Haute Couture Fashion by Tatyana Morris
While many argue that Texas is too far from the haute couture world, the Austinites proudly say they beg to differ. Meet Tatyana Morris, a fashion designer from Central Texas and the creator behind the House of Tastali. Some of our readers had the pleasure of meeting Tatyana at our Annual Awards Gala in May 2021, where she showcased her stunning collection of evening gowns. Some of you might have seen her creations mentioned in Vogue. We asked Tatyana to tell us more about her journey and her brand.
ABW: How did you become a fashion designer?
TM: I have been seamstress and tailor for a long time. Since I was a child in Russia, I dreamed of making my own fashion collection. I learned to sew and make patterns when I was 14 years old. But life sometimes takes people in other directions. When I came to the United States I took a job as a school bus assistant with special needs children in Virginia to make ends meet. After working for 17 years I met my husband and he pushed me to pursue my dream. We moved from Virginia to Texas and after working for couple of wedding salons I decided to open my own fashion business.
ABW: How did you become a fashion designer?
TM: I have been seamstress and tailor for a long time. Since I was a child in Russia, I dreamed of making my own fashion collection. I learned to sew and make patterns when I was 14 years old. But life sometimes takes people in other directions. When I came to the United States I took a job as a school bus assistant with special needs children in Virginia to make ends meet. After working for 17 years I met my husband and he pushed me to pursue my dream. We moved from Virginia to Texas and after working for couple of wedding salons I decided to open my own fashion business.
I studied many online fashion design courses from international instructors. Among other things I became fascinated with the art of creating corsets and focused on developing my skills at creating corsets to fit any occasion, specifically for couture dresses. After many tries, I became recognized as a fashion designer. So now I am open for adventure of my lifetime.
ABW: What styles, time, periods or people inspire your work?
TM: Most of all I find my inspiration in nature – plants, flowers, and everything around us. Ideas are always flying in my head and I keep creating new outfits. I always enjoyed the fashion in the films from the 50s and 60s. The style of Grace Kelly has been the most influential for me. I was inspired by her elegance. Grace Kelly was the inspiration for my first collection of evening gowns. I also admire designers like Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Armani, and Channel. The first collections of Dior presented the beauty of elegance and glamour of women.
ABW: What styles, time, periods or people inspire your work?
TM: Most of all I find my inspiration in nature – plants, flowers, and everything around us. Ideas are always flying in my head and I keep creating new outfits. I always enjoyed the fashion in the films from the 50s and 60s. The style of Grace Kelly has been the most influential for me. I was inspired by her elegance. Grace Kelly was the inspiration for my first collection of evening gowns. I also admire designers like Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Armani, and Channel. The first collections of Dior presented the beauty of elegance and glamour of women.
ABW: Did your fashion taste change when you moved to US?
TM: No, not really. In my opinion, fashion goes beyond borders and customs.
ABW: What’s your personal favorite item from all your collections?
TM: They are all my favorites. They like my children. I create them with love and passion. I don’t have a preference. Every item, like a child; is unique and special!
ABW: Why do you think it’s important to continue developing Haute Couture fashion when most people gravitate towards practical and affordable clothes?
TM: If a client; either a woman or a man is seeking unique image and quality clothes: Haute Couture is the answer. One could wear average clothes every day and feel ok, but when your outfit is special – you feel special! That’s why Haute couture is important. Every person has their own personality and self image. And the easiest to portray one’s personality and self image is through their clothes.
ABW: If you could make a dress for one person in the world, who would it be?
TM: Of course, it would be for Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. But today I would also pick my model Esmeralda. I think Esmeralda deserves to be on the cover of every fashion magazine in the world. And I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to dress her right now.
BAZA Studio
BAZA Studio
ABW: Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
TM: I see my brand, Tastali all over the world, in major fashion centers next to boutiques like Armani, Dior, and Valentino. In time, I believe the House of Tastali will join the many well known producers of luxury fashion goods.
Tatiana Morris. Photo by Olga Likhacheva