FASHION DESIGNER MARICAR TUAZON
Fashion Designer Maricar Tuazon
Maricar Tuazon is a talented designer, who has worked in retail for a number of international brands, today she has her own brand Maricar Tuazon and she is also the co-founder of a creative hub called Latoutou. Today we had the opportunity to talk to her, to know more about her brand and Latoutou.
For those who don’t know you, tell us about your background
I am the Founder and Creative Director of Maricar Tuazon and also, currently the Co-Founder of a creative hub called Latoutou.
I’ve worked in retail for a number of international brands before I started the solo design venture. I quit my job and left my post as a Merchandise Manager and have decided to do something different, a creative hub called Latoutou- with my long-time friend who is a fashion designer. Latoutou is a platform for sustainable fashion. Our goal is to bring the amazing works of a talented group of women artisans from Asian countries and introduce their products to the US market. It is sad to think that most of these women together with their skills and talents are remained trapped in their local communities and left behind by the global fashion economy. One of our objectives of creating the platform is to peddle ethically produced items that would at least help them to showcase their creations.
In February 2017, I created my own label, Maricar Tuazon. It’s an up and coming accessory line that values Timelessness + Sophistication.
I grew up surrounded by paintings at home. My grandfather was a calligrapher and my brother was an artist, who have both served as my huge inspirations. They exposed me to the beauty of conceptual arts at an early age.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
When I was working in retail, There were times that I would feel frustrated seeing tons of merchandise sitting in an area of the store that would end up being placed in the clearance section and remained not being sold. “if they only have changed the color combination of this item” “If they have put more details on it….this merchandise could have been sold ” Those are things usually runs through my mind, I recall. I find it funny because I don’t have a degree in fashion design, why I should know better right? 🙂 and that’s when the thoughts of becoming a fashion designer triggered. I would want to create pieces that I don’t usually see in the boutiques.
What’s it like being in the Fashion industry?
The normal perception about the fashion industry is Fashion Week- that looks like an endless parade of beautiful models, colorful clothes and glamorous parties. But behind all those is the passion, hard work and sacrifices of a designer.
How is the fashion industry in Los Angeles?
Art is all around you in the LA fashion district. A Californian capital that I call both home and workplace. There’s a real opportunity here for startups as there are no set rules on how to succeed in the industry and I would say it becoming as one of the major style destinations because of it’s “cool factor” atmosphere.
What was your first job in the fashion industry?
I started as a Management Trainee when I was 20 for a local fashion brand when I graduated from college. I was so driven to learn the business side of the industry. Although I had the desires of braking into the creative field during that time as I planned to take a fashion design course, I knew that having the tool of understanding the numbers, business, and communications are very essential for every designer who would want to take the route of creating their own label.
Talk about the changes in your life since you’ve your own Brand?
It has been a continuous learning process for me; From fashion retail to my starting my own label, MARICAR TUAZON –which is the first foray in the world of design. I find it amazing when there were times that I and my team would work overnight to complete the latest collection. It’s difficult to find people who are willing to join you in your journey at a start-up age, so I feel blessed to have that collaborative effort, support, and energy from my team.
Right now, We’ve been working on our numerous initiatives to put our products out in the market and this includes officially launching the brand. The difference between working for a brand and starting up your own is that you have room for trial and error and unlimited freedom to experiment and be much more creative.
How do you choose your inspiration?
I am observant of my surroundings. The natural movement and faces of the people walking in the street are some sort of inspiration to me. I can also find inspiration by just sitting in a cafeteria or waiting in a train station. Organic events work some magic for me to start my work. It’s about occupying one part of the brain, so the other part is clear to be creative.
Tell us about your last collection
Maricar Tuazon’s Fall collection 2017-2018 is a collection that revolves around the theme of femininity and strength. Unconventional shapes and interesting details are the main highlights of “Sentimental Handbags”. Subtle hues are juxtaposed with strong silhouettes and sharp details. Snakeskin accents and giant studded hardware grant exoticism, edge, and character to classic, wearable pieces. The collection aims to speak to women with a clear sense of personal style and identity, giving them a clear range of options to choose from.
In one word: how would you define yourself as a designer?
Diverse.
What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business?
Patience is a Virtue –This has been my important reminder to me in between challenges and sacrifices. We might have heard it a thousand times already that Success won’t happen overnight which is really true. Therefore, Persistence is key…
Having an incredible appetite to learn new things around your field and some curiosity to know areas outside of it will help you to determine the steps and timing along the way.
