Erica Crisses, Founder of UNA, on Timeless Fashion and Personal Style
For Erica Crisses, founder of UNA, fashion has always been about personal style, quality, and the details that make a piece special. After building her career at Bloomingdale’s and Gucci, she launched UNA to fill a gap between contemporary and designer fashion, creating thoughtfully designed wardrobe essentials with exceptional fit, quality fabrics, and distinctive touches at more accessible prices.
Inspired by her own wardrobe needs and a lifelong appreciation for design, Crisses has developed a collection that balances timeless silhouettes with playful details and versatility. In this conversation with Miami Living, she discusses her journey into entrepreneurship, the creative process behind UNA, and why Miami’s individuality and confident approach to fashion make it an exciting market for the brand.
Miami Living: Tell us a little about your background. What was your path to founding UNA?
Erica Crisses: My love of fashion started with my mother. She grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, and always had impeccable taste. The clothes she wanted were beyond her budget, so she taught herself to sew. When my sister and I were growing up, she would take us to Boston and use her paycheck to buy us something special. We’d hide the bags in the trunk so my dad wouldn’t know! We didn’t buy a lot, but I still remember those pieces. She always told us, “If you don’t love it, don’t buy it.” I shop with that same intention today, and I still wear pieces I bought when I first moved to New York 25 years ago.
I began my career in Bloomingdale’s Executive Training Program as an assistant buyer for coats before moving to Gucci, where I worked in accessories and then handbags. In 2010, I stepped away from corporate fashion to raise my three children and became deeply involved in nonprofit work. As my kids were getting older, I was anxious to return to fashion, but I had to find something that would work within my family life.
Miami Living: Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realise you wanted to create your own collection?
Erica Crisses: For years, I kept lists of the “perfect” pieces I couldn’t find and would make if I ever had my own collection. My career had focused on accessories, but my true passion had always been ready-to-wear. I had never worked in design or product development, so I wasn’t sure where to begin.
A friend finally said, “Just try. You will always regret it if you don't try.” I got on the CFDA website and started sending blind emails to people on the site. A talented luxury knitwear designer sent someone to take the first meeting. I showed her my concepts, and that was the beginning
Miami Living: What was the original idea behind UNA, and what did you feel was missing from the fashion landscape when you launched?
Erica Crisses: I kept finding beautiful individual pieces that didn’t translate into complete outfits. I would have a great top or bottom without a practical piece to pair with it. I was especially looking for lightweight, elevated foundations that worked with the clothes I already owned.
At the same time, I felt there was a real gap between contemporary and designer. I often struggled to find the fit and quality I wanted in contemporary, while designer prices were becoming increasingly hard to justify.
UNA grew out of those frustrations. I wanted to offer the materials, fit and attention to detail I value in designer clothing at a more approachable price. The idea was to create the foundations you reach for constantly and the distinctive pieces that make getting dressed fun, all designed to work together and stay relevant for years.
Miami Living: Where do you look for inspiration when developing a new collection?
Erica Crisses: I save images constantly and file them into albums and pinterest boards galore; a yarn stitch, a unique sleeve, a beautiful fabric. Stella McCartney’s Chloe and lots of Chanel resonate with me most. The shapes are clean but the beauty is in subtleties; the zippers, the embellishment, the pops of color… I love stripes, polka dots, leopard and tartan, and I live for a great high-waisted flare.
New materials also drive new ideas. I often attend trade shows such as Milano Unica for fabric and trim or Pitti Filati for knitwear. I spend days going up and down the aisles looking for inspiration. On my first visit, I found this incredible lightweight denim; I had never seen anything like it before. It was incredibly versatile and I could envision it working for so many silhouettes. That fabric has been one of the most successful assets of the collection.
When I started building the collection, I began with key foundational shapes that I was always searching for. Once I established the core, I continued to expand to new categories and explore more novelty fabrics. Now is the fun part- the base is built and now I get to work on the pieces that make it more interesting. I have so many ideas; new silhouettes, fun prints, novelty knitwear, eveningwear and of course the pieces for vacation. I can’t develop them fast enough!
Miami Living: How would you describe the UNA woman, and has your vision of her evolved since starting the brand?
Erica Crisses: The name Una literally means "one," "only," or "unique" or in slang can imply “a one of a kind type of girl.” UNAs have refined taste and their own sense of style; aware of the trends but do not necessarily follow them. They prioritize personal expression over conformity, embracing the pieces that make them feel their best. That individuality extends beyond their wardrobe; they are curious and open-minded, with their own interests and passions.
I don’t think the vision has changed much since I started the collection. Una has some very loyal followers and when they see the pieces, they just get it…
Miami Living: What brand or design signatures do you want someone to immediately associate with UNA?
Erica Crisses: An impeccable fit, quality textiles, with subtle details that make even the simple piece feel special. I want the clothes to work beautifully together and with the pieces you already own. They should offer an ease in getting dressed and most importantly, these pieces should make you feel great every time you wear them….
Miami Living: Can you take us inside your creative process? How does a collection typically evolve from the first idea or reference into a finished piece?
Erica Crisses: I start by translating my ideas into detailed directions for the patternmaker. I might sketch, but I also like to find pieces in similar materials as references for points of measurement. I order the fabric I intend to use for production as a new material can dramatically change the fit.
Once I receive the pattern, I bring the pattern along with the trims to the factory for cutting and sewing. When it’s complete, the fit process begins, which can honestly feel like a science experiment. If something is shorter than expected, is it shrinkage, the sewing, or the way the fabric drapes? We measure, pin, cut and adjust, then revise the pattern and sample again. There is so much problem-solving when fitting a garment. The fit process can take several rounds until it is “perfect.”
I learn something new with every piece. Even the direction of a rib, the percentage of elastane, or the size of a buttonhole can change the fit of a garment. Once the pattern is complete, quantities are decided, and materials confirmed. The pattern is brought to be marked and graded (creating a pattern for each size and laying it out most efficiently on the fabric.). Consumption is calculated and materials are purchased accordingly.
Miami Living: As a founder and designer, how do your own personal style and experiences influence what you create? Is there a piece in the current collection that feels particularly personal to you?
Erica Crisses: The collection is “so me” clean and timeless, with a bit of a kick… The Erica top is a perfect example, hence the name!
It’s a long-sleeve black crepe top that hits right at the top of the pants to bring in the waist. It works with everything- jeans, a trouser, or a skirt and is equally appropriate for day or night. From the front, it’s quite simple, but the surprise is the exposed zipper at the back: light blue grosgrain with bright orange between the metal teeth, and a sleek metal pull edged in the same bright orange.
Miami Living: Miami has such a distinctive relationship with fashion, art and culture. What excites you about introducing UNA to the Miami woman?
Erica Crisses: Miami women are really dynamic when it comes to dressing. There’s a confidence and individuality in the way they dress, and a willingness to have fun with fashion. I’m excited to see how the girls of Miami interpret the pieces and make them their own.
Miami Living: What are your favourite spots in Miami when you visit?
Erica Crisses: I always love to come for Art Basel. My love of beautiful things extends far beyond fashion to art, interiors, furniture and décor. It’s all in the details, and I notice and appreciate them all. I love discovering something new, immersing myself in the creative. And the people watching! The best inspiration!
Thomas Keller’s restaurant at the Surf Club is perfection: the décor, the presentation, the incredible food—even the way they serve the butter! And I don’t know why, but Carbone is just better when you’re in Miami.
Learn more at UNA.