More Than Fashion: A Piece of C

Chrissie Geenen has graced the covers of numerous glossy magazines, but the successful model isn’t stopping there. In 2024, she launched her own fashion brand, reflecting her unique sense of beauty, ease, elegance, and comfort.

How has your career as a model shaped your view on fashion and design?
Chrissie Geenen: " My 20-year modeling career has not only given me the opportunity to experience many fascinating styles and collections but also helped me develop a keen eye for fashion and design. Through this, I’ve learned what truly matters: pieces that not only look good but also feel great and are long-lasting. As a model and content creator, I often receive new clothing and beautiful gifts, for which I am very grateful. But, truth be told – in the end, we always reach for the items that feel just right and that we truly love. This appreciation for "less is more" is deeply ingrained in me and inspired me to create A Piece of C. With A Piece of C, I want to create fashion that integrates effortlessly into daily life and accompanies women over time with quality, comfort, and timeless beauty. Every piece in our collection is designed to become a 'favorite item'.”

What steps were essential in developing and launching A Piece of C?
Chrissie Geenen: "The development and launch of A Piece of C were the results of many careful steps and a lot of heart. The process began with defining a clear vision for the brand: to create timeless, elegant designs that align with my values, especially regarding sustainability and quality. My team and I invested a lot of time in finding the best durable, high-quality materials. Another crucial step was selecting a production partner in Europe to ensure production occurs under fair conditions and in small batches. Made-to-order was a key element to avoid unnecessary overproduction and reinforce our commitment to sustainability. As a content creator, I’ve seen how many products are released daily, which made me aware of the value of conscious consumption. The first collection is a carefully curated capsule collection of five pieces, designed to complement each other and offer versatility. Each item is created to stand alone or be worn in combination with the other pieces. In addition, developing a visual identity for the brand was essential to reflect the values of A Piece of C and attract potential customers who also value a minimalist and mindful lifestyle. All these steps contributed to building the brand."

What elements and values are reflected in your designs?
My designs are inspired by my love for nature and simplicity – values that have become important to me over my modeling career. I’ve tried on many pieces of clothing, but the best ones are always those you love returning to. This philosophy is exactly what lies behind A Piece of C. In Zandvoort, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, I find my inspiration. Here, I’ve learned that what’s essential is often the most beautiful. Our collection is pared down to the essentials to create favorite pieces that not only look good but can also be worn with a clear conscience. The colors and textures in the designs reflect a connection to nature and are meant to evoke the sense of calm and serenity I feel in nature. Each piece should be timeless and authentic – fashion that holds genuine meaning for its wearer.

How do you balance building your brand and being a mother?
Chrissie Geenen: "My family is my rock. Spending time with them is the most important thing to me. Building a brand is a huge challenge and very time-consuming. Many evenings, I’m up late at the computer, planning and executing every detail and step for A Piece of C – bringing a brand to life requires heart, energy, and dedication. But I’ve also learned how important it is to set priorities and consciously take breaks. When I’m with my family, I’m truly present. Because these moments with them are what really matter and give me the strength to continue with renewed energy the next day. It’s not always easy to find a good balance, but I believe that this conscious choice for quality – in life and work – makes all the difference."

Shop Collection here.