Tiffe Fermaint is officially motivated. The Phoenix-based designer says that her recent engagement to Keith Walker, the other half of her band Being Cool is Lonely, and the approaching due date of their baby, Violet, have her feeling extra-driven.
But that sweet newfound domesticity doesn't mean her spring 2013 line has any less bite. "This collection is a bit more daring," Fermaint says of the pieces she'll debut Friday, February 22, at Venue Scottsdale, as an element of R.E.I.G.N. Artist Network's SoundScape event, which will feature artists, fashion designers, and musicians.
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Inspired by textured textiles and shine, Fermaint says that the collection has a lot more going on than her previous works -- though she still emphasizes clean silhouettes and lines in her garments.
"I came across beautiful hologram lamé and organza that began an experiment of combining the shine to satins and raw silk and metallic bends," she says, noting that the result looks like computer hardware. Among the innovative and unexpected items is a blazer cape constructed with silver raw silk and faux fiber optic organza.
Friday's release will include the first phase of this year's line. That's eight looks of trousers, dresses, skirts, jackets, and blouses. These items will be sold online through a London-based retailer that's launching soon. Fermaint's currently in negotiations with possible retailers on local, national, and international levels, as well as looking for a showroom in Phoenix.
She's also in the midst of hosting a styling competition, Styling TF, where selected contenders have a chance to win one of her originals. All the entries will be available for viewing in April.
On top of all that, the designer has started fashioning items for her daughter, leaving her followers wondering if there might be a kids line in the works. "I plan on making our daughter fun things, but outside of that who knows what time will permit!"
Come summer, the full 2013 collection will be up for sale through Fermaint's web site, www.tiffefermaint.com, with garments for all seasons. Until then, you can take a look at her new works Friday at Venue Scottsdale. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $7.
