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THE INSEAM VOL 34: CARNAL DESIGN

Vancouver is home to a thriving fashion industry made up of individuals committed to its growth and success. Get to know these personalities in The Inseam and discover what makes the Vancouver Fashion scene so awesome.

Vancouver is home to a thriving fashion industry made up of individuals committed to its growth and success. Get to know these personalities in The Inseam and discover what makes the Vancouver Fashion scene so awesome.

Photo: courtesy Carnal Design

Tina Tam is the designer behind local label Carnal Design, a collection of feminine pieces with a little edge. By mixing textures like leather and lace, and playing with shapes that accent the body, Tam has established looks that are unique yet versatile. As the line has evolved over the years, Carnal Design is set for transition under the new name, Tina Tam Clothing.

Valerie Tiu: Were you always into fashion? How did you get your start?

Tina Tam: I remember when I was a kid shopping with my mom, that I would critique the clothes in the store to myself. I would figure out what I liked and didn't like and what would look good with them. My interest in creating fashion didn't come until later on, after I had explored other arts and crafts. I eventually took some old clothes, cut them up, re-stitched them by hand or added decorative details to make them new again. The fashion design ball got rolling once my parents got me my first sewing machine, along with classes in high school.

VT: Did you always know that you would have your own clothing line?

TT: I knew that I wanted to do something creative with my life very early on, and I've always had the need to create. Once clothing became my main medium, having my own line just made sense.

VT: How would you describe your design philosophy?

TT: Clean lines that play with the curves of the body, and adding details to give the pieces a personality.

VT: Why the name "Carnal Design"?

TT: The name Carnal Design came from creating my collection in my final year at The Art Institute.  The name was quite fitting for the collection since I explored using leather, and the style was much edgier.  I will soon be re-branding to Tina Tam Clothing to represent the current feel of the line.

VT: Who wears Carnal Design?

TT: I get a variety of women who wear my clothes.  I get women in their early 20's to mid-30's and sometimes older buying my pieces.  Typically these women like to wear something unique and funky.

VT: How did you conceive of your latest collection?

TT: For the latest collection, I really wanted it to have an atmosphere of femininity and fun. I've been very inspired by the beauty of all the gardens and flowers everywhere in Vancouver. I'm from Calgary, where we're lucky to keep the lawn green in the summer.

VT: Why is important for you to keep your business in Vancouver?

TT: Vancouver has a great creative community, and the fashion industry here is growing.  Right now, I feel that Vancouver also has had a lot of influence on my design.

VT: What makes the Vancouver fashion scene so awesome?

TT: For me there is just so much inspiration here. The fashion community here is so supportive, and there is still so much that can happen with the scene here.