Interview with Aspassia Tagliente

How did you become a fashion designer?

I think my subconscious slowly brought me towards design. I have always loved fashion, because it has the power to make you dream, while expressing yourself with the clothes and accessories you decide to wear. It gives you a sense of freedom. Since I can remember, I had this crazy dream of owning and creating my brand one day, and after working for a few fashion companies, I realized that I had the desire to know and learn how a business works in totality. I wanted to discover all of the departments - from design, to production, to marketing, to sales - and the only way to do this was by building my own brand. Is there any better school than personal experience? Before launching my brand, I took one year to learn everything there is to learn about bags, leather, and craftsmanship. I took classes on handbag creation to be prepared, although, I don’t think you are ever prepared for what’s waiting for you. 

What according to you is a favorite part of being a fashion designer?

My favorite part is the creative process. It’s what happens before you launch a new product, the calm before the storm. From the idea behind each design - that time you take for yourself to get inspired by what surrounds you: nature, colors, sounds, symbolism, stories - to the moment you put it on paper.  It’s the selection of colors and materials, understanding what would be better for each design. And then finally the craftsmanship; I’m personally mesmerized by the manual work that goes behind every design, the precision and inherited talent of my Italian producers that bring my dreams to life. I love to spend all of my days in the factory. It’s a long process, from ideation to creation, but every second of it is so special and different in itself, that it makes me fall in love every time with my job. It’s like poetry or listening to classical music. It’s art.

Describe a day in the life of a master fashion designer when working on your new collection? How your schedule looks like?

Working on a new collection can be divided into many steps, from design to production. Design requires time and inspiration, and sometimes, with all the daily tasks that need your attention, you need to take some time and empty your mind. Luxury is time and creating luxury pieces takes time and thought. I usually wake up and get ready, have a coffee and check my phone (emails, social media, messages, news), and then start working. I walk every day for one hour, either outside or on the treadmill. Walking, especially in nature, cleans my mind and allows me to think clearly. 

How would you define the style of your bag collection and how they differ from another well-known luxury brands? 

I design for the woman of today, independent and mobile, so I want my bags to be functional as well as elegant with an edge. I want them to catch attention and elevate every woman’s look. My style is very feminine - I love to play with colors and shapes. 

There is symbolism in everything I do, even the little details of each bag. You can find hidden messages and symbols that I haven’t explained yet, but will over time. Everything I do has a meaning.

What skills according to you are necessary for a successful fashion designer?

I think problem-solving skills are most important. When you have a company, new problems appear every day, and your only job is to find solutions. It’s important to be a positive thinker and not drown in a spoonful of water. Problems that felt overwhelming last year look so little today; if you keep this in mind you can deal with daily problems in an easier way. I also believe that the most important virtue to have in life is patience. Everything takes time and only by being patient and persevering  can we reach our goals and dreams. 

Do you have any favorites among your bag collection?

I shouldn’t have favorites since all of these bags feel like my babies, but I have to admit that I have had a crush on the Kety baguette; it’s playful and elegant at the same time, unique and special. It’s an accessory that elevates your look in any occasion, day or night. But in the new Spring Summer 2022 collection I just launched I found a new crush: the Eleni Mini. I see this bag more as a jewellery piece, rather than a bag. It’s feminine, elegant and edgy at the same time. I gave it the name of my mother, my very first inspiration, so how can it not be my new favorite? 

All creative projects have their challenges. What was your biggest challenge working on your collection?

The biggest challenge for me while working on a new collection has been creating a bag that elevates your look and brings beauty into your life, while being functional and making your life easier. Bags are our personal movable safe, they carry a little part of our lives and my aim is to make it special and unique for each person wearing it. I made many mistakes, redesigned and changed some bags to reach the perfect model. I’m learning to accept that I can’t control everything, and that my work can’t be perfect on the first trial. This is something that has always upset me, but then I immediately think of ways to solve the problem. Sometimes mistakes and obstacles happen to put you on the right path. 

What other challenges have you encountered in starting your own brand?

I encounter challenges every day, some bigger, some smaller. I go through the same hard times every young designer who is just starting his or her brand is going through, mainly building credibility and creating a loyal community. Starting a company from zero, with no contacts and no experience is very hard, but also extremely rewarding when results are seen. It’s a hard learning process that I’m starting to love, because I’m growing together with my brand and we are discovering and building our identity together. 

Aspassia, how has the digital age influenced you as a fashion designer?

I believe that I’ve been very lucky to be living in the digital age, especially since I have launched my brand. All the different digital and social media platforms offer amazing opportunities for exposure at a very low cost, and they have helped me grow my audience. I feel very fortunate to be able to use these tools to talk about my brand, show the behind-the-scenes work, and share my designs. If all digital platforms are used correctly, they can be extremely powerful and give you incredible opportunities for growth. 

Who were the designers that spoke to you the most at that time?

There are so many designers I admire for different reasons, but I have always been inspired by Gabrielle Chanel, and even more so after my experience working for the brand, where I learned her story and felt her personality. She was very strong, determined and had an intense desire for independence. She represented a duality, the same I feel: on the one side she was a trendsetter and a revolutionary, and on the other side, she always maintained a classic and elegant style. She knew how to dress women to make them look and feel beautiful, while caring also for their comfort. Her clothes were functional and elegant. She introduced the concept of wearing a bag over the shoulder. Her strength and view of women always inspired me. 

Aspassia Tagliente has a very unique bag design. How do you get inspired?

The history of handbags represents the history of women: their changing tastes, priorities and roles in society. I love designing timeless pieces to suit this new lifestyle of women: independent and mobile. My main inspiration are mermaids, who represent the divine feminine energy and the true power of the female spirit. I put at the center of my philosophy the woman of today, and the woman of the future. Mermaids are mystical creatures that embody a duality - they are sensual, and truly irresistible, yet they are unattainable, untouchable, and unconquerable, because they are so strong in who they are. They can never be tamed, which makes them even more desirable. I like to think of women in this way, sensual and feminine, yet powerful and unconquerable.  

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

My goal right now is to keep working on my company and building my brand. I have achieved dreams that I never thought I would in such a short amount of time, such as presenting until the end of the year my new collection in Âime Concept Store in the center of Brussels, where you can find a curated selection of design pieces that complement your art of living. In the next few years I see myself growing together with my brand, defining our personalities and style. I’m extremely driven by passion and I don't see myself doing anything else, nevertheless I don’t want my work to become the only aspect in my life, and I would love to have a family one day. In the long term, once my company is properly established, I would love to make a real contribution to the world and help people. For the moment, I’m focusing on this one woman show and  building my dream.