Tinna Bergmann Jónsdóttir graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from the De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, two years ago, and shortly after, began to lay the foundation for her fashion brand Tiaber. She has now launched her first collection, inspired by her Icelandic roots and her adoptive hometown, London.
Tinna, a “Reykvíkingur” born and bred, began her career in the beauty and fashion industry as a hairdresser. However, her passion has always been clothing design so, at the tender age of nineteen, she packed her bags and moved to England to study fashion design.
Tiaber’s SS15 collection oozes cool and comfort. Tinna mixes elements from clean, WASP-inspired clothing and loose-fitting sportswear to create a feminine yet ultra-cool look. Crisp shirts look pretty paired with feminine suit pants and blazers.
When did you decide to establish your own fashion brand and why?
“I had the idea of starting Tiaber in my first year in university—I always had that vision. I deliberately used my time at university to experiment with design and create and learn as much as I could— technically too. I made sure I designed pieces with different technical elements and a variety of fabrics, so I really learned a lot. I think it’s very important as a designer to have a good understanding of pattern cutting and the construction behind each design. After graduating in 2012, I began to focus on Tiaber. I always say ‘good things take time’ and I wanted to make sure I launched when it felt right. It took a good 3.5 years to really develop the concept of the brand and create what felt right—and of course, to save up money!”
What’s the concept behind Tiaber?
“Tiaber is all about effortless modern comfort with fresh but timeless day and night suiting. I´m a true believer in easy-to-wear clothing, items you can wear from morning till evening, with your Converse trainers or heels! I design what I want to wear. I believe in quality, comfort, attention to detail, and by-product leathers. I believe in being true to yourself.”
On your website it says the brand was born in Iceland and built in London. Do you seek inspiration from both places when you design collections?
“Definitely. Moving to England quite young and on my own has definitely shaped me as a designer. Naturally, I’m always very inspired by Iceland and my roots, especially when it comes to fabric and texture, but also regarding colour. The SS15 collection is very minimal in colour, blacks, navies, and some off-whites. The inspiration for the colour scheme came from Icelandic nature and atmosphere. The short winter days in Iceland are definitely close to my heart!”
What inspired your first collection, the SS15 collection?
“My concept for SS15 encapsulates the raw, unabashed, Icelandic landscape, with cuts inspired by ancient Japanese takumi (the Japanese notion of craftsmanship). I’ve always been very inspired by Japanese street style. The Japanese public seems to have mastered the balance between comfort and creative styling—something I think Icelanders are also very good at.”
Where can one get one’s hands on Tiaber design?
“Tiaber is currently available at the Avant Premier Pop-Up Store on Effie Road in Fulham, London. We are also taking pre-orders at [email protected]. Hopefully it will be available in stores in Iceland shortly as well.”
Icelandic designer Tinna Bergmann Jónsdóttir founded the fashion brand Tiaber in 2012. She recently launched the brand’s very first collection.
Tinna Bergmann Jónsdóttir graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from the De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, two years ago, and shortly after, began to lay the foundation for her fashion brand Tiaber. She has now launched her first collection, inspired by her Icelandic roots and her adoptive hometown, London.
Tinna, a “Reykvíkingur” born and bred, began her career in the beauty and fashion industry as a hairdresser. However, her passion has always been clothing design so, at the tender age of nineteen, she packed her bags and moved to England to study fashion design.
Tiaber’s SS15 collection oozes cool and comfort. Tinna mixes elements from clean, WASP-inspired clothing and loose-fitting sportswear to create a feminine yet ultra-cool look. Crisp shirts look pretty paired with feminine suit pants and blazers.
When did you decide to establish your own fashion brand and why?
“I had the idea of starting Tiaber in my first year in university—I always had that vision. I deliberately used my time at university to experiment with design and create and learn as much as I could— technically too. I made sure I designed pieces with different technical elements and a variety of fabrics, so I really learned a lot. I think it’s very important as a designer to have a good understanding of pattern cutting and the construction behind each design. After graduating in 2012, I began to focus on Tiaber. I always say ‘good things take time’ and I wanted to make sure I launched when it felt right. It took a good 3.5 years to really develop the concept of the brand and create what felt right—and of course, to save up money!”
What’s the concept behind Tiaber?
“Tiaber is all about effortless modern comfort with fresh but timeless day and night suiting. I´m a true believer in easy-to-wear clothing, items you can wear from morning till evening, with your Converse trainers or heels! I design what I want to wear. I believe in quality, comfort, attention to detail, and by-product leathers. I believe in being true to yourself.”
On your website it says the brand was born in Iceland and built in London. Do you seek inspiration from both places when you design collections?
“Definitely. Moving to England quite young and on my own has definitely shaped me as a designer. Naturally, I’m always very inspired by Iceland and my roots, especially when it comes to fabric and texture, but also regarding colour. The SS15 collection is very minimal in colour, blacks, navies, and some off-whites. The inspiration for the colour scheme came from Icelandic nature and atmosphere. The short winter days in Iceland are definitely close to my heart!”
What inspired your first collection, the SS15 collection?
“My concept for SS15 encapsulates the raw, unabashed, Icelandic landscape, with cuts inspired by ancient Japanese takumi (the Japanese notion of craftsmanship). I’ve always been very inspired by Japanese street style. The Japanese public seems to have mastered the balance between comfort and creative styling—something I think Icelanders are also very good at.”
Where can one get one’s hands on Tiaber design?
“Tiaber is currently available at the Avant Premier Pop-Up Store on Effie Road in Fulham, London. We are also taking pre-orders at [email protected]. Hopefully it will be available in stores in Iceland shortly as well.”
