A Talk with Tibi Designer Amy Smilovic
It's a week post Fashion Week and I'm experiencing the Week After Fashion Week Blues. Slightly similar to Post Bridal Syndrome when no longer blushing brides realize that the honeymoon is over, the dress has been preserved, the thank you notes sent out and the people who handed them free flowing flutes of bubbly are nowhere to be found.
I went to the beach yesterday and was depressed at the sight of boring old one-piece bathing suits and bikinis. Where were the fabulous prints? The unexpected hardware? The teased hairdos? The bangles, headwraps and bronzed bodies? I looked down and was even embarrassed with my boring bikini and sad sari that seemed just so...vanilla.
All of the excitement and fanfare may be far behind me, but at least I have the memories to hold on to...like my interview with Tibi designer Amy Smilovic.
I was a little nervous about meeting Amy, the designer and founder of Tibi who is the quintessential queen of casual chic. Producing eye catching pieces that women gravitate to both on the beach and on land since the launch of Tibi back in 1997, Amy is applauded for her prints and her exceptional use of color and looked simply smashing when I found her backstage in a flowing one-shoulder dress featuring a gorgeous print that looked like it deserved its own exhibition at the MOMA.
My fears subsided when I saw Amy frolicking with her two gorgeous sons and I realized that the designer that I admired was also a modern mommy, full of warmth who was probably dying to hit the beach and build sandcastles with her handsome blond boys. I loved our short but sweet chat that ended up being one of my highlights of the week. For the remainder of the interview, I will be speaking in bold.
Hi, I'm Samara from Let's Talk Style.
Amy: Hi!
First of all I just have to say congratulations on a stunning collection.
Amy: Thank you, thank you.
Can you describe to me the first swimsuit you ever designed?
Amy: Oh my God. Well it was actually like last year and it was a great bikini - all strings and everything, but this year we're all into one-pieces so it's kind of a departure.
I was in love with all of your rope detailing, so beautiful. {Her Cotton Voile Rope Strap Dress was to die for.}
Amy: Oh, thank you.
Can you tell us, what is your one biggest swimwear DON'T?
Amy: Don't wear your bathing suits too big.
Right, so keep them nice and fitted.
Amy: Yes. I think it's a bigger don't than wearing them too small.
Okay, three essentials that are always in your beach bag, you never leave home without them.
Amy: A long printed caftan, a super chic solid one-piece and the tiniest bikini in the boldest print.
[A long line of members of the press grow irate, and I am given the cue from PR girl in headset that my time with Tibi is up.]
That's all my time with Amy, so I congratulate her again, bid her a fond Fashion Week farewell, and take a last look at her hugging her beautiful boys who are beaming with pride for their Mom. I'll bet you a long printed caftan they'll be beaming even more when they're sitting front row watching the models prance by at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2020.
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