Sumie Tachibana is a rising star in the New York independent fashion design scene. She is known for her bold, dark, and edgy collections with quality and sophistication being the priority. Black and white are her colors, scissors her secret weapon, imagination her biggest resource. Sumie is in fact the mind and hands behind Felinus, a line of uber elegant, unique and beautiful accessories, hand screen printed items, and of course her staple Sumie Tachibana Collection pieces. This way, Sumie says, she can give everyone a taste and a little experience of her very own magical world made of fabrics and bold designs.
:: Why and when did you started Felinus? My mother always told me not to waste. As my line grew, so did the pile of remnant materials. So I wanted to make simpler and smaller items and use as much of these remnant materials instead of throwing them away. This is why I decided to create an online Etsy account a few years ago, it was 2007 I think. However I really didn’t commit to Etsy until just this past October 2009.I also realized it was a great place to sell samples and extra inventory from previous seasons at a discounted price to everyone.I get to have more space to make more items, and buyers get quality items for half the price.It’s a happy situation for all of us. Another reason was that I wanted to work directly with customers. I wanted to give them the “Tachibana” experience from the very beginning of ordering to the end when they receive their gift wrapped items and a small surprise. It’s so much more personal that way. Before this, I was only working with boutiques on a wholesale basis, so I never dealt directly with customers.
:: Where do you get your inspiration from? A lot of times, the materials itself inspire me to make certain pieces. I fee the texture, the weight, the color, the sheen, and all these ideas come of what I can create with it. I am also a big fan of history, music, culture, and animals which definitely influence my work.
:: Who is your ideal buyer? I’ve already had a few! My ideal buyers are those who truly truly appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of my work, genuinely sincere, and those who are trusting in my ideas. As a whole, etsy buyers are so sweet. I am truly blessed.
:: What is your favorite NYC place? I actually have three fav places: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the armour section at the MET, 40th & 7th Ave. I love Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. It reminds me of the first time I visited New York. It’s a beautiful historical building surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern New York. Then, since I mainly grew up in a small town by the border of Mexico and since our museums could get lost in the Egypt section of the MET, I love the MET. That in general, but my favorite spot is the armour section on the first floor. After all armour is something you wear. Finally, as for 40th & 7th Ave, well, that’s the place where I always start when I shop in the garment district.I usually have a list, and I let myself get lost in the fabrics, buttons, and other beautiful materials. It’s something that makes me feel so free!
:: Do you think New York can still be considered the place-to-be for young creatives? Yes, definitely. There is so much around you in any direction.
:: Where do you shop in NYC? Almost any money I spend goes to the garment district, where I go fabric shopping. I must admit I very rarely buy clothes.
:: If I say Italy, you say…? Three things: great fabrics, “Pronto”, and Adagio Cantabile.
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