In the studio with Silvia Tcherassi.
Written by: Denisa Palsha
Known as the pioneer of Latin flair the founder and creative director of the clothing line Silvia Tcherassi and lifestyle brand Tcherassi Hotels is a trusted name in fashion and hospitality. Since her beginnings in Colombia 30 years ago, Tcherassi’s attraction to all things aesthetic led her to major success in interior design. She quickly branched off into fashion, designing embellished t-shirts for friends. Rapidly growing demand led to a line of complementary pieces resulting in collections that made a splash in Colombia, U.S., Milan and Paris. Her work was rewarded with one of France’s highest honors for leaders of the international art community – the Ofcier de L’Ordre Arts et Lettres. I sat down with the Miami-based designer to talk about her luxury line, lifestyle brands, and an upcoming store opening in Bal Harbour Shops.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
I always aim to exude effortless elegance and ease. It’s important that pieces never feel forced, or pretentious. I grew up in the Colombian Caribbean, in a culturally rich location that served as the stage for the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez novels. The exposure to exuberant cultures, my Italian heritage or living in cosmopolitan cities like Miami, not to mention art, travel, architecture, or the work of iconic women like Louise Bourgeois, or Frida Kahlo, have a strong influence on my work.
WHO IS THE SILVIA TCHERASSI WOMAN? Fashion doesn’t have an age or a nationality, so when I design, I think of a woman like me, who appreciates details and quality. She uses fashion as a means of expression. Women inclined towards my esthetics look for unique, timeless garments, not trends. I strive to have each piece embody a “natural elegance.”
TOUCHING YOUR CLOTHING ONE CAN INSTANTLY APPRECIATE QUALITY, IN BOTH MATERIALS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP. Since we presented my first collection in Milan it was labeled as pret-a-couture due to the quality of the technique and materials used. Many of my fabrics are used to create haute couture pieces. I like to incorporate traditional techniques but express them in a way that feels modern.
WHERE ARE YOU SOURCING MATERIALS? Our fabrics are custom-made in Northern Italy, where we have long-standing relationships with experts with years of legacy. Many of my accessories and some clothing pieces are made in Italy and Portugal. But most of my production is in Colombia within the facility that we’ve had for over 30 years. That allowed for much greater experimentation and meticulous quality control. A “family business” touch is important to me. My children, Sofia and Mauricio, are both involved in overseeing Silvia Tcherassi brands.
YOU ARE KNOWN FOR COLORFUL SILK, COTTON, AND TIMELESS FEMININE SILHOUETTES. I will never tire of working with these fabrics. They are noble, time-resistant, malleable. Moreover, they are sustainable, which is fundamental. We found our silk years ago in a factory in Como – a unique company proud of its heritage, yet welcoming technology, and innovation. I recently incorporated hammered silks, resulting in beautiful texture, and sheen. As for silhouettes, I am constantly experimenting with length, depth, volumes and cuts. Coincidentally, our latest Fall 2024 collection features elongated silhouettes that metaphorically mimic urban landscapes, celebrating the women who go about these city spaces.
YOUR BEGINNINGS WERE IN INTERIOR DESIGN. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE BRANDS? I love the challenge of our initiatives outside of fashion – our Tcherassi Hotels and the Tcherassi Home Collection. They bring me as much excitement as designing a ready-to-wear collection. One of our two hotels in Cartagena was awarded “Best New Hotel” by Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Magazine. We have begun to scout new locations for additional hospitality projects. The world of fragrance also fascinates me and feels very akin to the brand.
YOU’VE RECENTLY EXPANDED TO NEW, EXOTIC LOCATIONS. WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STORES TODAY? We have 10 boutiques. Five in South America, two in the U.S., Miami and Tampa, two in Europe, Madrid and Capri, and one in the Caribbean in Punta Cana. Coming up, you can look forward to our opening in Bal Harbour Shops – an indisputable icon in the U.S. luxury market.