“This fall collection is based on South Korean architect Zaha Hadid’s iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza,” says Lin. and she is a woman.”

The Houston-based Korean-American designer is also a fan of mixing old and new, hard and soft. There are plenty of Korean floral prints paired with thick-soled rugs and his boots. Between the sheer silk and chiffon dresses are textured separates.

“You’ll see a lot of layers—flowy skirts, full leather pieces, embroidery, sweaters with cutouts,” Lynn says.

The floral print is part of her signature. The leather skirt and jacket stand out with her green shades of bone and dark.

She knows exactly who Christy Lynn’s customers are and what they’re buying. At first, Lynn thought her clients were primarily looking for ultra-feminine looks. But since she opened an independent atelier in Montrose’s Avondale neighborhood, a new demographic has emerged.

“Women of all ages, from 35 to 70 years old, work in lawyers and in the financial industry for beautiful blouses to wear under blazers,” she explains. “Women who spend more time in their day going to events are buying more flowing dresses.”

Houston has quite a few women who do luncheons in addition to gala sets. Adding a black tie gown is a natural next step.

“I’d like to extend the collection more into the evening,” hints Lynn. “I love specialties, such as Italian lace and French lace.”

French fashion has been on her mind lately.

Before Lynn set up shop in Houston, she spent several years on the East Coast. Her career-defining stint in Manhattan also helped her share her personal style.

“I like to look sophisticated and chic. I’m a city girl at heart,” she says. Maybe it’s because I’m walking in sneakers and flats here.Here, I can drive, so I can wear the right shoes with my outfit.And Texas women aren’t afraid of color.”

After studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, Lynn worked as an assistant designer in beading and embroidery for Nanette Lepohl and honed her tailoring and suiting skills for Ellie Tahari. She also spent five years with Catherine Marandrino, who became her mentor.

Launching an apparel line in New York was a challenge. In Houston, the idea seemed much more feasible. What began as a small capsule of Lynn’s own wedding looks (her engagement party, bridal portraits of her, and more) became a hit when she bought it on the wholesale market.

“Then it all snowballed,” she says. “My girlfriend Leah (Hale) from Tootsies was the first to buy my collection. They’ve been on it since day one.”

A Texas-sized women’s clothing boutique near River Oaks will continue to feature Lynn’s work next season. While attendees of her Hotel ZaZa show were able to shop onsite via her QR code, inside her historic atelier “home” in Montrose, she The old-fashioned way remains.

amber.elliott@chron.com