Christian Joy: no, we’re not talking about Jesus Christ, rejoicing in the Lord (Philip 4:4) and all that. We’re referring to the designer, Christian Joy Hultquist, who has just designed her second collection (Fall/Winter 2008) for her own label.

Hultquist began costume designing for none other than exuberantly dressed style icon and lead singer of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen O. Our favourite of all is the jester number, featured in the ‘Costumes’ section and in which the singer clutches a remote control. Creating for Karen in this way, Joy not only cultivated a veritable menagerie of eye-catching, show-stopping and intricately detailed one-off pieces (see the ‘Day of the Dead’ lycra bodysuit in the same section, complete with skeleton print, 3D heart, beaded sleeves and a 20-foot train of “intestines”), but has undoubtedly had a big hand in developing the front woman’s onstage persona, lending her that most sought-after of qualities: the rock ‘n’ roll image. 

 http://www.christianjoy.us/

Working with Karen led to the designer being asked to contribute to the New York Now exhibition at the V&A, alongside Zac Posen and Derek Lam, and a collection for Topshop followed. The launch of her own label is the inevitable continuation of Joy’s success and sees her experimenting with a more ‘everyday’ look.

The debut Spring 2008 collection was composed of garments entirely different from those we are used to seeing on Ms O, though the lady herself still provided the perfect model. Sleeker, more minimalist clothes in monochrome hues abounded – but Hultquist never compromised her individual sense of the quirky and unique; cuts were still varied, and there were subtle hints towards the bold lines and pragmatic shapes of Russian Constructivist design.

The Fall 2008 collection is less structured, with balloon pants, Turkish trousers and puffball skirts making an appearance. There’s even something of the ‘Jesse James’ look to be found, but intimations of Karen remain in the gothic pieces, gloves paired with dresses and the like.

We love Joy, we love Karen. And what a stylish combination this does make.  You can even buy some of the collections at a fellow Milk-monikered, LA-based concession-see additional links (though they are no relation!)

Hows about that for a Milk tip!