Surrounded by three generations of fiercely ambitious women, fashion designer Tanya Taylor was practically destined to become a creative entrepreneur. Today, she runs her highly successful, eponymous fashion brand, which has been worn by a diverse range of prominent women such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Gigi Hadid, among others. 

After graduating from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, Taylor signed up for a design summer program on a whim, which eventually precipitated her enrollment at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Taylor went on to land a coveted internship at Elizabeth and James, quickly working her way up the ranks and advancing to assistant womenswear designer under the direction of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. In two years’ time, at the young age of 25, she decided to launch her own brand, leveraging her business education to serve her creative passion.

As an award-winning designer, Taylor continually looks for ways to break the status quo, revolutionizing inclusive sizing, hosting fashion shows in untraditional places, and focusing on blending unexpected design elements with uncomplicated, feminine silhouettes. In addition to honing her forward-thinking aesthetic, Taylor is dedicated to engaging with and supporting the community, actively seeking ways to volunteer, raise funds, or raise awareness for important causes. Taylor’s designs represent a sense of fearlessness, encouraging women from all walks of life to celebrate their confidence—simply by getting dressed in the morning.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

What is the first creative project you remember?

Painting the walls of my childhood basement with 7-foot 1950s pin-up girls and old Corvettes. My friends used to ask me to come over to hang out but I would ask them to come over to help be my painting team; I transformed the walls to create a retro recreation room. When my Mom sold the house, she carved the paintings out of the drywall and now we have super heavy, insanely large remnants living in her basement. That’s love.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Feminine, creative, and personal.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

Working with Memorial Sloan Kettering on redesigning the hospital curtains of the pediatric oncology floor in our painted, colorful art. I want our art to inspire and uplift, and I was so honored to think it could have an impact on a young patient’s life when they need it most.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I never realized how much I loved customer analytics and digital innovation before partnering with Bitmoji on their first fashion launch. I’ve always loved my job, but I have never loved it more than when we were creating digital avatars of our clothing, and seeing millions of people use them to express themselves. 

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

For me, it’s something I was born with, but it was also cultivated by the experiences my parents gave me. As a kid, I was encouraged to craft, paint, papier-mâché, build dollhouses, sew clothing, and just generally create, create, create. I honestly think creativity comes from an open mind and a willingness to eliminate fear from your thought process. 

What’s the last dream you had?

I was lying down with my late, furry cat Oscar in a multicolored field of tulips in Holland. I have very colorful dreams.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

That wearing the brand unlocked a confidence to express themselves and feel stronger. That the brand redefined fashion to feel uplifting, inviting, and impactful. That we were a generous, creative, inspiring brand that made people feel included and empowered. That there were no boundaries as to where our creativity could live. My 100 year goal is to have a community art institute in Toronto that brings students from different neighborhoods together to learn how to combine entrepreneurship with their love of the arts.

Follow @tanya_taylor on Creatively

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