how to create a functional, fun, forever wardrobe - Creative Pragmatism!

We've been thinking a lot lately about how to create a wardrobe full of good quality pieces that you will wear a lot. Instead of opening an overflowing wardrobe and wondering why you have nothing to wear - and then buying something new (or secondhand) that you don't need.

Lately, we're inspired by Amy Smilovic, the founder and creative director of the fashion brand Tibi, - known for promoting a design philosophy she describes as "creative pragmatism." This concept blends artistic creativity with practicality, focusing on producing designs that are both innovative and wearable.

Perfect for kiwi women who want to look good and also be able to wear their clothes to all sorts of different places during the day - we're particularly thinking of architects, who will go from a client meeting to a site visit or a factory visit in a day, and might finish up at a gallery opening or drinking negronis after work. Same idea is useful for engineers, artists, curators, or any creatives!

The basic messages of Smilovic's creative pragmatism can be summarized as follows:

1. Function and Wearability Come First

• Smilovic advocates for collecting clothes that are not just beautiful but functional. Her designs are often simple, comfortable, and versatile, allowing women to wear them in multiple contexts and situations, without sacrificing style.
• She believes in the importance of designing pieces that can seamlessly transition from day to night and from season to season, focusing on longevity and practicality.
• She's a big fan of outfit repeating, but with different details every day - how you tuck something, or what jewellery you combine.

2. Effortless Style

• A central tenet of creative pragmatism is the idea of effortless elegance. Smilovic seeks to create fashion that looks polished without feeling overly "done" or contrived. Her designs are often minimalist but with thoughtful details that give them a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.
• The goal is to offer clothes that make women feel stylish and confident without requiring too much effort or attention. She advocates for creating a strong personal style - noticing when you feel good, and adding to those moments - instead of trying to dress to look trendy, taller, slimmer etc. Think back to your fav pieces in high school - what was it about them that you still remember today? Why did that outfit feel so good?

3. Innovation with Simplicity

• Smilovic values innovation, but in a way that remains grounded in simplicity. Her designs often play with proportion, texture, and color in a way that feels fresh and modern, but still approachable. For her, creativity doesn’t always mean radical reinvention—it can be about refining and enhancing classic ideas to suit contemporary life. So, the pants and blazers always have an interesting cut or fabric or detail.

4. Sustainability and Timelessness

• Under her creative pragmatism approach, Smilovic also considers the long-term value of clothing. This means creating timeless pieces that don't go out of style quickly, encouraging consumers to buy with longevity in mind.
• By focusing on versatile, high-quality pieces that transcend trends, she advocates for a more sustainable approach to fashion, reducing the cycle of fast fashion and disposable trends.
• WOF - without fail pieces - your basics that always work, the pieces that are so intrinsically you. Eg a pair of classic wool cargo pants, or nylon joggers - you can wear them with a statement piece to be noticed, or with another basic to have a wallpaper day. Amy says always to go shopping wearing your WOF pieces - that way, any new pieces will work with what you already have.