Claire Sullivan’s Crafty Aesthetic Collaborates with GANNI
The New York Designer’s Paris Breakthrough
Image Credit: The Cut
Claire Sullivan’s vibrant, avant-garde vision of fashion is a blend of gravity-defying skirts, bold drapings, and an eclectic mix of aesthetics that has made her one of the most intriguing emerging designers. Her roots trace back to Vaquera, a cult-favorite label, where she honed her skills and cemented her reputation as a rule-breaker in fashion. Recently, her work garnered significant attention after she designed a tutu-forward look for Addison Rae at the VMAs. The outfit sparked heated debate online—some called it “weird,” while others applauded the creativity. Sullivan, unphased by the polarized reactions, stayed true to her brand’s ethos, which pushes boundaries and evokes strong emotions through fashion.
It was this unapologetic style that caught the eye of Danish label Ganni, leading to a significant moment in Sullivan’s career—collaborating with the brand for its highly anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week. Ganni, known for its youthful, playful designs, tapped Sullivan for its designer consultancy program, making her part of an international platform. In collaboration with Ganni's creative director, Ditte Reffstrup, Sullivan co-designed two distinct looks. The first was an athletic, drapey jersey dress, an ode to the blend of sportiness and romance, and the second, a voluminous skirt paired with a bomber jacket, perfectly capturing the crossover between the styles of New York’s edgy street fashion and Copenhagen’s chic, carefree spirit.
The collaboration felt organic to Sullivan. Describing the partnership, she said, “It’s really such a marriage of me and Ganni.” She emphasized that the Ganni Girl, much like her designs, is witty, intelligent, playful, and doesn’t take herself too seriously. Sullivan’s ability to craft pieces that connect with how real women want to dress resonated with Ganni’s ethos. Reffstrup echoed these sentiments, stating, “Collaboration has always been such a key part of our brand’s DNA, and supporting young talent is so immensely important.” For Ganni, bringing rising talents like Sullivan into the fold represents a commitment to fostering innovation in fashion.
Sullivan’s design journey is fueled by intuition, a quality that has guided her not only in creating garments but in navigating the fashion industry. Her collaborative experience with Ganni was more than just a business partnership—it was a creative alignment based on mutual respect. She recalls working closely with Reffstrup, describing her as nurturing, fostering an environment that was both creative and supportive. This collaboration allowed Sullivan to experiment with Ganni’s "Fabric of the Future" program, which champions sustainability by incorporating textiles made from post-consumer waste. One standout piece was a jersey dress made from Cycora, a textile created from recycled materials, reflecting Sullivan's blend of athleticism and romanticism in fashion.
Design Philosophy
Beyond her Paris Fashion Week debut, Sullivan is carving out a space for herself in the world of high fashion while maintaining the essence of custom, handcrafted designs that first brought her acclaim. Her pieces tell stories and convey narratives, each one a moment of its own. The concept of designing garments that reflect the realities and aspirations of contemporary women is central to her creative philosophy.
Though she’s not revealing too much about her next steps, Sullivan hints at growth and expansion—it’s the connection her creations foster with others that excites her about the future. Whether it's creating custom pieces or expanding into new markets, Claire Sullivan is a designer to watch, with her blend of intuitive design and thought-provoking fashion making waves.
In the rapidly shifting world of fashion, Claire Sullivan is carving out a niche for herself—one where storytelling, emotionality, and boundary-pushing aesthetics come together in perfect harmony. Her journey from New York to Paris is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and impactful career.
