Designer Profile: Tamara Pogosian
“Inspiration comes from love, which brings beauty to our
lives. I strive to deliver nothing less.â€
Indeed, the worldly Tamara Pogosian does design with a distinct passion. Tamara’s sophisticated, finely constructed garments
reflect both her international upbringing (she was born in Armenia, brought up
in Russia, and schooled at Parsons and FIT in New York) and her innate design
talent, recognized by Fashion Group International as they nominated her for
their Rising Star award two years in a row.
Read on to learn more about Tamara’s design influences, her take on
Spring 2007 trends, and how she keeps her line fresh season after season.
Omiru: You’re a world traveler, having lived in Russia and Armenia before moving to the US. How have your travels influenced your work?
Tamara: It is almost impossible for me not to connect to my past. I’m proud of my Armenian heritage, growing up in Moscow, and pursuing my goals in NYC. I find influences and inspirations from anything I experience, which I then transform into my designs. There are subtle touches of details in every piece.
O: What makes your clothing line unique?
T: I can never design the same piece twice. There are certain details, which evolve into new ideas, but they are never the same. Through my technique and style of draping, along with my vision and background, I am able to deliver a unique collection every season. I don’t necessarily follow the trends, but I utilize them in my own way to keep my collections timeless and fresh.
O: Describe a typical day for you.
T: There is no such thing. Every day is a different challenge.
O: How would you like people to describe your Spring 2007 collection?
T: I hope that people will understand and appreciate the art behind my collection. I aim to express the individual wearing my pieces. I am not saying that I judge a person by how they are dressed, because you can’t judge a book by its cover. But great clothes can affect how the individual feels about themselves regardless of how much they spent on the look.
O: What trends do you think will be huge for Spring?
T: For women, I believe there will be a lot of volume, flirty dresses and color. For men, I see a rebirth of a personal style by mixing the old with the new tailored pieces. I think the emphases on the waistline (for men and women) will remain essential. However, trends don’t always work for everyone. Designers present their vision, editors pick the trends, buyers merchandise the stores, but the customer decides on what they want to wear. It’s the circle of Fashion Life.
O: What trends do you wish would just go away?
T: Empire waistlines and pleated pants because they don’t work for everyone.
O: What are your current obsessions, fashion or otherwise?
T: I love comfort, style and practicality: sweater dresses with great boots, a belt, and a beautifully cut coat.
O: How about your Best Fashion Tip?
T: Personal style is a must. Paying attention to your body and proportions because “trends†don’t always work for everyone. Concentrating on a part of your body you want to “show†without compromising comfort, style and confidence.
O: Little known fact about you?
T: I drape every piece in my collection and design with a passion rather than a calculation. Inspiration comes from love, which brings beauty to our lives. I strive to deliver nothing less.
O: What can we expect next from you?
T: Long-term future plans include a collection of handbags and shoes because I love accessories as much as the clothes. I want to be able to offer a complete look for my customers.
O: Last Words
T: I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues and everyone that has supported me in expressing my vision. I am eternally grateful to those who have believed in me. Thank you!
Can’t get enough Tamara? Check out Omiru’s review of Tamara’s Spring 2007 Collection.
3 comments October 12th, 2006
While sorting white pieces of silk, lace, and satin, designer Krista Raak noticed how many different shades of white there are. Inspired, she set out to create a wearable composition of these pearly shades.