Interview with Zink Magazine

Sumie Tachibana is interviewed by Zink Magazine for the September 2012 Issue.

Photo of Sumie Tachibana by: Rob Chatterson

Alan Cumming and his Black Lambskin Heart-Shaped Eye Patch

Now and then I design pieces that are for the pure joy and challenge of making something that I have never made before.  The eye patch is definitely one of them.

And I would have never thought that it would end up on Mr. Cumming's right eye!

Mr. Alan Cumming recently took the time to take this photograph of himself wearing his new Black Lambskin Heart-Shaped Eye patch.  Thank you very much for the photos!

And Rosemary R, thank you so much as well!

 This photo taken by Rob Chatterson shows better details of the eye patch.

Sincerely,

Sumie

Sumie Tachibana Featured in Latest Nu-Mode Magazine

Final Post & Final Dress | Cha Tori

After almost 3 months at Sumie Tachibana, it is time to wrap up, put the scissors away, and head back to school. For the past 3 weeks, I have been working on my final project, an "armor inspired" evening dress. The process of design and construction was long but Sumie was a great mentor. I believe the dress is a testament to her guidance and the creativity and ambitious designs that she pushes her interns to achieve.

In conceptualizing the gown, I was most influenced by samurai armor. The mixture of textures, textiles, and colors from samurai armor has always fascinated me.

After about 20 different sketch designs for the dress Sumie and I finally settled on this one:

We felt that it fit pretty well with the other pieces in the collection and that it had a great balance of soft and hard.

There were a few different challenging components of the dress. Foremost among them was the enormous ruffle that went around the bottom. This drew inspiration from victorian ruffles and so I began researching how they historically were made. It is a very labour intensive process involving a lot of hand stitching and even more fabric. I ended up using a simplified method which both greatly reduced the amount of work I had to do and the amount of fabric required.

Nonetheless it required quite a bit of fabric, 45 feet to be specific! Here is how it looked finished:

The next challenge was making sure that the fabric would be strong enough to maintain its ruffle since it was 10 inches tall and 8 inches deep. Fortunately, we were able to find a fabric which had a very stiff cross grain and due to that and the method of attaching it to the foundation skirt I did not have to use boning, horse hair, etc.

This is the final product and I am enormously proud of it.

There was a lot of frustration working with so much fabric and many long days spent working on it, but I think it is a beautiful gown which I am proud to have included in the Sumie Tachibana Fall 2012 collection: Test Batch No. 2.

Thank you Sumie for being a wonderful mentor and pushing my creativity!

Custom Order: Hoodie Scarflette Inspired by "Dishonored"

Dear Readers,

First of all, my apologies for not posting for a while.
As most of you may know, I've moved studios and have been very busy packing and now unpacking while still working!

So many exciting things have been happening, and I shall delight you with a few of them throughout the week.

Back to this post..... my latest custom order was for a gentleman that requested a hoodie scarflette based on the a newly releasing video called, "Dishonored."
Because my husband-to-be is a fan of video games, and I personally enjoy a game or two of COD or GOW (okay.....maybe a bit more), I was delighted to work on this project for him.

Unfortunately much of the details are lost because the piece is all black, and I just took it with my camera phone.
But here it is:

Till next time....

Sincerely,

Sumie

Victorian Nostalgia | Cha's Look of the Week

This week's look harkens back to days of the past drawing inspiration from Victorian times.

The skirt is reminiscent of the high waisted, buttoned, and tight-fitting pants that Victorian dandies (Beau Brummell, anyone?) strutted around in. The cape suggests an evening out, perhaps to the opera or the Grand Ball. The combination of black silk taffeta with black lace in the cape is sure to catch the eye. Despite these formal attributes, the fine leather straps and jersey of the top combined with the grommets and pleats of the skirt make this outfit perfect for a fun night out in the city. Who knows maybe you will find your own Grand Ball to attend!

Cape:
Super Haute Silk and Lace Black Hooded Capelet *FREE SHIPPING*
https://www.etsy.com/listing/81037419/free-shipping-super-haute-silk-and-lace

Top:
Black and Grey Striped ST Shirt with Fine Leather Straps
Please inquire by email if interested

Bottom:
Black and White Plaid, High-Waisted, Pleated Skirt
Please inquire by email if interested

Studio@sumietachibana.com

Taylre's Style of the Week

This fun look is easy and breezy! The lightweight challis skirt has an interesting snakeskin print, giving the garment texture and touch of sheen. The flounce is flattering and trendy with the asymmetrical hem finish, longer in the back than the front. The mini-cap sleeved bolero is a breathable way to dress up any attire. This lace embellished neckerchief adds just  the right amount of texture to complete this look.

To purchase these items visit Sumie Tachibana {Felinus} on Etsy:

Asymmetrical Snake Print Skirt: Details and Purchasing

Black and White Romantic Neckerchief: Buy!

-Taylre

Cha's Look of the Week

Yesterday summer opened its jaws and roared with all its might, hitting the mid 90's. This week's look is loose and drappy to stay cool with the hot days.

A mid-length skirt with subtle black vine-like pattern is loose and flowy, the white top is breathable and the bow-collar picks up on the flow of the skirt. Add in the blue stripped scarf for a splash of color and you have an outfit perfect for a weekend getaway to the beach!

Top: Miss Valmont Blouse
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58934583/miss-valmont-blouse-sizes-xsmall-only

Bottom: Black Silk and Cotton A-Line Skirt *SALE*
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70251737/sale-black-silk-cotton-skirt-aline-size

Accessories: Blue Scarf
Inquire if interested

Taylre's Style of the Week

    This Full and Fitted look explores the balance of shape and silhouette. It uses a combination of gathering techniques with a variety of different fabrics.  Using stretch for comfort and ease, these bulbous shapes create fullness in a flattering and dramatic silhouette. This volume is then mimicked in this versatile neck accessory, which hangs comfortably. The scarflette is adjustable in its strap feature, which could be manipulated to drape in an endless amount of interesting ways. 

     The wide embellished elastic waistband of the skirt creates a flattering proportion, accentuating the waist to then showcase the shape of the bubble skirt. The fabric of the novelty silk taffeta skirt is complemented by simple accessories of the darkwear variety. The deconstructed wrist corsage has a post-apocalyptic inspiration which introduces a new texture to this full and rounded look. Overall, it is an easy daywear outfit that would be comfortable and flattering on a variety of body types.

For more information or purchase information visit:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/felinus

Silk Bubble Skirt: Coming Soon! For immediate information contact: studio@sumietachibana.com

Textured Scarflette: https://www.etsy.com/listing/97480722/black-oversized-textured-scarflette-tube

Sumie Tachibana Featured in Nu-Mode Magazine Editorial Spread

Hair Accessory and Skirt by: Sumie Tachibana Collection
(hair accessory design assistance by: Tiffany Chung)

Cha's Look of the Week

Hello! My Name is Cha Tori and I am interning with Sumie Tachibana for the next 2 months. Each Monday I will be posting a look of the week put together from pieces at the Sumie Tachibana Showroom. Whenever possible, I will include a link to each piece on Sumie Tachibana's Etsy page so that if you see something that you like you know where you can get it.

This week's look is all about summer lightness. Simple styling keeps the look cool and light. The red velvet bow-tie choker adds a splash of color which draws attention to the face. The simple top and silhouette of the bottom highlight the details such as the leather straps of the top and the subtle pattern of the white linen in the skirt.

Top:
Black and White Stripe Top with Leather Straps
Inquire by email if interested

Bottom:
White Wedding A-Line Rococo Skirt *SALE*
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70654312/sale-white-wedding-aline-rococo-inspired

Necklace:
Cranberry Red Velvet Chocker *SALE*
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74662896/sale-cranberry-red-velvet-choker-with

Latest Custom Order Project

I wanted to share with you the most recent custom order.

Features:
-2 collars (pointed and pleated)
-2 sleeves (capped and gathered)
-gunmetal center front snaps
-pointed bottom hem
-arched side panels

The red thread on the pleated collar is there just to hold the pleats in place until the wearer uses this blouse.

The blouse is made from a high-end Italian stretch cotton poplin.  It feels super sleek and has just enough stretch for a comfortable fit.
The novelty fabric is an Italian shimmer snake print lighter weight wool nylon challis.

Any comments/feedbacks are always appreciated!

Sincerely,

Sumie

Taylre's Style of the Week

My name is Taylre Conrad. As a Fashion Design student from Indiana University, I have recently started working as an intern at Sumie Tachibana for the summer. I will be displaying my weekly styles every Thursday for the next seven weeks. I hope you enjoy!

This week I chose a Leap into Summer ensemble. As the weather becomes warmer, fashionistas sometimes struggle to stay cool and stylish, however this look is tailored, yet flirty and lightweight. The architectural vested top has an overlapped backless detail perfect for summer weather. The structural collar is sophisticated, working to support the neckerchief as light accessory to add versatility to any look. The vest consists of corduroy and an Italian suiting with a polyester trim detail. The cut outs on the side add an interesting detail lending toward this idea of a breathable and sophisticated look. The skirt has a matching Italian suiting waist with a white lace mini dirndl. The color and fabrics work together to create this fun light summer look by Sumie Tachibana.

Purchase inquiries and detailed descriptions can be found at:

Sumie Tachibana: Felinus Sale!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Felinus?section_id=6653125

White Lace Skirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/71625932/sale-black-and-white-lace-gathered-short

Flower Skirt Gown :: Sumie Tachibana

This is my latest work that I just completed a few minutes ago!

It's a flower inspired skirt gown for a Japanese editorial shoot.

The main fabric is a quilted cotton velveteen.

The black and white panels are from an Italian cotton mini plaid.

There are 5 flowers made from high-end wool felt wrapped with lambskin trim and black metal chains.

The bottom hem is hand pleated textured cotton velveteen.

Sincerely,

Sumie Tachibana

Etsy Project Bootcamp

Hello everyone!  Instead of doing a style of the day, I am posting pictures of the projects I completed Thursday in Sumie Tachibana's "Etsy Project Bootcamp."  In the past couple of weeks, I have been making small accessories for Sumie's Etsy store and yesterday we each made 6 projects.  The hard part was completing them in 1 hour and 10 minutes!

We each made 1 scarflette, 1 neckerchief, 1 corsage, 1 hair accessory, and 1 tote bag (I made it with a removable pouch).  The scarflette was my favorite because I put in a separating zipper and an invisible zipper pocket.  These will all be for sale at the Midoma Trunk Sale on May 6, 2012.  Hope to see you there!

A day at the Met and Midoma photoshoot

Hello everyone!  The last week and weekend have been pretty busy.  Last week Sumie and I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I took a few photos of my favorite armor displays.

The first image really caught my eye because of the metal detail on the horse's armor.  The close-up shows more of the detail especially the dragon-like spine on the rump.

This armor inspired me because of the ornate detail on the chest plates.  The cut-outs in the elbow area are also a really cool element that might look awesome re-interpreted in a jacket or top.

The last armor is from the Tibetan Armor exhibit.  I liked how the waistband was pleated and the straps criss-crossing in the front added texture.  

On Sunday I went to my first photo shoot with Sumie at the Midoma Hair Salon in Manhattan.  It was a great learning experience!  The shoot was inspired by art and writing and the models added some of their talent to the back drop.

This photo was the makeup artist giving our model, Jenny, a touch-up.  She was sporting a corset neck collar!

  This photo showed the hair stylist fixing Hannah's hair.  

My favorite part of the shoot was seeing the whole transformation of the models.  It was a pleasure to work with everyone and even though it lasted all day, it was worth it to see the final photos.

Custom Skirt: Deborah

This is one of my latest custom order projects based on another skirt in the Snow White Series.
The materials have been completed altered from the original skirt.

This skirt has high-end faux lambskin, French raised lace, and a beautifully soft stretch cotton.
It is fully lined with a polyester stretch charmeuse.
All of the materials have a little stretch or give to it, so that the wearer has more movement even in a pencil style skirt.
Should she choose to eat dessert, she'll still feel fine in the skirt!

Sincerely,

Sumie

Style of the Day with Tiffany

Monday Style of the Day with Tiffany

Hello everyone!  It has been a week since my last style of the day so we made an exception and decided to add one for today, Monday April 30, 2012, the last day of the month.  With the first day of May tomorrow, hopefully we will be able to experience more wonderful spring weather.  What better way to have fun on a lovely spring day than go to a concert?  Today's look is inspired by a rocker-punk woman that is going to her favorite concert or just going to any event that calls for an edgier look.

The skirt is folded under in the front to create the fullness, similar to a bubble skirt.  The bubble gives the rocker look a playful twist and it is also very comfortable because it is made from denim.  The waistband is connected to a tail coat feature on the back that adds an unexpected surprise to the skirt (check link for multiple views).
Find the skirt here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93609647/black-and-white-folded-skirt-size-28

The bolero jacket helps keep this outfit edgy.  Made from cotton dobby, it has a slight sheen to the fabric.  There is also a double layer cap sleeve that adds to the uniqueness of this bolero.
Bolero: contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

The jabot adds texture to the outfit and it is made from black velveteen with a silk organza ruffle.  It is adjustable in the back.
Find the jabot here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93606379/black-pinstripe-velveteen-jabot-with

The gloves also add to the rocker-inspiration of this look!  Made from a stretch lace, they instantly add an edgy quality to any outfit.
Gloves: contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

The high collared black neck corset is the finishing touch to this rocker-punk outfit.  It is unique and will definitely make you stand out in a crowd.  The grey in the neck corset and the grey in the waistband of the skirt keeps the look cohesive while still allowing you to rock out in style!
Neck Corset: contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information or find similar style here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84577381/high-gathered-black-jacquard-neck-collar

Style of the Day with Tiffany

Hello everyone!  It is already Wednesday and that means another Style of the Day.

Today's style is all about the jabot.  We've been getting questions on how to wear the extra long ruffled jabot, and I decided to make it easier by showing how I would like to wear it.

Starting with the jabot as the centerpiece, it is made from a high-end novelty polyester knit that would add an unexpected punch to any outfit.

I chose the awesome short-sleeved jacket to go underneath.  Its lambskin leather panel is ultra smooth and has a beautiful sheen that accentuates the tiered jabot.  The black panels are made of a very fine wool twill that is extremely soft.  The oversized red piping on the shoulder is a blend of Italian wool and mohair that adds that extra pop of color I love.

The pencil skirt is also an amazing piece.  There are smooth lambskin panels on the skirt that contrasts with the other panels made from stretch polyester that are embossed to resemble reptile skin texture.  

Altogether, the jacket and skirt textures pair wonderfully with the jabot.  

The gorgeous neck ruff choker is made of a silk/cotton twill and the red on the trim compliments the red on the jacket shoulders.  The wrist cuff corsage puts the finishing touch on this cool look.  Made with cotton mesh, chains, wire-wrapped balls, and a lovely black seashell, the cuff is an edgy accessory that will have everyone asking where you got it from.

Items can be found here:

Tiered Jabot - http://www.etsy.com/listing/74473122/black-ruffled-extra-long-jabot

Wrist Cuff Corsage - http://www.etsy.com/listing/69346059/black-pirates-inspired-shell-wrist-cuff

Neck Ruff Choker - http://www.etsy.com/listing/90876427/mina-harker-neck-ruff-choker

Short-Sleeved Jacket - contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

High Waisted Skirt - contact studio@sumietachibana.com for information

Midoma Spring Designers' Market

Wednesday's Style of the Day

I love Wednesdays because they mean we are halfway through the week already!  Here is my Wednesday Style of the Day.

Today's style of the day is an edgy mixture with a bit of quirkiness.  The vest is beautifully constructed with a snap closure in the back and leather trim around the bottom.  The criss-cross panels give the whole outfit a modern cool factor.
The white and black twill bloomers contrast with the vest, creating a sense of playfulness to the look.  The novelty silk ruffle necklace is an unexpected touch that adds a touch of whimsy.
The ruffle corsage complements the ruffle in the necklace and is a great accessory to any outfit!


Find similar bloomers here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/83091103/grey-pinstripe-bloomer-shorts-with
ruffle necklace: http://www.etsy.com/listing/90877481/deconstructed-necklace-bib-collar
ruffle corsage: http://www.etsy.com/listing/83687719/black-deconstructed-wool-silk-corsage
vest: COMING SOON!

Happy Monday!

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great weekend!  Now it is time for Tiffany's Style of the Day.

I wanted to start this week off fresh, with an outfit that fits into the lovely Spring weather we've been having.  This look is great for a day of shopping or just running errands.  

The top is black and white that subtly blends into grey.  The lace panel that runs down the center front and the peplum on the bottom adds a lovely, lady-like touch to a classic shape that can be worn with anything.

The skirt is a cotton plaid seersucker that gives the whole look a punch of color.  The skirt is gathered and pairs well with the texture in the shirt.  The waist band is covered with a black wool crepe obi belt.
The neck ruff adds a pop of blue and gives this "everyday look" a unique touch.  It is a novelty silk taffeta with an adjustable chain in the back.
Finally, the adorable tote bag is very versatile.  It is made of a glossed denim so it has a wonderful shine. The bottom part is a textured leather and the loop design at the top is made from cotton twill tape.  This bag will fit everything you need and more!

Buy these items here:
Skirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93213865/denim-and-blue-plaid-gathered-skirt-with
Neck Ruff: http://www.etsy.com/listing/70572973/black-and-dark-turquoise-silk-mariette
Obi belt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72844029/sale-black-wool-crepe-corset-style-obi
Tote bag: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51621612/sale-denim-with-textured-leather-looped
Top: COMING SOON!

Tiffany's Style of the Day

Hi everyone!  So it's Friday, and that means the second Style of the Day!

The reason I put this look together is because the jacket just caught my eye.  It is beautifully constructed, and the leather details add an edge to the overall look.  It is made of a textured wool that is black and white creating a heather grey appearance.  Please do not hesitate to contact for the pricing of this awesome jacket!

I wanted the look to have a slimmer silhouette so the white pencil skirt helped to reinforce that idea.  It buttons down the center front and is a great addition to any wardrobe.  It is a great twist on a classic silhouette.

Finally, the bracelet on the wrist and white scarflette adds a touch of volume to an otherwise streamlined look.  The white in the scarflette also pulled the color of the skirt together.  It is a great texture that mixes nicely with the jacket.

Jacket: Please ask for price

Skirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/42964081/miss-h-sexy-pencil-skirt-size-2775-inch

Scarflette: http://www.etsy.com/listing/88702370/white-and-black-infinity-scarflette-tube

Bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72469496/gathered-romance-black-mesh-and-lace

Tiffany's Style of the Day

Hello Everyone!  My name is Tiffany and this is my first style of the day.  I hope you enjoy them for the next couple of weeks!

The reason I picked this outfit out was mainly for the color in the skirt.  It is a beautiful green colored velveteen with a printed lace to give it a dark feminine touch.  

Then I started thinking about what top to pair with the skirt and kept it simple, not to take away from the bottoms and picked a textured black wool capelet.  The silver snaps and chain gave it a slight military feel which I liked how it contrasted with the more feminine skirt. 

The belt is actually a ruff choker necklace that can be worn as either. 

The scarflette's grey color helped pull the grey from the belt together.

Finally, the beautiful rose gave this look a touch of fantasy and romance.

Check out the items used to make this look:

Skirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62920821/wicked-short-skirt-made-from-printed

Capelet: http://www.etsy.com/listing/64954316/black-valiant-silver-chained-wool

Belt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76906852/grey-pleated-pinstripe-with-black-bow

Scarflette: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92156481/unisex-the-original-super-versatile

Rose: COMING SOON!

A Single Black Rose

This single black rose is my latest creation.
Each rose is hand crafted....not one exactly a like.

This particular one is made from an incredibly soft and high-end lambskin with a faux leather trim wrapped and spiraling down the hand painted wooden stem.

I plan on making vegan versions of these beautiful one of a kind single black roses.


Here are some great occasions to use one of these:
-Engagement
-First Love
-First Date
-Party Favor                                                                        

                                                                     

-Wedding

-Anniversary
-Valentine's Day
-Table Center Piece Decor

Coming soon to etsy!

If you have any questions about this item or would like to place wholesale/quantity orders, please contact:  studio@sumietachibana.com

Custom Order Short Pants: Lace Panels

One of my current projects that I'm working on is a lace paneled short pants.

The bottom yoke and inside part of the short pants will be lace.

The rest will be made with a silk basket weave.

I've attached photos of the lace, pattern, and mock up.

I'll be adding more photos as I progress.

Studio Makeover

I've recently updated the look of the showroom part of the studio.

Make an appointment and check out the latest creations.

There are new items made daily here!