MEET THE DESIGNER ________________________________________

Barbara Tfank launched her eponymous label in 2001, forging a new modern opulence with a line of beautiful brocade cocktail coats and colorful, classically shaped dresses in extraordinary textiles. In pairing flattering silhouettes with luxuriant fabrics and fine hand-tailored craftsmanship, Barbara Tfank has proven herself a notable force in the fashion industry. Tfank first discovered her love of textiles and tailoring as a fashion design assistant in her native New York City. As a well-known stylist, she worked internationally, applying her expertise to an array of projects including innovative television commercials in Japan. Tfank's love of classic American and Italian cinema prompted her to pursue a career as a

costume designer for feature films. Her first movie was the acclaimed 1992 drama A Midnight Clear, starring Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinese. For her next film Tfank's training in fashion served her well as she selected a trend-setting wardrobe that would come to life in front of the camera. In conceiving the wardrobe for Nick Kazan's Dream Lover, Tfank invited Prada, then little-known in the US, to collaborate on some of the women's costumes, thus creating a novel blend of fashion and film. The lilac gown Uma Thurman wore to the 1995 Academy Awards propelled Tfank even further into the world of distinctive design. Working as Prada's design consultant Barbara created the look that prompted one of the greatest Oscar fashion moments, the gown appearing on the front page of Women's Wear Daily's annual Oscar issue the day after the ceremony. Hal Rubenstein chose to include Tfank's design in his book, "100 Unforgettable Dresses". Tfank's work exudes imagination, creativity and American sophistication. Cut individually and sewn by a small team of custom-trained seamstresses, Tfank's clothes are the antithesis of mass-manufactured product. Her taste and meticulous attention to detail give each piece architectural and artistic appeal.

 

  

http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/barbara-tfank-spring-2013/#1

VOGUE NOVEMBER 2013

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