Michael is the owner, designer and creator of the edgy fashion line Tumbler & Tipsy.
Last February, me and my team got fortunate enough to work with Michael and his designs.
Below is my short interview with this multi-talented creative entrepreneur.
GM: Hello Michael! Thank you for gracing us with your talent and
creativity the last time we did our red themed shoot. My whole team, as well as the people who saw your clothes were all impressed by the playfulness
and the vibrance of your line. What are your inspirations for your creations?
MK: I was a pro figure skater for the United States so I have been involved
with different costumes from a young age. I remember the first time I
had a custom costume made from a designer for me at the age of 8. I had
new costumes every season and then when going on the pro tour, I met
EVERYONE including Roberto Cavalli and Michaelle Kwan’s dress designer,
Vera Wang (who skated with us sometimes in Los Angeles)
GM: Why Tumbler and Tipsy? When and how did Tumbler and tipsy started?
MK: Tumbler and Tipsy started by accident actually. I was on the air plane
flying from New York Fashion Week 2009 back to Los Angeles while working
with the infamous fashion brand “Libertine” and I thought about making
garments with my own flare. The name for the label comes from a British
poem, “Too Many TUMBLERS of Whiskey Might Make You A Lil’ Bit TIPSY!”
which I was reading that night when I arrived home.
GM: How different is fashion designing from figure skating?
MK: Well that’s an interesting question, it definitely has some similarities
however the fashion industry is a much FASTER paced industry than
skating. We do not have two national/world championships every year in
skating, like fashion has up to possibly 4 or more collections depending
on how large the fashion house is but just with the two main seasons
Spring/Summer & Fall/Winter - its a short turnaround with a lot of work
to do in between. I am still getting use to that part, however the
fashion shows are like skating shows to me! They are fun and I love the
crowds reaction!! I really get into performing, I love the media and all
the people I get to meet!
GM: What makes Tumbler and Tipsy different from other brands?
MK: Tumbler and Tipsy really is a distinctive brand who has now set itself
apart from other brands with our edgy style lines, unique fabrics,
innovative design techniques with a vintage flare to keep our garments
always a classic. We love our accessories and garments are timeless.
They will never go out of style.
GM: Again, me and my team are very thankful for your styling and
collaborative efforts. Tell us about your experience during the shoot.
MK: I had a super time during the shoot! When I arrive to a shoot, I get
into this work mode. The creative juices start flowing and I don’t see
things like I usually do. My mind expands I am able to create concepts
with the surrounding areas that are unusual to the regular eye. The team
was amazing and without an amazing team - amazing shots that end up in
Vogue do not happen! I would love to be a part of the team again!!
GM: You mentioned to us before that you have a new line coming out this 2012. What can your fans expect about it?
MK: This new Fall/Winter 2012 Collection welcomes back and introduces our
Mens line however it will be massed produced for the first time plus our
womens collection. We are known for glamour with sparkles and sequins
so we are not going to let our fans down by any means! We have a whole
new color palette to work with and a whole new level of fashion to
present. I am very excited to present this new collection to the public
very soon!
GM: Congratulations to your continuous success, features and
publications. Any advice you can give to your fans who are also inclined to
fashion, design and styling?*
MK: I have had a full career already at a young age and I created another
one out of thin air, I always believe if you have the passion and desire
to accomplish something, you will make it happen. It’s always you and no
one else that can make it happen. My grandmother always told me, “There
is no such a word as CAN’T” and I believed her, even told one of my
teachers in elementary school that was not a word. HAHA.
GM: That’s actually awesome! Anyway, where can people find more about you and Tumbler and Tipsy?
MK: You can visit our official website at www.TumblerandTipsy.com, follow us
on Twitter @TumblerandTipsy or @MichaelKuluva plus our official FaceBook
page www.FaceBook.com/TumblerandTipsy. We are available for purchase
online at TumblerandTipsy.com plus at retailers such as Patricia Field,
Dolls Kills & Deal by Ethan.
GM: Thank you Michael!
