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8<br />
Odessa Christiana modeling her own design<br />
Odessa Christiana is an unconventional fashion designer driven<br />
by her artistic nature. As a child she would amuse herself by harvesting<br />
scraps of fabric from her Mother's sewing room floor with which she created<br />
glamorous attire for her dolls. Years later Odessa attended art college<br />
where she gained the fundamentals of fashion design.<br />
Unsatisfied with building someone else's empire the aspiring designer knew<br />
she must embrace her unique personality and produce innovative, exclusive<br />
garments. Allowing her passion for art and color to take over she began silk<br />
painting and soon turned her artwork into clothing. Couture Funk was born!<br />
This has become an ongoing, ever-changing line reflecting Odessa's own<br />
edgy style, offering one of a kind and custom pieces to fashionable clientele<br />
around the world.<br />
www.odessachristiana.com<br />
Odessa spent the greater part of her life in the Pacific Northwest. Despite<br />
the pristine beauty of the area and the comfort of family and friends Odessa<br />
knew it was time to spread her wings and move elsewhere. Drawn to the<br />
history and vibrancy of Palm Springs during several vacations, Odessa<br />
found her new home. Though she misses her Washington people and<br />
tromps through the mossy forests, never has she regretted her move.<br />
"I have had the good fortune of meeting the people I was supposed to meet<br />
here and creating incredible new friendships that will last a lifetime."<br />
One of these friendships blossomed when Lani Garfield, local event<br />
photographer, asked Odessa to style a photo shoot for her last summer.<br />
The Orange Martini Project-Modernism Today was set into motion and<br />
Odessa became Lani's stylist for the entire project.<br />
www.palmspringsmodernism-orangemartiniproject.com<br />
www.facebook.com/TheOrangeMartiniProject.PalmSprings/info<br />
by Juli Ragsdale<br />
"Helping Lani to bring her vision to reality was such an amazing adventure. I<br />
am mesmerized by the power of community we have here in Palm Springs."<br />
Within days of moving to the desert, Odessa met Daryn Hinton, a<br />
powerhouse of inspiration and truly one of the most fascinating women one<br />
could ever meet. Daryn soon introduced Odessa to Childhelp, a charity<br />
which addresses child abuse and runs a residential treatment facility in<br />
Beaumont CA called the Childhelp Merv Griffin Village. http://www.childhelp.<br />
org/programs/entry/childhelp-merv-griffin-village<br />
Odessa was immediately inspired to help this cause the best way she knew<br />
how...through art! Currently, she travels to the Village monthly, teaching silk<br />
painting to the children. A new line of clothing, "Childhelp Couture", is now in<br />
production where Odessa creates one of a kind garments from the childrens<br />
artwork. Profits from sales go to the Village. There are many ways you can<br />
help with this project. www.facebook.com/ChildhelpCouture<br />
Odessa is also an active board member of the Indian Wells Childhelp<br />
Chapter. She recently facilitated the silent auction for the annual Celebrity<br />
Golf Invitational fundraiser. The children were so proud to hear that a piece<br />
of Childhelp Couture sold for $500.00!<br />
"I am absolutely drawn in by these children. Their creativity is magical.<br />
They are kind little souls with smiles that melt your heart. They deserve a<br />
Odessa Christiana and models in an exclusive event at the Daniel<br />
Maltzman Gallery, Beverly Hills. The models wore one of a kind<br />
creations and become "sociable art" for the evening. The dresses<br />
looked great with the paintings. Photos by Severiano Martinez.<br />
wonderful life and I will do what I can to help."<br />
Somewhere between the design, styling and charity work Odessa found<br />
time to acquire her real estate license. Recognizing the value of our<br />
architecturally significant homes, she enjoys helping a few select clients<br />
achieve their dream of owning a piece of Palm Springs history.<br />
When Odessa is not making a mess of her studio, styling a photo shoot<br />
or perusing homes you will find her hiking the glorious mountain trails,<br />
energizing her spirit at Power Yoga Palm Springs or singing and dancing<br />
the night away at Streetbar.<br />
Odessa is truly living the dream in Palm Springs and loving every<br />
incredible day!<br />
Odessa Christiana teaching silk painting at the Merv Griffin Childhelp<br />
Village modeling her own design
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