Recently an email that landed in my inbox from Shopbop was featuring Tibi’s 2011 Fall Collection…it really caught my eye!  I was immediately drawn to it with the vintage feel it oozed.  I loved the 60’s showing through in the Migonette series and the 70’s with the neck tie blouses.  This particular collection is so beautiful & then did you happen to see what just came down the runway from Tibi at Fashion Week?? The color palette was amazing…the marigold, salmon and crisp whites make the collection look so sleek.

I caught up with Liz Walker, Tibi’s PR Director, who was nice enough to give us some insight on Tibi as a whole, their collections and what she does day-to-day at Tibi!  She is one fabulous gal!

Liz Walker, Tibi PR & Amy Smilovic, Tibi Designer

It depends on the season, for example over the past few weeks, everything revolved around Fashion Week – from sending out 2,500 invitations, taking 1,200 RSVP’s, seating for 800, backstage interviews, arranging photographer credentials and servicing out the runway and celebrity photos after the show.  When the craziness dies down, a typical day is talking with our editors to make sure we’re sending samples for all relevant stories, developing pitch releases, keeping up with our social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr), working with the sales team on nationwide retail events and managing our four international press agencies (UK, Milan, Hamburg, Tokyo).

From Tibi's Website - Silk Tie Neck Bodysuit

2.  How has Tibi evolved in the fashion world since you have been working there?

Tibi has evolved in such an amazing way. In really getting to know Amy, the owner & designer, over the past 5 years I see that our aesthetic now is best matched to her own personal style. Whereas before we were focused on prints and dresses, we’ve evolved into a more sophisticated, clean brand of feminine sportswear separates. This past SS12 runway show, Swedish blogger Elin Kling collaborated with Amy on the styling and she’s a great representation of the new direction.

From Tibi's Website - Migonette Jacquard Cap Sleeve Dress

3. Many reviews show the Tibi Fall 2011 Collection to be a look back to the nineties, there also seems to be some pieces that are reminiscent of the 60’s mod era (the mignonette series) and the 70’s (the neck tie blouses), I know Amy and the design team at Tibi look to vintage clothing for inspiration in creating their contemporary collections, why do you think vintage clothing for inspiration continues to be of importance for designers?

Vintage clothing has always been a huge influence for Amy. Every season she scours the best stores from Miami to Paris. I think it can inspire something new and fresh that may not come to mind otherwise, not to mention all the amazing styles, fabrics, colors and trends that have come out of the last several decades. To recreate these into fresh and modern silhouettes is interesting and exciting. It’s a great cycle, in 40 years our Fall11 collection may be inspiring future designers.

4.  Do you have a favorite piece of vintage clothing or accessory in your wardrobe?

I have some great vintage jewelry that have been passed down to me from my grand mother and great grandmother. I’d say one of my favorites is a gold index ring with an oversized turquoise stone, very luxe bohemian. And I also have a great Vintage Chanel coat that my mother just handed over to me.

5.  What is your favorite item in the Tibi Fall 2011 Collection that you have in your closet, how and what would you style it with and where are you going when you wear this piece?

This leather pencil skirt, I’m obsessed and want one in every color. It’s soft, high quality leather but a structured shape and I’m loving the longer hemline right now. I’d style with our cable knit sweater and simple strappy heels - http://www.tibi.com/shop/leather-skirt-7030

From Tibi's Website - Tibi Leather Skirt - Featured in Elle Magazine!

6. In three words how can the Tibi Fall 2011 Collection be described?

Feminine luxe sportswear

Thank you again, Liz for chatting with us – we appreciate it so much!  We look for more exquisite collections from Tibi and if you guys ever need a hand to scour those markets from Milan to Paris…tell Amy I am in!! There’s nothing I love more.