BORO: When did you initially conceive Queens 88? Christina Prudenti: There was a point in 2008 when I was experimenting with linoleum print. I was carving out pieces of linoleum and printing them on paper, canvas, wood, fabric, whatever I could get my hands on. I started experimenting with t-shirts and screen-printing. I took some of my paintings, prints, and photographs, and painted screens to look like them—then started printing shirts. BORO: You are obviously an exceptionally talented artist—do you still create art other than what you sell at Queens 88? CP: Yes. I’m primarily a painter. I still paint, but now I incorporate my prints into my paintings. I don’t get to do this often because I’m always working with fabric, but it’s nice when I can. BORO: How old were you when you realized you had a talent for visual arts? CP: I was always making something growing up. In high school I was forced to pick a major—something art-related was the only thing I could see myself wanting to do. BORO: Do you collaborate with other artists? CP: Yes. I collaborate with other artists, writers, and bands. I have a few collaborative shirts with street artist, Chris, from Robots Will Kill. He’s a college buddy of mine and I’ve always been a huge fan of his work. I have a collaborative shirt with poet and fellow Astorian, Megan Dibello. I’m also working on a design with Queens graffiti artist, Louie Gasparro, artist Michael Murphy, and the band Pushmethod. I also have another designer joining my team—an old high school friend I met in art class. She goes by Noemi88. BORO: Where were you born? CP: Born and raised in Flushing, Queens BORO: What influences from where you grew up can now be seen in your designs? CP: My designs tend to be very urban—a direct result of my surroundings—I use urban landscapes a lot—parking garages, no parking signs, bridges, smoke stacks, cars, graffiti, etc. I think it’s also the way in which I make the shirt that gives it a gritty, urban feel. I try to make them very raw by screen-printing by hand, stenciling them, spray painting them, and painting directly onto the fabric. BORO: If you could give one piece of advice for someone starting out in fashion, what would it be? CP: I always saw myself and considered myself more of an artist than a fashion designer. I believe it’s the quality of the art that has gotten me to this point to be perfectly honest. Always know your talent and ability, and be confident. BORO: What do you envision for Queens 88 in the next few years? CP: Oh Jesus, I hope something good! BORO: How is marketing different now from when you started in 2008? CP: Social Media has seriously grown. It’s key for a business like mine. Social media and repetition. But the best form of advertising and marketing are people wearing my clothing. Every so often I’ll see someone on the street with one of my shirts or dresses and it’s pretty awesome! BORO: Can you describe your work in three adjectives? CP: Urban, Raw, Colorful www.queens88.com EXPLORE Christina Prudenti is the artist and creative force behind Queens 88, a boutique design house for urban casual wear for men and women. Besides her own graffiti-influenced designs, she collaborates with other artists for a line that is distinctly urban, comfortable, accessible, and affordable. Her shirts have been seen on celebrities such as 50 Cent, and her designs are presently available online and at the LIC Flea. BORO touched base with this creative entrepreneur to find out a little more about her journey. 36 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
BM102014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above