Women's
Conversation With: Tabitha Simmons
Spring 2012
Tabitha Simmons, the New York-based stylist turned shoe designer, now in collection’s sixth season, imbues innovative floral prints with classic styles for Spring 2012. Each pair is handmade in Italy and features hidden platforms and intricate detailing. Simmons, who won the Emerging Talent Award for Accessories at the 2011 British Fashion Awards, continues to gain inspiration from her British roots. “There will always be a bit of military, Victorian and a slight quirky element in my styling and designing,” says Simmons.
Designer Tabitha Simmons
NM: Your collections tend to always feel personal, referencing classic British elements. How do you take these stylistic characteristics, whether masculine or matronly, and make them elegantly feminine and powerful?
TS: I try to refine these ideas by using colors and feminine shapes that are timeless.
NM: I read that you said, “to make it in fashion one should stick to what they believe in.” What do you believe in, when it comes to design?
TS: Following your instincts and making sure that the end result is both high-quality and fully functional.
NM: Describe, in detail, the space you are most comfortable creating in.
TS: My studio in Chelsea, surrounded by my archive and a mountain of inspiration!
NM: You studied set design in college. Both your fashion editorials and designs paint a beautifully confident and directional picture throughout. Do you tend to think this way when styling and designing?
TS: Yes, it helps create a story, whether I’m shooting or designing my collection.
NM: Describe your point of view on the platform.
TS: Over the past few seasons I have noticed considerably, on many designer runways, that the heel heights have come down significantly and platforms have almost disappeared. However in the marketplace platforms are still in demand!
NM: How do you think technology (Twitter, Facebook, blogging) has affected fashion?
TS: It’s made the consumer much more aware of what is going on in fashion. Before the fashion door was closed but now, due to social media, everyone has a voice.
NM: Your tap dancing viral video is extremely fun! What was the inspiration behind it?
TS: I wanted to show that you not only can walk in my shoes, you can also dance in them! I’ve always loved the beauty of tap dancing.
NM: What can we expect for Spring?
TS: A lot of color, floral prints and a lady-like silhouette, which I hope your Neiman’s lady will enjoy.
Shop Tabitha Simmons at NeimanMarcus.com and select Neiman Marcus stores.
