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Behind the Label | Cityzen by Azin

Introducing Cityzen: an otherworldly fashion collection by award-winning architect and designer Azin Valy. With a global vision that the arts can bridge differences and technology can reveal beauty, Azin has designed a collection of wearable art inspired by the urban landscape of cities around the globe. We caught up with this native New Yorker and asked her to share her design inspiration and travel style. Shop this collection of easy silk separates with a unique story now!

Introducing Cityzen: an otherworldly fashion collection by award-winning architect and designer Azin Valy. With a global vision that the arts can bridge differences and technology can reveal beauty, Azin has designed a collection of wearable art inspired by the urban landscape of cities around the globe. We caught up with this native New Yorker and asked her to share her design inspiration and travel style. Shop this collection of easy silk separates with a unique story now!

How does travel inspire your collection?

I am always inspired by new experiences and being lost in a new city. Obviously, as an architect I am inspired by space and light. And as a food lover, each flavor adds to the overall cultural enrichment of that city. Designing a Cityzen piece allows the continuity of the memory of each city or the fantasy of being in another.

Describe Cityzen in 3 words.

Global, Dialogue, and Art. The vision behind Cityzen by Azin brand is to create a global dialogue between cultures through the arts and fashion. The consumer becomes a silent ambassador of beauty, style and good will as each item supports a cause for the featured city. The Cityzen items are wearable pieces of art.

Your collection of products keeps growing, what creative endeavors are on the horizon?

The world is our limit, physically and metaphorically. With each city, we expand our collection -- creating larger selection of garments and products.

Which city in the world do you most identify with and why?

I most identify with New York City as it is a mini world to itself, representing just about every culture.

Your production involves architectural inspiration and using imagery to design your line. What is the best part about this process and how has it helped you grow?

Our designs are based on satellite maps of cities, and the topography defines each garment -- allowing rivers to meander through the curves of the body or mountain ranges. This creates volumetric necklines and roads marking transitions in a garment. The amazing part about this process is that no two dresses are the same, as each city has its own characteristics. To see a two-dimensional map turned into a three-dimensional dress and its relation to the body is what is exciting to me.

Who is your Muse? Describe the Cityzen Girl.

The Cityzen girl is a multicultural woman who is stylish, unique, globally aware, and loves to explore.

Tell us about your favorite piece (or one of them) and where you were when you were inspired to create it.

I have too many, but the one that started it all was the Tehran dress, which shows the mountain ranges forming the volumetric neckline.

How would you describe your own style? Please name the three staples of your wardrobe you could never live without.

Devoid of bells and whistles, my staples are minimal, simple cuts with a twist. Lately, I have been wearing a lot of faux leather pants, simple tops, United Nude Eamz heel shoes, my Diesel red helmet (when I'm on my scooter) or my vintage fur hat during cold days!

Your collection has a strong global vibe - What are some of your favorite cities to visit and why?

I love the Mediterranean countries and I can never get enough of Italy, Greece and Spain.

What are some of the destinations on your bucket list?

Barcelona, Istanbul, Rio, Yazd (there is a clue about our some of our future collection!)

Barcelona

How would you describe your travel style?

Spontaneous and architecturally driven.

What are your upcoming travel plans?

Barcelona and Costa Brava.

What three products from L-atitude are you coveting most right now?

I love what the Muzungu Sisters are doing, especially the Pink Fique Mochila. I also love the use of metallics in Misela's work, particularly the mint metallic finish on the Mardin Canvas Pouch. Also, can't get enough of the cut outs of the Ryan Cut-Out Booties by Loeffler Randall.