Cristina Viera-Newton first made her mark on the fashion world in the 1970s as a top model posing for the likes of Dior, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent. Today she is the co-founder and CEO of Tom Binns, working beside the talented jewelry designer known for his space-age punk infused creations. D’NA sat down with the glamorous Brazilian to talk about her journey through fashion.
Launching a modeling career…
I came to England in 1971 when London was the cultural epicenter of the world. I loved fashion and London was THE place to be. One night I met the designer Ossie Clark in a restaurant and he invited me to model in his press show – my first modeling job. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Shortly afterwards I met the owner of Models One, Jose Fonseca, who offered to represent me and my career was off and running.
Memorable moments…
I was lucky to have worked with some amazing photographers over the years. David Bailey, Terence Donovan and Brian Duffy were the triple threat and their images came to define an era. I learned so much from working with the three of them. I also loved doing the catwalk presentations in Paris. I remember the Pablo and Delia shows being particularly thrilling!
One memory that stands out in my mind was the time I spotted iconic model Veruschka in the Zurich airport dressed in a leopard skin cape!!! She was the coolest of them all.
Entering the business side of fashion…
After I stopped modeling I became the PR Director for the London designer Jasper Conran, a truly creative individual who became my mentor. I later had the opportunity to work alongside Carlos Souza at Valentino, which was the icing on the cake. I learned the fine art of couture and the importance of paying absolute attention to details, invaluable tools for my current role at Tom Binns.
Collaborating with Mr. Binns…
Tom was already established as a jeweler of renown by the time I had met him, but together we certainly built his brand and strengthened awareness of his brilliance. We knew each other from London, reconnected in New York and after visiting me in the West Coast Tom decided to relocate to L.A. I remember helping him unpack his archives and it was like an Aladdin's cave of remarkable jewelry; I came under the spell of his work. It was a collaboration that felt right from the first day and I never looked back.
Tom never ceases to surprise me. Everyday he creates something phenomenal and unexpected. He is extremely prolific; once he is on a thematic roll he is unstoppable. I help curate and focus his collections. I am a Latin woman and Tom is from Belfast, Ireland so the personal dynamics can get quite interesting, but we have a great respect and love for each other.
The lure of Venice Beach…
We choose to locate the brand in Venice Beach because it has an old bohemian California vibe that felt right for us. It’s a mix of old suffer dudes, vintage cars and great antique stores that offer plenty of inspiration, not to mention the intoxicating sea breezes and the beautiful light. We have all these amazing resources here without having to be in the middle of a big fashion jungle.
Traveling for inspiration…
I love a change of scenery. I recently went with Tom to Rio on a reconnaissance mission, so of course when we returned to L.A. his work was an explosion of colors. To have output you need to have input. I also visited the Middle East a very long time ago...it may be time to plan another trip and see the resultant inspiration!
