At our invite-only luncheon next Tues, May 13, at Helix Park, one of our two panelists is Christy Lynn Lee, designer and artist.
Tell us about the artwork that becomes the prints in Christy Lynn designs.
Prints were introduced into the collection after launching my first capsule. My sister and I are both artists and we created hand drawn florals that could be made into fabric back when I was still working out of my living room. In the six years since, our process has evolved—we’ve grown our library and techniques to include refurbishing vintage textiles and archival artwork, particularly original paintings from the 1920s and ’30s. I’ve always been deeply inspired by that era, especially the work of Georgia O’Keeffe. Her ability to blend realism and abstraction in floral forms continues to influence my designs in both spirit and style.
Your favorite prints in the collection?
I’m personally drawn to our florals that feel imperfect. I find beauty in florals that feel distressed and abstracted to the point where you might not immediately recognize them as flowers, yet somehow, you just know. Flowers hold a sense of nostalgia and mystery that I try to capture in every print we create, and it echoes the spirit of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work: grounded in nature, yet open to interpretation. It’s this balance of softness and strength, realism and abstraction, that shapes everything we create.
What are some signature Christy Lynn silhouettes?
I launched the brand with two key silhouettes that still remain our best sellers six years later: a classic, tailored shirtdress and an effortless, flowy sheath cut in silk chiffon. These weren’t just design choices—they were personal. I wore both styles throughout my wedding weekend, which happened to be the same month I launched the brand. Since then, these shapes have become signature pieces in our collection, evolving over time through new fabrics, prints, and subtle variations—but always staying true to their original essence.
You relocated to Houston after a career in fashion in New York. What is special about your Houston customer?
I have this personal theory: in New York, my career and talents flourished—but in Texas, my personality did. Houston, in particular, is where I found my heart. It’s where I connected with a community that sees and values beauty in the same way I do. That genuine bond has built a loyal following with the community here. The city has given me a strong foundation to create, explore, and grow as a designer. It’s also where my platform truly took shape—one that has expanded beyond Texas, reaching across the U.S. and into international markets.
In what ways does travel inspire your designs?
Travel inspires me in countless ways, but what moves me most is observing how women around the world carry themselves—their style, their presence, their quiet confidence. There’s something so powerful in the way personal expression transcends culture, and it constantly inspires the way I design: with elegance, individuality, and a deep appreciation for global beauty.
At what age did you know you wanted to be a designer?
For as long as I can remember, I knew exactly what I wanted to be. At six years old, my mom told me I wanted to study art and become a fashion designer. That early sense of purpose never left me—and over the years, it’s only grown stronger. Design has always felt like a calling, not just a career.
The invitation-only Tidbits & Takeaways lunch is open to women in fields related to fashion, retail and the arts. If you’d like to attend, send a note to rsvp@gotidbits.com with your name and job title, and we’ll reach back out with event details.
@christylynncollection