Premier online retailer and our Southern California neighbors, Vida Soleil, have been incredible partners of TAViK Swimwear. And when we announced our swimwear is exclusively Made In California, they wanted to know more. In this interview, they chatted with TAViK Swimwear designer Carly Osler to understand what inspired this incredible change and what influences Carly's design process.
VS: What was your first design job and how did you get started with Tavik?
CO: "My path is little bit different than most designers. I’ve worked in many different avenues of the fashion industry, which gave me a lot of insight into many aspects of the business. I have had roles in Visual Merchandising, Product Development and ran a Sales Showroom before making the move to LA. Through networking and my Tumblr, Tenshadesofgrey.tumblr.com (named before the book!) TAVIK’s founder noticed me, and design became the next chapter of my career!"
VS: What drove you to become a swim designer?
CO: "For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with fashion trends and design, fashion in general. I would say it’s the possibility of being creative every day and being able to execute the ideas into a product that people are excited to wear and own. Since I’m from Canada, I always dreamed of palm trees and warm sunsets while growing up and I love designing swimwear that allows girls to live out these dreams."
{Tavik Swimwear Designer, Carly Osler}
VS: Hometown:
CO: "I grew up in Kelowna BC, Canada. It’s a beautiful desert lake town that surprisingly gets hot in the summer!"
VS: What inspires you the most for your patterns and cuts?
CO: "It varies each season but a lot of my inspo stems from women and men’s street style as well as fashion shows. I am constantly creating mental photos no matter where I am or what I am doing."
VS: One of our favorite local brands, what is your favorite thing to do in your spare time here in Orange County?
CO: "Whenever I’m not working I make sure to spend time with my fiancé and my girlfriends. My wedding is only 3 months away, so you will currently find me at Grit Cycle and Equinox. I also love riding my bike to the beach and weekend brunching, usually accompanied by a glass of rosé. Oh and of course, shopping."
VS: Favorite place to eat around here?
CO: "I’m a foodie so it’s hard to pick just one… For lunch: Green Leaf, Tender Greens, and the Urth Café that recently opened a Laguna Beach location. Dinner spots: Gulfstream, San Shi Go or Sushi Sho, The Crowbar, and anywhere with a rooftop for happy hour."
VS: Before Tavik was not always made in the U.S. what drove you guys to have it all manufactured here in the U.S.?
CO: "Ultimately, I think the overarching reason was to be closer to our product. With domestic production, we are able to be way more hands-on with our swimwear. We pride ourselves on quality, fit and delivering on time. With production so close, we get to touch and feel the fabrics, and actually try the fits, real time, while working with our factory and fit technicians. We feel lucky to be able to hold fittings at the factory so we can make any fit changes right away. Our relationship with our factory is more familiar than a business relationship because we all care, and put so much TLC into our suits. We aim for our customer to experience this dedication so they have confidence when they wear them. We want to cater to those customers who are looking for special swimwear pieces with a great fit, and who really appreciate where the product comes from."
VS: Typical day at the office is like?
CO: "I’m a morning person, but, I have to have my Starbucks. I get inspired each morning by listening to music or a podcast; I’ve loved Man Repeller’s – Monocycle lately. The best part about my job is that every day is different. Depending on the day, I sketch designs, style shoots, post on social outlets, and attend swim fittings. I eat lunch most days at work, prepared by our in house talent, Chef Carlos."
VS: Favorite Travel spot or most desired place to go to?
CO: "My happy place is Palm Springs. Being Canadian, I love anywhere with palm trees and a pool. Apart from that, I’ve always wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast, and this September we are lucky enough to go for our honeymoon!"
VS: What describes your style and design best?
CO: "I usually gravitate towards a monochromatic palette. My closet consists of basics that I know will work day after day, accented by a few investments in well-made and on trend pieces – usually shoes, boots, purses and jackets. I do my shopping late at night on the computer; I’m a vigorous online shopper. I’ve also been lucky enough to be surrounded by various talented female friends in the industry which definitely influences my style too. Splitting my time between two countries, I feel lucky to have the city influence of Vancouver mixed with LA’s modern boho vibes."