T-Project: The Answer To EVERY American Fashion Designer's Prayers

After spending over ten years in the fashion industry working with designers from Alexander Wang to Zang Toi, I grew to understand the importance of being able to both source material locally and find manufacturers willing to work on smaller minimums without compromising the quality of their craftsmanship. The industry lacked a one stop shop where designers could walk in with an idea and have it brought to fruition all under one roof. Until now.

Introducing T-Project (Tuscany-Project); A New York satellite production and sourcing hub that's developed an innovative, seamless way to provide American designers, both high-end and contemporary, with full access to a network of over 16 artisans and the best craftsmanship Tuscany has to offer. T-Project navigates the production process on behalf of their client's and offers an a la carte menu of services ranging from raw material sourcing, product management, design, operations and manufacturing without ever leaving Manhattan! Hello? This is infuckingcredible! 

Never before has the playing field been leveled to such an extent. Designers no longer need to finance costly, exhausting trips spending countless hours walking through fairs trying to decipher what the vendors are saying while attempting to communicate back with some half-assed broken Italian or what I like to call Span-talian; You know... you take the Spanish that you learned in school and add a few more vowels. (Although, in actuality, the vendors don't really care what you're saying as long as you're wearing a low cut blouse. Ciao Bella!)

Aside from the full scale production and manufacturing, T-Project works with highly skilled Tuscan "modellerie" to develop samples, offering brands access to some of the most sought after professional sample makers. Having worked with the best brands in the world, these model makers can render exquisite composites of even the most creative and difficult of designs at surprisingly doable prices.

I visited their showroom on October 1st for the debut of their 2014-2015 'Made in Italy' Trends & Collections Presentation (they'll be showcasing their work until October 30th) and was blown away! I met Gaia, one of T-Project's representatives, who showed me some of the most extraordinary work from some of their affiliate manufacturers along the likes of Altre Mani, Beauty Brass, Calzaturifico Eleven, Cappellificio Memar, Denim Pelle, Enrico Pucci, Galeotti Piume, Giano Gerruzzi, Lartigianabottoni, Most, OBI, Parentesi Quadra and Pelletteria Pratese. Each unique collection was shown in it's entirety, allowing us to see the quality of their samples first hand. I'm talking about feathers,  buttons, resin accessories, labels (laser stamped and reverse laser stamped), various trims, all different kinds of material, beautiful custom jewelry, bags, hats, belts... I could go on for days here.


The bottom line is that T-Project bridged the gap between Italy and NYC by launching a turnkey Tuscan operation that gives designers the opportunity to produce high-end articles from accessories and shoes to garments and outerwear without ever having to deal with the headaches and ulcers that come with working overseas. It truly is A ONE STOP SHOP.  



 P.S. Adam, Gilles, Jill, Lazz, Bibhu, Brandon Sun, and Alvin Valley.... YOU'RE WELCOME! (Now how's about front row next season?)

T-Project:
347 West 36 Street, Suite 1100
Between 8&9th ave
212-334-9060 or info@e-tuscany.com
Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm

Fall Must Haves

This fall is all about textures, patterns, and duhh military chic. It is all about mixing the masculine with the feminine and having a tough look with refined chic. It's about putting the classic together with the new and creating a look that is perfectly put together. From parkas and vests to leather shorts and boots I have put together a myriad of amazing stylish key pieces every woman should have AT LEAST one of in her closet this fall. Don't be afraid to mix patterns, colors, and textures- and wear white. This fall is about breaking the rules in a not so rebellious way.

Must Have OUTERWEAR: 1 rockin' leather motorcycle jacket, 1 or 100 fur or faux fur vests, 1 military inspired jacket, and definitely a classic black blazer.

Must Have TOPS: From velvet to zigzags this fall is all about mixing and matching textures and patterns to create a perfectly harmonious ensemble. If you're not feeling so adventurous stick to a palette of muted hues.

Must Have FALL DRESSES: These dresses can take you from day to night and from chilly to brrrrrrr. Pair these dresses with a little leather jacket, or throw on a pair of tights and you're ready to roll. Keep the interest with a subtle pattern, make heads turn with a totally body con Herve Leger. Just because the weather is getting chilly doesn't mean you can't sizzle.

Must Have LEATHER: Who said leather was only meant for jackets? This year the trend continues on. Leather is making headway, and WE LOVE IT. From stretch leather leggings, to who would have thought...LEATHER SHORTS. Wear the leggings alone, or pair the shorts with a some tights, and you're already half way towards a killer ensemble.

Must Have BOOTS: From knee high to lace up this fall is all about the rocker boot. Play with the textures in the leather or the height of the heel, this fall welcomes them all. These are only a couple that caught my eye this season..... there seems to be an incredible selection!

Must Have BLACK BAGS: The classic black bag NEVER goes out of style so why not add some edge with a little bit of fringe or or a spiral notebook hinge? From bucket bags to messengers- anything an everything goes.

Now that I have totally whet my appetite, I think it's time for some shopping!














xx

Jen Moore