Tanise Francis started her fashion brand, The Fabric Twinz, back in 2008 and is now building an entire fashion empire. She is one of the best “go-to” fashion designers on the east coast and her brand is now being worn by celebrities like Basketball Wives star Jennifer Williams, among others. We had the pleasure of interviewing Tanise Francis on how she got started, what fashion means to her, and her inspirations (below). We’ve also included a short clip of a fashion show featuring The Fabric Twinz below. Follow the brand on Twitter @FabricTwinz and browse FabricTwinz.com! Enjoy -[Stephanie]
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TCMA: What does fashion mean to you?
The Fabric Twinz: Fashion began to mean the world to me in 2005 once I started modeling at my university, Delaware State. I realized I liked the designing aspect of the fashion world after seeing the fashions I was modeling. I wanted to create pieces that were unique and edgy.
TCMA: When did you realize that you wanted to be a fashion designer?
TFT: September 2007 I realized I wanted to be a designer. I left Delaware State University after the passing of my close friend Dashion Harvey and went to NYC and attended Katherine Gibbs Design School in January of 2008 and studied fashion design and merchandising.
TCMA: How did you get started?
TFT: I got started a year after design school. My best friend and I, who became my partner, decided to start a company because we were getting great reviews about our designs and mass amounts of orders were coming in for the dresses we were wearing to social events.
TCMA: How did you come up with the name The Fabric Twinz?
TFT: The name The Fabric Twinz was coined to us from a college friend. My former partner and I constantly wore matching fabrics but the two dresses were designed completely different. We began The Fabric Twinz concept in June of 2008 on our 21st birthday.
TCMA: Where do you get your inspiration?
TFT: My inspiration comes from different places depending on the season and year. My new collection for the summer is inspired by strobe lights; neon, bright and flashy colors.
TCMA: What makes your clothes stand out from other designers?
TFT: My design concept fabric twinz- using one fabric to manufacturer two different designs is one. Also I give my target customers a variety of looks to choose from each collection. I have edgy pieces, glam looks and chic looks, [I have] pieces that every woman can love.
TCMA: What advice do you have for others aspiring designers?
TFT: Advice I have for other designers…stay true to who you are as a designer [and] don’t try to be like any other designer. You have to be consistent and loyal to your target customers and consumers. Also you have to have patience and work really hard because nothing comes over night. I dedicated and devoted my life and time to this industry; made scarifies.
TCMA: What can we expect next from The Fabric Twinz?
TFT: You can expect an online store and in the near future a boutique.
Once again we’d like to thank Tanise Francis of The Fabric Twinz for letting us in her world! Love the concept and we wish her the very best!
DJ Patrick Scientific
May 30, 2012
The fashion line is nice. Ayo…Why weren’t you modeling some of the clothes. (or did I miss you)