shopping bag
Designer Profile
About Me
I LOVE FASHION!
It is exciting, indulgent, inspiring, theatrical, exotic and daring! I love the frivolity of it all, and I especially love how this art form fills me with the childish exuberance associated with "dress-up time". Fashion can be wildly unpractical and I love to bring these impractical ideas into my everyday life!
My creative background began at a young age in theatre and dance. I loved both of these forms of the performing arts, but it wasn't until I attended the University of Washington that I took my interest in fashion and garment construction seriously.
Directly following graduation I opened an independent boutique, called The Sweatshop, with fellow artist, designer and then roommate, Laura Crimp. From 2005-2007 The Sweatshop and our joint label, red llama designs, was dedicated to bringing unique handmade items to the public. Our line was inspired by our own love of contemporary art, vintage clothing and street fashion. Whether casual or formal, each garment was considered a piece of wearable art.
The doors of The Sweatshop have since closed so we could each take on our own personal adventures. Mine has brought me to San Diego, California, where I plan to make my new line, Tib Nelson Designs, a much-loved addition to this rad community. TND is now available in two local boutiques: Hunt and Gather boutique in University Heights and Maeve Riley in South Park!!!!
Tib Nelson Designs derives from the maiden names of my two beautiful grandmothers, Gladys Nelson and Margie Tibodeau. This solo label has much of the same feel and inspiration as my privious label, red llama designs. My work takes cues from photographs of my perfectly coiffed Grandmother walking down the streets of Seattle in the 1940's, while incorporating my own love of costuming and street style. However, this line is also a way to explore the wacky, inventive and fantasical side of fashion. I love to create such pieces for my very own imaginary superhero, The Victorian Space Secretary!!! She is always on the go, and has a fearlessly exciting sense of style, which is religiously followed within her intergalactic social circle.
It is exciting, indulgent, inspiring, theatrical, exotic and daring! I love the frivolity of it all, and I especially love how this art form fills me with the childish exuberance associated with "dress-up time". Fashion can be wildly unpractical and I love to bring these impractical ideas into my everyday life!
My creative background began at a young age in theatre and dance. I loved both of these forms of the performing arts, but it wasn't until I attended the University of Washington that I took my interest in fashion and garment construction seriously.
Directly following graduation I opened an independent boutique, called The Sweatshop, with fellow artist, designer and then roommate, Laura Crimp. From 2005-2007 The Sweatshop and our joint label, red llama designs, was dedicated to bringing unique handmade items to the public. Our line was inspired by our own love of contemporary art, vintage clothing and street fashion. Whether casual or formal, each garment was considered a piece of wearable art.
The doors of The Sweatshop have since closed so we could each take on our own personal adventures. Mine has brought me to San Diego, California, where I plan to make my new line, Tib Nelson Designs, a much-loved addition to this rad community. TND is now available in two local boutiques: Hunt and Gather boutique in University Heights and Maeve Riley in South Park!!!!
Tib Nelson Designs derives from the maiden names of my two beautiful grandmothers, Gladys Nelson and Margie Tibodeau. This solo label has much of the same feel and inspiration as my privious label, red llama designs. My work takes cues from photographs of my perfectly coiffed Grandmother walking down the streets of Seattle in the 1940's, while incorporating my own love of costuming and street style. However, this line is also a way to explore the wacky, inventive and fantasical side of fashion. I love to create such pieces for my very own imaginary superhero, The Victorian Space Secretary!!! She is always on the go, and has a fearlessly exciting sense of style, which is religiously followed within her intergalactic social circle.
Who or what inspires you?
Old Photographs
Rachel Cogger (My Sister and Favorite Visual Artist)
Neo Dandi (My Favorite Seattle Designer)
Alexander McQueen (He Amazes Me!)
What is your favorite music?
The Violent Femmes
Patsy Cline
Pat Benatar
David Bowie
What is your favorite food?
The Ricotta Gnocci from Dinnete in Seattle!!!!
