SILVIA TCHERASSI TALKS TO AS IF ABOUT WHAT INSPIRED HER NEW CAPSULE LINE FOR MODA OPERANDI

COLLABORATION

WORDS

by JEENA SHARMA

PHOTOS

COURTESY

of SILVIA TCHERASSI

Twenty years ago, Silvia Tcherassi broke into the international fashion scene as the designer who “revolutionized the Latin American fashion market in a definitive way.” The Colombia native has since launched multiple ready-to-wear, bridal, and accessory collections along with two boutique hotels. Praised for infusing her signature daywear with an eclectic mesh of prints and color, Tcherassi is a regular fixture at Paris and Milan fashion weeks.

But what really establishes her legacy as an innovative designer – and a top choice amidst the likes of Hilary Clinton and Shakira -- is her bold take on holiday and daytime dressing. Now the designer is bringing her idiosyncratic aesthetic to eveningwear with an exclusive capsule collection for Moda Operandi.

Tcherassi has traded her signature ruffles, bows, and voluminous silhouettes for a 25-piece collection featuring off-the-shoulder and corseted evening gowns, bringing an elevated, Caribbean flair to the holiday season.

“The idea behind this collection was to craft beautiful pieces for different kind of women. I wanted to create special, unique, and original dresses and produce an “almost” at atelier experience for the digital world,” she tells AS IF.

The trunkshow is available exclusively for pre-order on Moda Operandi with prices starting at $700.

Tcherassi talks to AS IF magazine about her creative process, what inspires her, and the ideal Tcherassi woman.

Silvia Tcherassi for Moda Operandi

Silvia Tcherassi Moda Operandi Collaboration

AS IF: Why did you pick Moda Operandi for this capsule collection?

Silvia Tcherassi: I met Lauren Santo Domingo, the founder of [Moda Operandi], many years ago. After the success of my embellished mochila bags, we talked about doing something very special together. Everything is about timing and I think this is the perfect time for a collaboration like this.

What was your primary source of inspiration for the designs?

For this capsule collection, I was thinking about creating beautiful and romantic dresses for end of the year festivities. Suddenly, famous international destinations during the holiday season started coming to my mind inspiring me during the process.

What's most fundamental to your designs aside from color? Why?

The quality and the handling of the materials. Fabrics are very important for me too because they are the starting point of my creative process. I let the fabrics speak to me. You can appreciate the beauty of these couture quality fabrics, many of them created especially for me in Italy.

In what way does your Colombian heritage and places you've lived at influence your work?

It’s part of my DNA and the DNA of my brand. Colombia and the Caribbean are unlimited sources of inspiration. The sun, the sea, the happiness and openness of the people are incredible. I feel privileged to live in Miami and appreciate its evolution from retirement destination to multicultural hub. You can feel a strong spirit of innovation and creativity. My relationship with my textile producers in Italy also allows me to admire their tradition and to learn about legacy and commitment to innovation

SILVIA TCHERASSI

Born in Baranquilla, Colombia, on the shores of the Caribbean, Silvia Tcherassi began her career as an interior designer, but the search for new artistic expressions led her into fashion. With more than 25 years in the industry, Tcherassi has shown her prêt-à-porter collections at the fashion weeks in Milan and Paris as a special guest of the organizers. She received one of the France’s highest honors, becoming Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, an honor bestowed on leaders of the international arts community for their “contribution and commitment to cultural service.” She is the author of the book “Elegancia sin esfuerzo” Effortless Elegance) about her approach to fashion and style. Her collections include prêt à porter, bridal, home and accessories, which can all be found online, in selected retailers and at her namesake boutiques around the world. For more information visit.

www.silviatcherassi.com

“The idea behind this collection was to craft beautiful pieces for different kind of women. I wanted to create special, unique, and original dresses and produce an ‘almost’ at atelier experience for the digital world.”

– Silvia Tcherassi –

MODA OPERANDI

Moda Operandi is the only place to preorder looks straight from the unedited runway collections of the world’s top designers months before they are available anywhere else. But for those who just can’t wait, Moda Operandi’s Boutique offers an expertly curated selection of in-season items from both established and emerging designers, ready to ship now. In homage to the history of couture, Moda Operandi offers a bespoke shopping experience that includes unprecedented access to your favorite designers, hand selected recommendations from personal stylists, and access to haute couture. Moda Operandi has established a retail renaissance where the time-honored institution of luxury meets an innovative point of view on fashion. For more information visit.

www.modaoperandi.com

How would you describe the ideal Silvia Tcherassi woman?

I design beyond age or nationality. I design for a woman who loves fashion, who appreciates details and these are the little things that make all the difference. I design for a woman who uses fashion as communication tool to express her own sense of style.

What do you like about acting?

Eveningwear gives designers the creative license to explore new territories and express “our trademarks” in a new language. I have an atelier where I create custom-made pieces. The idea behind this collection was to craft beautiful pieces for different kind of women. I wanted to create special, unique, and original dresses and produce an “almost” at atelier experience for the digital world.

Which women inspired this collection?

Women who love to travel and are expecting the holiday season to wear their favorite looks. I hope my dresses will be their perfect companion for unforgettable moments.

What celebrities do you imagine seeing in your collection?

I love the new generation of celebrities: talented, smart, committed to causes; they approach fashion in a different way. It’s more emotional than calculated. I hope they can enjoy this collection!