Getting to Know Tiffany Brown of TRBROWN

We got a chance to interview the winning featured designer from Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall 2024 Verus Season, Tiffany Brown of TRBROWN. We asked her about her greatest inspiration, her creative process, and what tools she can’t live without when she’s designing a collection.

TRBROWN’s latest collection features a profusion of floral motifs and nature-inspired patterns, reminiscent of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and delicate vines. These elements evoke feelings of being transported to a secret garden, filled with lush greenery, delicate flowers, and a sense of peace and tranquility.

The use of soft and airy fabrics further contributes to the ethereal and whimsical atmosphere of the collection. These fabrics create a sense of lightness and movement, as if dancing in a gentle breeze.

The collection is dominated by a soft and calming color palette, reminiscent of spring blooms and fresh greenery. These colors create a sense of serenity and peace, perfect for a relaxed afternoon tea party.

We asked her to tell us about how she chose this path, and how she got her start:

“When I went to college, I felt torn between my passion for fashion and design and the practical concern of financial stability in that field. Ultimately, I chose to enter the corporate world, where I worked for several years but felt unfulfilled. Nine years ago, I made the pivotal decision to pursue my passion, driven by the desire to avoid the regret of “what if.” As a self-taught designer, I practiced sewing and creating garments, never believing I was truly talented until I applied for my first fashion show in Kansas City and was accepted. After showcasing my debut collection, I became completely enamored with the art of clothing design. Remarkably, by my second year, I was featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar—an achievement I had never imagined possible. Since that decision, I have proudly presented collections at New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Omaha Fashion Week, and Kansas City Fashion Week. The sky truly is the limit”

We love to hear about up and coming designers following their passion and making it in the fashion world, and TRBROWN’s journey is a compelling example of how passion and determination can lead to success in this competitive industry.

Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. It reminds aspiring designers that success in the fashion industry is possible with passion, hard work, and a unique vision. It encourages them to embrace their creativity, overcome obstacles, and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Her advice for new fashion designers and fashion students?

“You get out what you put in, so give it your all and reach for the stars!”

This is sound advice for any designer. The fashion industry is tough. There will be setbacks and rejections. But when you’re driven by passion, you’re more likely to persevere through challenges, learn from mistakes, and keep “reaching for the stars.”

Curious about her creative process, we asked where she finds inspiration. Here’s what she shared:

“My inspiration for new collections are EVERYTHING around me. Architecture gets me thinking and then I start pondering about life and start to create a storyline. I then go fabric shopping/browsing and start to create the color cohesion and add more to the story I want to tell. I then review all of the fabric and start to create the garments for the collection. As I am creating the collection, I start to think about the accessories I want to add to really top off the collection and the story.”

Her greatest inspiration?

“…Dries Van Noten. He has the same amount of love for fabric as I do and we have the same design concept- Fabric First, Design Second”

It’s true that understanding your audience is fundamental in the world of design. A designer’s creations should resonate with the people they envision wearing them. But it’s more than just knowing demographics; it’s about capturing a spirit, an attitude, a lifestyle.

We asked Tiffany who she designs for and how she would describe her style. Here’s what she had to say:

“My motto for my brand is ‘Wear what you feel most comfortable in.’ I create clothes for women looking to make a statement and who aren’t scared of people looking at them. I believe there are no boundaries when it comes to fashion and that is why I design the way I do.”

Perhaps it’s an unconventional silhouette, a daring color combination, or a unique use of texture. Her pieces have those “wow” factor elements that turn heads and spark conversations. While pushing boundaries, she never loses sight of comfort and practicality. The garments are designed to be lived in, moved in, and enjoyed.

Ultimately, her designs empower the wearer to express themselves authentically. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you radiate confidence, and that is what truly makes a statement. Tiffany’s approach reminds us that bold fashion choices can be both striking and sensible. It’s about finding that sweet spot where self-expression meets everyday elegance.

Here at Millard Sewing Center, we’re passionate about all things sewing! We each have our go-to tools and trusty companions that make our creative journeys smoother. Maybe it’s a beloved sewing machine with all the bells and whistles, a particular type of thread that glides through fabric like a dream, or a pair of shears that could slice through denim like butter.

We’re always eager to hear about the tools and materials that inspire your creativity. So, we asked Tiffany to share her must-have sewing essentials—those things she simply can’t live without when bringing a collection to life.

Here are TRBROWN’s Top Picks:

1. Gingher Rotary Blade
2. Fabric Clips
3. Invisible Zipper Foot

These are all excellent items to have on hand in your sewing room. While we’re always on the lookout for the best tools (and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for those Gingher rotary blades!), we do have a fantastic selection of rotary cutters and replacement blades in various brands and sizes. In fact, we’re quite partial to the Kai rotary blades ourselves—they’re a favorite in our MSC classroom!

And you’re in luck: we’ve got you covered on those other essentials too! We offer a wide variety of fabric clips to keep your projects organized and wrinkle-free. Plus, we have plenty of invisible zipper feet for all sorts of sewing machine makes and models.

Want to explore our selection? Check out our website or stop by our store to see these amazing tools in person!

You can even stop by and test sew our new sewing machines, like the Elna eXcellence 680+ Fashion & Decor, which is the same machine that TRBROWN won for her incredible collection at Omaha Fashion Week!