In anticipation of swim market, we’d like to introduce you to the designer behind Tooshie, a swimwear line that lives up to its name, making every derriere look amazing.
What was the initial concept behind your line? Tooshie was launched with a simple goal in mind: to design swimsuits that would perfectly fit any woman’s derriere, with a timeless, elegant and comfortable feel.
What education and experience has helped shape your career? I started buying paintings and selling them at age 12. Later, I studied at the prestigious Camondo School of design in Paris. I also worked in New York for eight years and was the studio design director at Nina Ricci, all of which were important steps before Tooshie.
What is your earliest fashion memory? My first taste for fashion, design and aesthetics came from my mother, Birgitta Af Klercker, one of the original “top models” of the 1960s.
If there was a soundtrack for your SS 11 Collection what would it be? E penso a te by Lucio Battisti.
If you had to choose, what is your favorite piece from your collection? My favorite is the Hamptons, it was born in my first collection and has now been made reversible. This season it comes in navy blue reversing to black with a gold lame edging.
If you could live in any decade, which would it be? The late 60′s, early 70′s.
Are there any historical fashion icons you refer to when you work? My mother one hundred percent.
In one word, how would you describe your label? Chic.
What has been a career highlight so far? My collaboration with APC.
What are three things you can’t live without? My daughter, my blackberry (very original) and my Smythson travel wallet.
What’s inspiring you now? The luminous, colorful works of German artist Anselm Reyle and the 1970s pop aesthetic of photographers like Bert Stern and Slim Aarons.
What is your most treasured possession? A belt that Verushka made and gave to my mother.
Of all the cities in the world, where do you find the most inspiration? I travel a lot, every 4 days. . . so i am constantly inspired, but one of the places that is for sure a constant inspiration is Florence, where I manufacture the entire collection.
Hamptons Reversible Bikini
Art Piece by Anselm Reyle
Photograph by Bert Stern
Photograph by Slim Aarons
Views of Florence, Italy
Brigitta Af Klercker
Photos by Irving Penn in US Vogue 1966
An inspiration board for the 2011 line, from Natascha Wittgenstein’s Studio