Interview with Tamiko Browne | Designer of Tami B Designs

Ilka Harrigan
March 8, 2013
Issue: The COCO Magazine SVG

Declared the 2008 Next Generation Designer and the Culture & Fashion Award Winner of the Inaugural Islands of the World Fashion Week; Tamiko Browne combines her sense of fashion, creativity and her dedication to environmental improvement to execute a brand of luxury swimwear.
Self taught designer Tamiko Browne, in a few words said a whole lot about her designs "My style features the contrast of warm and cool tones against your skin. Exotic wild prints and trims create a glamorous oasis. Rich colors, textures, opulence, fine detailing and superb exclusive designs define the Tami B Style".

ILKA: How long have you been creating collections and how old were you when you
professionally constructed your FIRST garment/swimsuit?
 
Tamiko: My first collection was created in 2009, I was 33 years old.
 
ILKA: Please explain to our readers how and when you discovered your passion for designing.

Tamiko: I had started attending a lot of fashion events that sparked my interest. I also could not find that perfect swimsuit that was fashionable and eco friendly. It was in that moment that the Tami B line was created.

ILKA: Please explain to our readers how Tami B Designs incorporates an innovative approach to the modern bikini. 

Tamiko: In any business one must have an innovative approach to their work. Tami B Designs strives to incorporate new environmentally Eco textiles using modern technology to turn rare and revered oldworld fibers into new and appealing high-end fabrics. Our Label is made by proving that it's possible to produce luxurious, sensuous Swim & Resort Wear in ways that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable.  

ILKA: What do you use to create the vision for your collection(s)? In other words, what motivates/inspires you? 

Tamiko: Every day I look to the unspoiled, pristine nature of St. Vincent’s north coast as a backdrop to accentuate the exotic tropical tones of my swimwear line. The waters of the Caribbean, picturesque sunsets, the movement of Island life combined with the spirituality of its culture are all tools used for the development of the Tami B style. The Tami B style is a carnival of colors from lush forest greens to warm sunshine yellows. From glimmering gold highlights, core shimmering plain colors, to botanical influences with a mixing of textures, colors, and different fabrics, my collection achieves some unexpected effects.

ILKA: Your designs are definitely breathtaking! What garment have you created that would be considered "outside the box" fashion for most people?

Tamiko: That would have to be my Islands of the World Award Winning Cultural piece
entitled, "Garifuna Goddess"; which was a swimsuit woven from straw/copia.
　
ILKA: The Garifuna Goddess bathing suit was one of my favorite pieces. As the designer do you have a design that resonates with you? In other words your favorite item created?

Tamiko: I would not say that I have a favorite; as each piece speaks to me in its own unique way.
　
ILKA: If you could leave one piece of fashion advice to our readers what would it
be?

Tamiko: Don’t be shy about asking for help from smart people who have done it before. You would be surprised how many people out there are more than willing to help new designers and entrepreneurs. This expert advice is extremely valuable; we all know we can learn from each
other: The first step in creating a successful brand would be knowing that you
have a product that is special and knowing who your target audience is. Do your
homework and research like mad; know who your customer is and what that customer can afford, who your competitors are and why customers would buy this product from you
and not a competitor. Be focused.
　
　
"I definitely would consider myself a "Coco Woman". Being able to know and understand myself so implicitly that my intuition, decisions and inner knowing flow effortlessly from within to graceful expression of my fashion in the world outside of me, expressing such confidence and belief in myself find my fashion designs; that others believe in them too."

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