Minimalism With Modern Weaving
PHOTOS BY KAREN HERNANDEZ FOR THE ASSEMBLIST
ASK DESIGNER TIFFANI ANNE WILLIAMS ABOUT MINIMALISM AND SHE MAY JUST TELL YOU THIS, "I BELIEVE WE LIVE IN AN AGE WHERE LESS IS MORE. THERE IS A FOCUS ON DE-CLUTTERING, HAVING ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AND ESSENTIALISM."
While contemporary fashion may be known for its penchant for bold colors and powerful prints, Tiffani has a point. As the talented designer of emerging brand Modern Weaving an accessories label focused on handbags and jewelry, Tiffani has been able to infuse her art background to create timeless and elegant pieces with a hint of personality. More so, the pieces themselves are also easy in terms of their wearability - an essential when it comes to life in Los Angeles where Tiffani currently lives and works.
With this in mind (and with Fall fashion on the brain, layers are everything after all) we wanted to follow Tiffani's lead in terms of investing in quality pieces that would last no matter the season. So we paid a visit to the designer's sun-drenched studio where she gave us more insight on the Modern Weaving woman and her unique approach to design. During our visit she explained, "I believe the women who are drawn to my line are looking for something unique, slightly out of the norm, but not too over the top. Just enough to layer onto their already minimal wardrobe." From establishing communication to harnessing her creative prowess keeping reading to find out more from Tiffani who kindly shared what she's assembling daily. Also visit The Style Line for an exclusive second part of this interview.
PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF!
I live in the LA neighborhood called Mount Washington with my husband and my dog. We have an old 20s bungalow on the side of the hill with two back houses. One of them serves as my art studio and the other his office. I have so much gratitude for this oasis and creative space on the hill. I enjoy being in my studio and you will find me there most of the time either working on something for the business or experimenting on something new.
AS A BRAND MODERN WEAVING PRIDES ITSELF ON MINIMALISM, HOW DO YOU THINK THIS ADDS TO THE CONTEMPORARY MARKET AND FROM A DESIGN PERSPECTIVE WHAT VOID ARE YOU LOOKING TO FILL IN YOUR CUSTOMER'S WARDROBE?
I believe we live in an age where less is more. There is a focus on de-cluttering, having only what you need and essentialism. My shapes are rather simple; I create texture in the die and laser cutting process. I believe the women who are drawn to my line are looking for something unique, slightly out of the norm, but not too over the top. Just enough to layer onto their already minimal wardrobe.
BEING THAT YOU WORK BETWEEN TWO CATEGORIES (BAGS AND JEWELRY) HOW DO YOU SPLIT YOUR FOCUS BETWEEN THE TWO? AS A DESIGNER IS THERE ONE THAT YOU PREFER WORKING ON OVER THE OTHER?
I hand-make the patterns for my bags and jewelry initially before sampling in the actual materials. I tend to focus on the concept of the line for shape and pattern initially before drafting the patterns. Recently I’ve been focusing on expanding the jewelry collection and will be launching a fine alloy collection for Spring '17. I definitely foresee adding more rotations of jewelry year round.
HOW DID YOU FIRST CONNECT WITH BRAND ASSEMBLY AND HOW WOULD YOU SAY BEING PART OF THIS COMMUNITY HAS CONTRIBUTED TO MODERN WEAVING’S GROWTH?
I connected with Adam at Brand Assembly through my sales rep. Being part of the Brand Assembly trade show opened up several new accounts and I was able to connect with other designers. It’s always a pleasure to meet the designers behind brands I admire.
HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED TO ESTABLISH A SENSE OF ORGANIZATION AND TEND TO THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS WHILE STILL STAYING CREATIVELY INSPIRED?
The creative process is innate and is always there, I am constantly gathering inspiration so I’m ready to apply it to a new season when I go into the concept phase. It’s definitely a teeter-totter between the creative process and managing the business aspects. I have to be focused most of the day to take on business development, finance, as well as production oversight, which is a continuous process year round.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO SEE THE BRAND TAKE SHAPE FOR THE SEASON AHEAD? IS THERE ANYTHING COMING UP THAT WE SHOULD KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR?
The jewelry line is continuing to evolve and I’m launching the fine collection for Spring. You will see new shapes and metals available that have not been in the line previously. I’m really enjoying the layering process of the jewelry collections via shape, texture and metal mixing.
WHAT DO YOU ASSEMBLE DAILY?
Communication and organization. I find these are critical to the design and development process, as well the business matters I tend to each day. I am continuously working to find more efficient, streamlined ways of working internally and that I can pass on to my manufacturing partners as well.
