Behind the Seams: How TAEVI Designs Anime and Old Money Fashion
Behind the Seams: Designing TAEVI’s Dual Collection from Sketch to Stitch
Fashion isn't just about clothes; it's about identity, culture, and storytelling. At TAEVI, we set out to design a clothing line that speaks to two seemingly opposite styles: the high-energy world of anime fashion and the timeless sophistication of old money elegance. The result? A dual collection that redefines boundaries, crafted with intention, creativity, and a passion for unique self-expression.
In this blog, we take you behind the seams of our creative journey—how we went from pencil sketches to finished garments that fuse two bold aesthetics. Here’s how we brought the TAEVI dual collection to life.
Step 1: The Creative Vision
Our journey began with a single idea: "What if anime-inspired streetwear could coexist with old money luxury?"
Creative Director Liana Torres shares, "We noticed our audience had multiple sides. They love the loud expression of anime but also crave the quiet confidence of tailored, heritage fashion. We didn’t want them to choose between them. We wanted to design for all of them."
From mood boards to cultural research, the team explored:
Classic anime motifs, character outfits, and fan-favorite aesthetics like "kawaii grunge," "cyberpunk samurai," and "retro pixel."
Old money influences from the 1920s to 1970s, including prep school uniforms, tailored coats, and neutral-tone layering.
This research sparked the foundation for our split collection.
Step 2: Sketching Two Worlds
Our design team divided into two sub-teams: one focusing on the anime line, the other on old money essentials. While the process involved two different visual styles, communication between teams was essential.
Anime designs leaned into:
Oversized silhouettes
Illustrated panels inspired by manga frames
Bold color pops with neon contrasts
Playful embroidery (think fox spirits, mechas, and cherry blossoms)
Old money designs emphasized:
Structured tailoring
Luxe wool and cashmere blends
Double-breasted blazers, pleated trousers, and vintage collars
A neutral color palette: ivory, navy, camel, and forest green
Lead Designer Marcus Hill explains, "Every sketch went through an intentional filter. We didn’t want cosplay. We wanted wearable fashion with storylines built in. For old money, it wasn’t about dated elitism—it was about refinement and understated confidence."
Step 3: Material Selection
One of the biggest challenges was sourcing fabrics that matched each line’s purpose.
Anime Line Materials:
Lightweight cotton blends for breathability
Stretchy tech fabrics for activewear-inspired movement
High-thread-count denim and satin with bold prints
Old Money Line Materials:
100% merino wool for suiting
Linen-cotton blends for summer ease
Recycled cashmere for eco-conscious comfort
We also partnered with ethical textile suppliers who aligned with our values. Whether it's Japanese selvedge denim or Italian woven tweed, we ensure premium quality from the inside out.
Step 4: Tailoring and Construction
Each item went through multiple prototyping rounds. TAEVI believes tailoring makes or breaks the design—even for oversized anime jackets.
Anime garments were cut with freedom and edge, while still holding shape. For example, our bestselling "Spirit Bomber" has exaggerated sleeves but a sharp, high collar to maintain structure. Meanwhile, our old money pieces follow traditional menswear tailoring rules, with hand-stitched seams, functional buttons, and proper fitting across the chest and waist.
We also introduced hybrid pieces. One highlight: the "Legacy Varsity Coat," which combines anime-style embroidery with a classic prep school jacket shape. It’s the perfect symbol of our design vision.
Step 5: Internal Reviews & Feedback Loops
TAEVI involves its creative team in constant feedback. Weekly fit sessions, live wear tests, and social media previews helped shape the collection.
"We had a moment where a piece looked amazing on the mannequin but didn’t move right on the body. So we reworked it. We don't just design for looks—we design for living," said Fit Coordinator Nina Arora.
Feedback from micro-influencers and fashion students also informed tweaks. The goal wasn’t perfection—it was authenticity.
Step 6: Challenges We Faced
Blending two opposing styles was no easy feat.
Sourcing dual-appropriate trims: Finding buttons, zippers, and details that worked for both lines required hours of global vendor calls.
Fighting aesthetic stereotypes: Some early testers thought the anime line would be too "youthful" or the old money line too "rigid." We had to prove otherwise.
Balance in branding: Packaging, labels, and tags needed to reflect both identities. We eventually created two sub-labels under the TAEVI name: TAEVI|Anime and TAEVI|Heritage.
But overcoming these challenges made the final product stronger.
Step 7: The Triumph of the Drop
When the first pieces rolled off the production line, the room fell silent.
"There was a moment when the whole team stood around a table, holding one of each final piece," said Co-Founder Jayden Miles. "That was when we knew we had created something bigger than fashion. We had built a brand that lets people embrace every side of who they are."
Our launch photo shoot captured this perfectly: models posed in an abandoned train station—anime jackets flowing, tweed coats buttoned, individuality glowing.
Since launching, the reception has been incredible. Our Dual Identity drop sold out in three hours. Fans have tagged us in streetwear shoots and elegant garden parties alike.
Final Words: More Than Just Threads
At TAEVI, every stitch tells a story. Designing a dual collection that speaks to two wildly different fashion cultures was no small task. But in the end, we proved that you don’t have to pick a side.
You can be bold and quiet. Playful and polished. You can be both.
The future of fashion is multidimensional, and at TAEVI, we’re just getting started.
Post a Comment