Tia Cibani's Spring Collection Has Us Wishing for a Seasonal Fast-forward Button
Tia Cibani SS18 Catalog by Josephina Carlier
The electric energy of Tia Cibani's SS18 collection, couldn't be more alive. Inspired by the Brazilian Carnival - is evident in the season’s signature print drawing from the works of the artist Beatriz Milhazes. Chalky pastels combine with bright sensory colors melding the artistic and spiritual tones into a Tropical Fusion. Sportive soccer uniform details of ribbed trimmings, ropes and mesh technical fabrics harken to the nation's favorite sport evoking youth and play.
We spoke with Tia, on how she stays inspired, her worldwide roster of retailers and, oh...why she loves New York City, more than any other place in the world!
pP: Hi Tia! How are things? What can you tell us on the inspiration for this collection?
TC: Hi There! Things are non-stop. We are renovating and living and working in the midst of it all. But I am finally having some calm moments. Since our new kitchen just got done, we can actually cook! Oh life...what is it without a home cooked meal?!
As for my inspiration, the collection is lush and exotic. We draw from the landscapes and colorful cultures of the Brazilian people for the TiA CiBANi KiDS’ Spring Summer 2018 collection. A festive Samba and serene beauty referencing the Bahia culture clash to find harmony.
pP: Choosing a photographer must be difficult with all the incredible talent; how did you meet Josephina Carlier?
TC: I met Jose at Playtime Paris last year and we clicked right away. After that, we have been working with her on different editorials. Her style is very unique and refreshing. It is always fun to see how she interprets my collection and the clothes as a photographer and art director. Josephine is special in that she does both, she is technically super capable with her photography and has great art directorship. It is rare that the two live in the same body :-) not to mention, she is a sweetie and we love working with her.
pP: We love her work, too! In your recent years of launching Tia Cibani - what's been your "A'ha moment" with the kids line?
TC: My "aha" moment hit me when I was struggling with my women's wear collection, in 2015, and branched out (very casually with no intention of growing a healthy kids wear business) into kids wear and the clients came flocking over! It felt so natural for me to offer kids wear; but it never dawned on me that it would turn into a viable and healthy business.
pP: We absolutely remember your chic & stunning women's collection. What are three retailers where our petitePARADE readers can find pieces from your kids collection?
TC: We are distributed globally at select boutiques and E-commerce retailers. It's hard to pick three...some examples are Ladida, Posh, Maisonette, Klade, Hello Alyss, Yoya, My Little Sunshine in the US, Panacheous in Kuwait, Saucette and Seesaw in Dubai, Bella Baby in Saudi Arabia, Mini Boutique in Korea, Sheep Doll, William & Alia, and Wen Boutique in China, Beba & Luis in Italy, Baby Marlen in Ukraine, Frankie's Story in Australia..... as well as our own E-commerce website.
pP: We love the geometry throughout the collection and noticed you often use shapes and texture throughout your collections. Is this in your initial thought process when designing a new collection?
TC: When designing a new collection, the first thought for me is the overall concept and color palette. I don't give much thought to shapes or details. I tend to go global with my inspirations. I love the world in which we live and diversity is what truly inspires me. I draw from own global heritage and fantasize about other cultures, this clash of ideas always works somehow. The geometry comes into place once I am getting down to the nitty gritty. I love details. small and special. hidden little treasures through out the garment that surprise while giving comfort and utility. a well constructed garment is very important to me. to me, it is on the same level as letting a child play (touch, feel and explore) beautiful naturally finished wood blocks or a unique toy that is at once, educational, unique and beautiful.
pP: Lastly but certainly not least, what is your most inspiring city and why?
TC: My absolute favorite city in the world is New York City. It is so inspiring and it is due to it's diversity. I simply love it! There is oh so much to love about NYC, the list would be long as the day is long!
Head over to Tia Cibani Kids to shop, learn more or drop Tia a line and say hello!
