Katherine Tsina Bird Loves to Borrow from the Boys
After selling her cult-favorite unisex collection AVION Clothier to individual clients directly since 2007, fashion designer Katherine Tsina Bird is finally expanding. The fashion designer recently opened up a brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles, which means easier access to Bird’s creations—and the designer herself. Here, the former New Yorker, and wife of musician Andrew Bird, reveals the secrets to her effortlessly chic personal style, androgynous and comfortable designs, and more.
Define your style in three words: Understated, fitted, classic.
Favorite unisex pieces: Button downs, jeans if you’re similar size, and I’ve been stealing my husband’s Maison Margiela crewneck sweaters.
Pieces that men’s wear designers make better: It seems obvious to say but button down shirts, more often than not the fit of the men’s is much better and more comfortable.
Key to a perfect unisex piece: The perfect fit and the right shade of blue or white.
Daily uniform: I love silk slip dresses, but since I moved to L.A. I also wear high waisted Acne needle jeans or sailor pants from my collection, a striped Christina Lehr t-shirt or a button down shirt from my line and black flats.
Greatest hits: Delicate chiffon slip dresses from my line, sweaters from Dries van Noten, my Vionnet wedding dress, a Proenza Schouler pleated two tone skirt, and a vintage Ann Demulemeester dress that I just got.
Preferred footwear: Feit loafers and Celine pony hair espadrilles.
Finishing touches: My husband gave me a Repossi double band last year in rose gold that I love, Byredo Flowerhead, and my grandmother’s vintage ‘60s platinum Rolex as a bracelet.
Nighttime look: A black or navy slip dress from my line or a pair of Anne Demulemeester black fitted trousers, cashmere crewneck, and Chanel flats.
Best recent discovery: Eshelman pottery.
Favorite stores: In L.A., Mameg, Garde, Scout, and Lost and Found. In New York: 45rpm, Makie, John Derian, and Dashwood Books.
Style pet peeve: Too many accessories.
Style icons: Pina Bausch, Jean Seberg.
Last purchase: Vintage Steidl edition of Berenice Abbott for my husband to finish his record.
Lusting after: A quiet, beach vacation.
Favorite haunts: In L.A.: Sqirl, Petit Trois, Cookbook, and Proof. In New York: Prune and Marlow and Sons.
What’s always in your bag: Wallet, keys, lip gloss and Legos for my son.
Photos: Katherine Tsina Bird Loves to Borrow from the Boys
Katherine Tsina Bird. Courtesy of the subject.
Bird’s finishing touches. Courtesy of the subject.
Celine espadrilles and Feit loafers. Courtesy of the subject.
Courtesy of Katherine Tsina Bird.
Katherine Tsina Bird. Courtesy of the subject.
Courtesy of Katherine Tsina Bird.
Katherine Tsina Bird. Courtesy of the subject.
Katherine Tsina Bird. Courtesy of the subject.
