Sitting down to chat with teen designer Tieler James is like hanging out with an old friend. Perhaps it’s his proper southern etiquette, or good parenting, or more than likely, a combination of both. Whatever the case, from the moment Tieler’s face popped up on my Face Time screen, I was drawn in by his quick smile and easy manner.
For those not in the know,
Tieler James was one of twelve teens competing in season 2 of Project Runway
Junior. His design aesthetic won him a place as one of the judges’ faves, and
his unflappable calm seemed to provide a big brother type comfort for some of
the younger contestants.
Tieler selfies with a young fan
Though he just turned 17 last
month, Tieler is cool and composed as he greets me, and I thank him for taking
time to speak with me. We launch into a rapid fire discussion, veering off
topic at times to Miss Britney Spears (we love), and all the places I think he
should visit (hey, I’m a mom! Just giving some advice!).
Tieler cozies up to his favorite mannequin, Brenda (named after his maternal grandmother)
His face lights up when he gets truly excited or passionate about a subject, and I went from fan to super fan in about two seconds flat.
Dani: You’re working hard on
your new collection! (For Vancouver Fashion Week) There’s a Joan of Arc
theme going on. How did that come about?
Tieler: Yeah, I design for
strong women. I grew up around women; surrounded by my moms, aunts, grandma…I
feel it’s my duty to give back.
Dani: Let’s discuss your work
process. Do you have a playlist going while you’re creating?
Tieler: Oh my gosh, yes!
Always. Right now I’m really into Prayers. It’s spoken word, and I love “Blood
on the Blade”. I’ll be using that song when I show in Vancouver. Oh! And the
Kill Bill soundtrack for some reason.
McQueen watches over Tieler as he works in his studio
ALSO READ: Project Runway Junior: You can totally sit with us.
Dani: You have a very strong view on fashion itself…
Dani: You have a very strong view on fashion itself…
Tieler: Yes. The fashion
industry is very exclusive…and it shouldn’t be. It should be inclusive, for
anyone. The term “unisex” though, is not a good description. You have to do
things for yourself, not for the mold you’re put in…
Dani: As in, “you’re this
type of guy, so let’s dress you the way someone like you should look”
Tieler: Exactly. Who’s to say
what anyone “should” wear? You’ve gotta be you
Dani: I love that. Speaking
of being you – last year Season One designer Matt Sarafa and I spoke about the
difference between the teen Project Runway casts vs. the adults. The teens
never seem to have any drama, yet the adults always do. Matt said the kids were
portrayed exactly as they are. Was it the same for you? And if so, why do you
think such a young group of people managed to avoid behaviors that the adults
never can?
Tieler: Yeah, it was the same
with us. There was no “editing” that made situations appear different than they
were. I think…well, for me at least, my whole life I’ve never met other kids
like me. Then suddenly there are twelve of us in a group, and we’re so excited
to have found other people like ourselves, that we want to hang on to each
other. We don’t want anything to mess that up.
Tieler's wall of achievements
Dani: Any plans for college?
Tieler: Yes! I would love to
go to Parsons! Or maybe SCAAD…
Dani: What about dream
clients? Who do you want to dress?
Tieler: Oh, Janelle Monae for
sure. And (Canadian Singer) Grimes…oh! and Anna Wintour!
Dani: THE Anna Wintour??
Wouldn’t that be intimidating?
Tieler: No, not at all!
People have the wrong idea about her. She’s so sweet! She’s…she’s a business
woman. She’s brilliant. She knows what she wants. But she’s a sweet lady!
Dani: As for the future, as a
designer, what is “the dream” for you?
Tieler: Me, but on a bigger
scale. I want to have a label, a studio, be known…
Dani: I don’t see that as a
problem for you!
Tieler: Oh gosh, people say
that…this is all so crazy!
Tieler loves cacti!
Want a little more taste of Project Runway?
Check out these designs: CLICK HERE
Dani: We love a good tip here Tieler, so tell us this – what three things should every young woman have in her closet right now?
Check out these designs: CLICK HERE
Dani: We love a good tip here Tieler, so tell us this – what three things should every young woman have in her closet right now?
Tieler: Hmmm…an oversized
coat, a turtleneck, and a pair of creepers.
Dani: Creepers!? What is
that? Is that a thing?
Tieler: They’re shoes! Hang
on, I’ll show you...
*picks up phone* “Siri, show me creepers”
*looks at phone* Oh whoops, not that kind of creeper! “Siri, show me creeper shoes”
*picks up phone* “Siri, show me creepers”
*looks at phone* Oh whoops, not that kind of creeper! “Siri, show me creeper shoes”
Dani:
Ok then, what about women over the age of 30?
Tieler:
Same! Why can’t they wear the same, regardless of age? I love a good mix of
contemporary and vintage.
Dani:
And finally, leave us with a killer quote…
Tieler:
Hmmm. Oh! “Life’s a demon with ten inch heels, so put on some flats”
Follow:
Twitter: @Designertieler
Instagram: tielerjamesdesigns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designertieler/
Shop:
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