thing was that a lot of the colors are similar.
Me: What do you like about being here in Dallas? Do you have any favorite spots?
Vincent: I love it here. This has been the third time that I’ve been here in the last six months, and it’s been great. And do I have a favorite place? Wow. Well, Driftwood has the most amazing meals I’ve ever had.
Me: Do you have any favorite styles or trends that you’re loving for spring?
Vincent: I love that people are still embracing prints. It’s a nice way to update your wardrobe. It can go from day to evening really easily. Obviously, I’m very print-oriented. I like the eased-up shapes, too. I think women are getting used to that for spring and summer months, and I love that.
Me: Do you have anything special on your wish list for this season?
Vincent: Oh my gosh, I have so many things on my wish list. You know what I did do? I bought a 3D printer when I was in New York. I bought that instead of a new bag. It’s really amazing. So I’m actually going to do something with that–I’m definitely going to design something. I love new technology. I love mixing old and new. It’s all fine and well to look back, but I don’t want to look vintage or dated. I love new.
Me: Are there any trends that you are ready to see end?
Vincent: Yes, very large platform shoes. It’s time to bring back the single sole shoes. I’m bringing those back for spring and summer.
Jessica Mitzner is a ShopTalk intern.
