We sat down with second-degree black belt Christina Zabat-Fran to learn how UCI’s law school cultivated her entrepreneurial spirit, how she cold-called a fashion powerhouse to land her role as its general counsel … and where to get the best coffee in town.
Like people, cities have personalities. What makes someone connect to a place often depends on how their personalities align. This might explain why Christina Zabat-Fran feels right at home in Irvine. She shares Irvine’s entrepreneurial mindset. She appreciates quality, values diversity, adapts to change and embraces challenges … just like Irvine.
For Zabat-Fran, these characteristics are reflected in her long list of accomplishments.
She isn’t just general counsel for the Lanvin Group – a global luxury fashion aggregate that oversees Irvine-based St. John Knits. She’s also a corporate officer, artist, French Wine Scholar, second-degree black belt and taekwondo world champion.
And she’s a trailblazer. As president of the 120-year-old Orange County Bar Association, she’s the first Filipina, the first UC Irvine Law alum and the first millennial to hold the post.
We talked with Zabat-Fran about how her ethos aligns with her adopted town and what makes Irvine the ideal setting to build a rich and interesting life.
Do you have a favorite hidden gem in town?
I love Irvine’s coffeehouses – Wall Writers Coffee, Dose in the Box by Coffee Dose and Press & Moka by Bistango. I love supporting local businesses.
You had your pick of top-tier law schools. Why UCI?
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to start something new. UCI attracts an entrepreneurial mindset that’s so creative and forward thinking. I wanted my degree to help me become a strong business leader, and that mentality is cultivated at UCI.
They view the practice of law through the lens of practical application, problem-solving and seeing things 360 degrees. That enabled me to step up as in-house counsel for Lanvin Group and also to oversee departments outside the legal function.
What’s your advice to young executives?
Instead of work/life balance, focus on work/life fulfillment. Whether it’s solving a business problem or lunching with a new mentee, be present with everything you do and get max enjoyment out of it.
What do you think contributes to Irvine’s unique business culture?
Our executives are so accessible, even when they’re titans of industry. In so many ways, we’re redefining the landscape of what a real business hub means. At St. John Knits, we always invite our key wholesale partners – Nordstrom, Neiman, Saks and even international partners – to Irvine. They can immediately feel that energy and vibe. They arrive to palm trees and birds of paradise, and it sets the tone for what we’re about.
Are there things about Irvine’s personality that make it the ideal home base for you personally and professionally?
I love the word “personality” because Irvine really does have such human qualities. It supports creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and trying something new. The city is always changing, introducing different areas to work, play, shop and dine. You don’t see that everywhere. I’m always in awe of tradition. But we also have to think about what the future looks like and how to move forward. That’s just part and parcel of what Irvine is.
What attracted you to St. John and the fashion industry?
Growing up, I remember driving down Jamboree and seeing the St. John buildings. I love the fashion industry and followed their story. Marie Gray, who still sits on our board, founded the company in the ’60s. Then she was joined by her daughter, Kelly. To see what these women built in our backyard is incredible. I thought there could be an interesting overlap with things I’m passionate about – fashion, brand-building, team leadership – and the practice of law. And St. John was in Irvine, my adopted hometown. I didn’t know anyone in the fashion industry, nor any lawyers, so I cold-called them. You don’t get what you don’t ask for, right?
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