We are always on the lookout for fashion talent and we are trilled to introduce Tilly Soelistyo, our new guest contributor who will be writing something very close to her heart - fashion.
The young designer, with a label to her name, will be giving fashion tips and advice based on the different unique body shapes of women.
We speak to our new contributor, Tilly Soelistyo
How did you get into fashion?
Since the age of eight, I have enjoyed drawing ladies wearing 18th century clothes during spare time in school. It has always been at the back of my mind to pursue fashion design as a professional career, but due to family’s influence I ended up studying Visual Communications in Art Institute of Seattle, Washington. After working for a few years in the marketing and retail industry, I decided to enroll in a fashion design course in La Salle College of the Arts in 2001. Upon graduation, I embarked on a career in the fashion industry which led me to being the Creative Director for Sino London.
Describe your philosophy on fashion. We understand that you place a lot of emphasis on choosing the right outfits to match your unique body type.
My design philosophy is looking beautiful should not be a luxury, but the right of every woman. We are our own worse critic and sometimes we can’t help notice our own body flaw, so my goal is to provide comfortable and stylish clothes that flatter various body types and help accentuate every woman’s confidence and femininity.
What was your body type when you were a kid?
Stick-like, skinny and petite. I was always the shortest in my class until Secondary 4, only then I was liberated from my position of standing first in line during Monday’s assembly because there was another girl shorter than me.
Tell us more about your label, who does it appeal to?
The overall approach of my label is to create new looks from everyday pieces, where every piece has a unique selling point, be it the quality imported fabrics, the cut or detailing. My label should appeal to everyone who likes clean and unique clothes that flatters their figure. Keeping in mind of today’s urban women who constantly need to multi-task, I have also created a range called VersaTillyty and one of my best-sellers is a 7-way tunic top dress which I had to reproduce 3 times due to popular demand. I have a wide range of clientele, ranging from college students, office ladies to directors and self-employed individuals.
Now that you are in the second year of operation, was it tough to establish a niche for yourself?
Initially perhaps, as I had to consider carefully what is my niche so not to be just another local label. Thank God for all my stockists who have played a significant role in providing the platform for me to reach out to my existing customers base and customers-to-be.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from whatever that is around me; it can be from a fabric, a colour or a person that I see on the street. Travelling overseas is also one big area of inspiration as you discover a lot more things overseas, especially in Paris, Hong Kong and Bangkok. These 3 cities have become my favorite place for inspiration.
Do friends pester you for fashion advice?
Haha… Some do and I have 3 best gal pals that I commit myself to be their personal shopper/advisor. 2 of them don’t live in Singapore though they are Singaporeans so I will be their personal shopper only when they come back to visit and they will buy any of my designs that looks good on them.
As a relatively new designer, do you have any words of wisdom for new designers?
If you think you have what it takes to be a fashion designer then pursue it with passion, determination and hard work.
To check out some of Tilly's pieces, head on to:
http://www.tillydesigns.com/
