Tumbler and Tipsy by Michael Kuluva [INTERVIEW]

Posted on November 1st, 2011 by StaciNicole

bangstyle.com tumbler and tipsy michael kuluva Fashion Week fashion Clothing featured fashion Tumbler and Tipsy by Michael Kuluva [INTERVIEW]

We had the privilege to interview super star designer, Michael Kuluva on his line, “Tumbler and Tipsy” and pick his brain on what the line is all about. Aside from an intrusive duck that decided to join in on the interview, all went well. We had a ton of fun when Michael dropped by the BANGSTYLE offices and showcased his collection. Michael, you are welcome back any time!

BANGSTYLE: When you were younger, you were a figure skater. What prompted you to transition into fashion?
MICHAEL: I was always into fashion when I was a professional figure skater. During that time, I was invited to fashion week in NY, Paris and LA, and after that, I decided to retire from figure skating and see what other opportunities there were for me. So, I interned for the very well known label, Libertine and I became their assistant designer. I then decided I wanted to do my own thing and be credited accurately.

bangstyle.com tumbler and tipsy michael kuluva Fashion Week fashion Clothing featured fashion Tumbler and Tipsy by Michael Kuluva [INTERVIEW] BANGSTYLE: How did you come up with the name “Tumbler and Tipsy”?
MICHAEL: I was coming back from fashion week with Libertine on the plane, and I was reading a book with a poem in it, saying “Too many tumblers of whiskey, would make you a little bit tipsy”. I made it my own, and Tumbler and Tipsy was born!

BANGSTYLE: Do you construct your materials from scratch?
MICHAEL: We used to be a vintage reconstruction clothing line like Libertine, but now, I am more into manufacturing and our pieces are sold internationally in mass quantities.

BANGSTYLE: Are you the only designer for the line?
MICHAEL: Yes, I am the only one. Sometimes, I have other people manufacture my clothing, but it is mostly me. For instance, I made 200 cork necklaces by myself. I have pictures of me in my kitchen literally spread out on my floor with paper plates, trying to dry the paint with fans. I get on my hands and knees and do everything- I’m an artist, that’s what I do. I do have help with patterns and sewing, but other than that- it’s all me.

BANGSTYLE: What inspired your collection?
MICHAEL: The first thing that came to mind was Freddy Rojas, he used to do cool jersey knits- and I’ve always loved jersey knit. I’m a t shirt and jeans kind of guy from LA, so I like really casual styles. But, I want it to be able to be dressed up- so I made jersey blazers, and jersey skirts. I then decided that I should add sequins to it so that it could be dressed up for a night out. I looked for a type of sequin that I hadn’t seen everywhere else, the square kind. They are all individually done, so that if one comes off, the whole strand won’t come off. They were hard to find, and they’re expensive, but I knew I needed to do it the right way. Also, my bulldog, Cooper is on everything- even the label.

BANGSTYLE: Who are your favorite designers?
MICHAEL: Of course Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, and the team of Heatherette is just amazing.

BANGSTYLE: Your collection exemplifies glitz and glamour. What are your favorite materials to work with?
MICHAEL: Jersey knit, sequins, tweed for fall and winter. Also, I’m going to use fur in my upcoming collection, but I’m not sure if I am going to use faux or real yet.

BANGSTYLE: When you’re not working on your line, what do you enjoy doing?
MICHAEL: God, I’m so boring-I live such a boring life. I stay home with my dog Cooper and hang out with my friends. We hang out at my house- I spend a lot of time there. I don’t really drink, except for champagne- I just drink socially. I like to relax- I have such a hectic lifestyle. If I’m not traveling, there’s always an event or work to do.

BANGSTYLE: What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far in your fashion career?
MICHAEL: You know, I think the biggest challenge is staying committed to it. It’s so hard becoming a designer- everybody wants to do it, everybody wants to have their own line. To be successful at it, you have to be passionate about it.

BANGSTYLE: Do you ever find yourself getting discouraged?
MICHAEL: Not discouraged, but I get frustrated because there’s always bumps in the road. All in all, I’m really good at critical thinking.

BANGSTYLE: What kind of woman would you want to wear your line?
MICHAEL: A confident, sexy woman, older than a college student. A person that is starting her career and looking to go out and have fun with the girls; I think it’s a fun line- something that you can wear on the weekend with your boyfriend or wear out to a club with the girls. I think we cover all areas in my collection: Loungewear, club wear, and things you could wear on the red carpet.

BANGSTYLE: What kind of man would you want wearing your line?
MICHAEL: An urban individual, who likes street wear. He would love our graphic tees- they are all hand done and hand silk screened, which is really rare. A guy that is looking for something affordable, comfortable, and something that he can re-wear forever.

BANGSTYLE: Who is your dream celebrity to style?
MICHAEL: Oh, that’s hard one. It would have to be someone big. It would be somebody iconic, like Madonna. She’s someone I haven’t met and would love to have my clothes on.

BANGSTYLE: My co-worker Meg is dying to know: Who would you most want to design costumes for: Gossip Girl, Toddlers and Tiara’s or Cirque du Soleil?
MICHAEL: Cirque du Soleil because they’ve been a huge supporter of me.