Smashing Darling Blog

Karen and Annie Lin are the sisters that make up the fashion design duo behind the collection called AIRA. The name Aira was chosen because it refers to an ever evolving ‘era’ driven by the air of change. The sisters launched their line in fall 2008 and are gearing up for there second season with spring 2009. They also were one of the lucky designers that tried out for the Jack and Bill casting call and won.

‘Our Spring 2009 Collection is inspired by Aphrodite, the great Olympian
goddess of beauty, love, pleasure, and procreation, love for Adonis, a handsome
Cypriot youth who was tragically killed by a boar. Adonis visits Aphrodite every spring
to reunite their love for one another.’

Karen Lin graduated from the University of Texas, Austin and studied fashion for one year in Florence, Italy. Her passion for fashion design moved her to New York City to study in the AAS program at Parsons, The School of Design. Thereafter, she interned at Araks, freelanced as a children’s wear designer at Estella, and assisted the boy’s department designer at Tommy Hilfiger. With AIRA, Karen’s role is fashion designer. She specializes in designing the pieces of the collection and works closely with Annie to determine the perfect fit, style and design for every piece.

Annie Lin studied at the University of California, Irvine and studied at Parsons, majoring in Design and Management focusing on Illustration. Annie has experience working in several retail stores, including Nordstrom and Diesel, and worked as a buyer’s intern at Max Mara and designer’s assistant to Angela Horton. Annie manages AIRA and designs with Karen. They work together, blending two different perspectives, to define the details in each collection and perfect the architectural romance in each of their pieces. Annie also develops the graphic designs and illustrations that represent all of the little details and inspirations in life.