When one thinks of design, you might only think of it as a two-part process. The first, being a sketch, and the second, or final step the garment. But the process of crafting, and creating a full collection is one that encompasses a vast array of components, all culminating in one beautiful cohesive collection. And if you are lucky the collection is shown to the public during one of the many fashion weeks going on, every season around the world. Achieving such a feet is one that takes vision, determination and confidence, not to mention monetary support. Having the opportunity to unveil even one collection to the public is a remarkable experience, being able to achieve this multiple times and with multiple lines is one that is astonishing. However if you are like, To-Tam and To-Nya designers of, Sachika and Tuxx( amongst other collaborations and lines)--achieving this is just one of the many goals set forth on a list of“ todo’ s” these talented and driven women have achieved in their short yet prolific careers.
To-Tam and To-Nya New York Raised LA Made
a few awkward moments standing in a drafty building in downtown LA’ s fashion district a figure appeared in the shadows of the hallway. Light gave way to a smiling face, greeting us To-Nya carrying a bag, with what appeared to be rice dwelling in it’ s plastic shell.“ So sorry, I am late— I couldn’ t answer my phone, it unfortunately was thrown into the washer …” Just a few brief steps behind her, To-Tam arrived, wearing a gorgeously constructed black, blazer— undoubtedly from their previous collection. Glancing down, I noticed all three of us wearing almost matching burgundy skinny jeans. Jokingly, I stated—“ I guess burgundy was a big color last season with Predicative’ s …” and that is how I met, To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika.
We made our way into their design studio, to sit down and talk all things Sachika, their various collaborations with designers, and their newest line— Tuxx. It only took a few moments but I discovered that these women were much more than simply designers, these women were entrepreneurs, movers and shakers and I was suddenly taken aback by their knowledge, and enthusiasm for the industry that all three of us work in and love. Here is our conversation:
Q: To-Tam, To-Nya, so you were born in Paris, how long were you living in Paris before your family moved to Montreal?
When one thinks of design, you might only think of it as a two-part process. The first, being a sketch, and the second, or final step the garment. But the process of crafting, and creating a full collection is one that encompasses a vast array of components, all culminating in one beautiful cohesive collection. And if you are lucky the collection is shown to the public during one of the many fashion weeks going on, every season around the world. Achieving such a feet is one that takes vision, determination and confidence, not to mention monetary support. Having the opportunity to unveil even one collection to the public is a remarkable experience, being able to achieve this multiple times and with multiple lines is one that is astonishing. However if you are like, To-Tam and To-Nya designers of, Sachika and Tuxx( amongst other collaborations and lines)--achieving this is just one of the many goals set forth on a list of“ todo’ s” these talented and driven women have achieved in their short yet prolific careers.
When we asked the two if they would allow us to come down to their Los Angeles head quarters for an in-depth interview, we were pleasantly surprised when they agreed. Not knowing exactly what to expect I gathered my materials and Cal Bingham, his camera in-tow and we set forth on our way. Arriving a bit early to find the doors were locked and no one was there. After
To-Tam: We were actually born in Paris, and then moved to Montreal right after, so it’ s kind of like we are both, French and Canadian.
Q: Can you share with us a bit about your life growing up as twins and then later moving on to NYC to become designers?
To-Nya: Growing up our parents always made the effort for us to be separate in school, this was in order for us to build our own personalities; they wanted each of us to be independent and develop our own strengths. I was more the creative person, and my sister …
To-Tam: I was just always sociable, very talkative and into communicating with other people, and really enjoyed writing.
Q: You first appeared on Television in 2011, on the series, Ice Loves Coco can you tell us about your experience creating a dress for Coco?
To-Tam: We made several appearances on‘ Ice Loves Coco’, it was really fun and interesting because we first worked with Coco during New York Fashion Week, we designed a dress for her— and it sort of went viral, and we developed a friendship with her through that. Then it came time for her to start filming her show, and she said,“ you know I’ d really like for you guys to appear on my show, and be my designers” and it was a natural progression for us, it was something that was really fun and different for us to do.
Q: Can you tell us about your background in design, give our readers a bit of insight into what makes both of you tic, where do you pull inspiration from when you design?
46 | The LA Fashion magazine