Cristina Ruales
“I aim for the top and I don’t rest until I’ve arrived” - Cristina Ruales Cristina Ruales - a unique point of view in design, promoting confidence. A proud Latina Woman, born in Quito, Ecuador; and a single mother of twins. Cristina Ruales’s mission has always been to “celebrate individuality & empowering women”. Cristina discovered in the Andes of Ecuador - on a summit at the early age of 5; that anything is possible with tenacity and dedication. At age 16, her quest for excellence took her to Parsons (BFA) in Fashion Design, followed by Yale University (MFA) with a focus on Design and the History of Fashion. In 2000, Cristina launched her first eponymous line in Barney’s NY and Japan. Her first editorial appearance was on the cover of Vogue, where VeraWang wore her personal Cristina Ruales hat. In 2014, the Cristina Ruales Collection debuted in the Official Fashion Calendar for NYFW; placed between two other iconic Latino designers - Oscar de la Renta and Narciso Rodriguez. Cristina Ruales is inspired by the idea of architecture vs. nature; masculine vs. feminine with a strong focus on the architecture of her clothing. Striking a balance between these, that others view as contradictions; this designer views as complementary; ultimately resulting in balance. What Cristina calls “asymmetrical symmetry.” Cristina Ruales’s goal is to give encourage confidence. Ultimately her long-standing goal is to inspire all to celebrate individuality.
