Caroline Zimbalist is a New York–based artist and designer working at the intersection of fashion, sculpture, and sustainability. Known for her use of handmade bioplastics, her work takes form as sculptural garments, jewelry, and decorative objects that blur the line between wearable art and future relic.
Originally from Manhasset, New York, Caroline studied fashion and textile design at Parsons, with further coursework at Central Saint Martins in London. Her practice is rooted in an intuitive, hands-on approach — often mixing natural ingredients to create bioplastics on her stovetop, pouring and shaping them directly over fabric or custom molds. Inspired by natural decay, environmental shifts, and unexpected growth patterns, her pieces evoke a sense of transformation and fragility while pushing material boundaries.
Her collections have been sold through the Whitney Museum, Ssense, Museum of Craft and Design, and 1st Dibs. She’s collaborated with designers including Elena Velez and The Injury, and her work has appeared in publications such as 10 Magazine, Office, Harpers Bazaar, and Metal. She was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in 2025.
Name: Caroline Zimbalist
Métier: Artist & Designer
Sources of Inspiration:
Landscapes changing over time, nature in unexpected places, the sustainability movement.
Sources of Motivation:
An intrinsic need to create something unique and meaningful — a deep drive for self-expression.
What Makes You Happy:
Family, my dog Monti, exercise, art galleries, biking around Governors Island with Ryan ( my husband ), the sun, shopping with my mom.
Favorite Reads:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Favorite Tunes:
I love FKA Twigs- lately a lot of upbeat dance experimental tunes.
Favorite Foods:
Pasta with garlic and oil, sour candy.
Beauty Tips:
Vitamin C serum and 10 hours of sleep.
Favorite Ways to Unwind:
Reality TV and yoga.
Favorite Part of Living in NYC:
Walking everywhere and discovering new streets and neighborhoods.
What Gets You in a Working Flow:
Coffee, sketching, an optimistic mood, and an open mind
What You’re Working on Now:
Home decor products for a new store project
Favorite Catchphrase:
“Let’s get this party started.”
Photographer : Sam Crawford
Styling : Masha Orlov
Make-up : Mert Nazlim @ L’Atelier NYC
Hair : Dennis Devoy @ Art Department
Model : Lexie Tapper @ Industry