If a sheer work of art is what comes to mind upon viewing any of the designs of Carasan, then you have called to mind a comparison that is not far from the truth, as the designers are inspired by art and nature in all that they create for their line. Staying true to their commitment of providing quality not quantity, Carasan will never be a mass-market company. Says Cassandra, "It is like buying art. Does your client buy original art, a limited edition lithograph or does she buy a mass-produced print? Our line is for free-spirited and self-assured women who are youthful at any age and want to wear high quality, one-of-a-kind designs." Their inspiration dates back to 1920's designers Erte and Fortuny. Offers Terri, "The Carasan line is one that transcends time. These are items you will want to pass down to your daughter. The Carasan woman is the soul of a Victorian socialite born into the body of an urban artist. She is a woman of today who wants fun, exciting clothing that will last season after season."
Carasan epitomizes today's young American Couture, transcending time with its authentic creations and looking back into history for inspiration, not just for their designs, but also how we all impact the world in which we live, forever.
Terri and Cassandra Rosenthal are the mother-daughter design duo who are the faces behind this small, but internationally known label.
Carasan's garments and one-of-a-kind jewelry have been worn by celebrities such as Tia Texada and Alysia Reiner, among many others from the screen and stage. Since beginning operations in 2001, Carasan has been involved with the Golden Trailer Awards Show, has had placement in independent films, and has been seen in numerous magazines. Their hand crocheted, one-of-a-kind jewelry was commissioned by “Flying Television”, the public relations company that works with “Entertainment Weekly” to create jewelry for their VIP gift baskets for both the Emmy's and Oscar's. Carasan also designed the organic silk and hemp, Little Black Dress for Summer Rayne Oaks to be worn and shown on “The Uniform Project”, a charity site for designers and celebrities who wish to raise funds for projects by creating LBD's to be worn for 30 days. The dress was worn for 30 days in 30 ways. All of the profits from this project went to Charity:Water, which builds fresh water wells at no cost in third world countries where there is no access to clean water. Carasan has been shown during fashion week in New York, Metro Washington D.C., as well as Atlanta, Georgia.
Terri is the Head Designer and Co- Owner of Carasan, She is best known for beautiful hand knits, hand dyed silk and now felted garments, as well as a new line of patterns for hand knitters. She is married, has three children, and five grandchildren. Terri lives and works in Purcellville, Virginia. She has been professional designing since she was 16 years old.
Her mother was a professional print and runway model and her father worked in the entertainment industry as a producer. Terri started designing for her friends in both the fashion and film industry. After high school she studied costume design at Orange Coast College in California.
Terri then went back east, married, and moved to Farmingdale, New York. It was there that she began designing hand knits for local high end boutiques in the New York City area. Then, in the early 1980's she and her family moved to Virginia where she started a small children's knitwear label, Wee Wooly Wear®.
She is developing a line of fabrics and wallpaper from her original art work that you will be able to find on Carasan's new website.
Cassandra Rosenthal - Cox , Carasan's Creative Director and Co-Owner is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and he little son.