Tatum Clair Tierney

Grounds

In my Fashion Illustration class, I was assigned to design a plus-size collection for Stella McCartney that incorporated sustainability into the design process. I designed the line, Grounds, which was inspired by coffee culture and the idea of giving coffee waste a second life. I wanted to explore how discarded materials could be transformed into fashionable, functional garments while designing within Stella McCartney's brand identity.

I incorporated S.Café® coffee-ground textiles throughout the collection, using materials such as coffee jersey, coffee French terry, and coffee batiste, mixing recycled polyester and recycled coffee-ground fibers. The collection combines comfortable, relaxed silhouettes with playful details like eyelet trims, scalloped edges, and asymmetrical shapes. By pairing sustainable materials with thoughtful plus-size design, I wanted Grounds to show that sustainability and inclusive fashion can work together.

Cherry Blossoms

In my Fashion Illustration class, I was assigned to design a historical/cultural business wear collection. I designed the line, Cherry Blossoms, which was inspired by traditional Japanese clothing and modern business attire. I used cherry blossoms because they hold significant meaning in Japanese culture, symbolizing the beauty and impermanence of life and the changing of seasons.

I wanted to translate these ideas into a modern business wardrobe without directly recreating traditional Japanese garments. I incorporated wrap-inspired and asymmetrical details throughout the collection, using cotton poplin, cotton twill, wool suiting, and silk crepe satin to create a balance of structure and softness.

The Urban Collection

The Urban Collection was an assignment in my Digital Design in Computer Applications class at Iowa State University. I was inspired by 90's women's hip-hop styles and wanted to translate that influence into a cohesive collection of pieces with different silhouettes and details. For each look, I digitally created the patterns and tech flats.

I designed a corset and collared tee, each with their own trims and details, paired with a pair of relaxed, baggy jeans. I focused on balancing the fitted silhouettes of the tops with the oversized proportions of the jeans while keeping the collection cohesive through the use of trims and styling.

Autumn Collegiate

Autumn Collegiate was an assignment in my Digital Design in Computer Applications class at Iowa State University. I was inspired by men's vintage university attire and preppy styles, focusing on classic silhouettes with different textures and materials.

For this project, I digitally created the patterns and tech flats for two pairs of pants, one in denim and one in corduroy, along with a men's sweater with pockets. I wanted the different fabrics and silhouettes to work together while still keeping the collection feeling classic and collegiate.

Seductive Nostalgia

Seductive Nostalgia is a design board I created in Intro to Apparel Design at Iowa State University. The goal of this assignment was to select a garment from the Textile and Clothing Museum at ISU and use it as inspiration for two new looks.

I selected a 1938 pink and green wedding dress and used its color palette, romantic details, and vintage styling as the starting point for a lingerie and sleepwear collection. Rather than recreating the original dress, I wanted to take the historical elements and translate them into something more modern while keeping the same feminine feeling.

Year of the Horse

Year of the Horse is my final mini design line for my Intro to Apparel Design class at Iowa State University. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which is associated with confidence and energy, and I wanted to translate those qualities into a fashion collection.

I incorporated horse hair and fur materials to naturally tie into the theme while leaning into western-inspired silhouettes. When developing the line, I wanted each look to have a different purpose: a trendy outfit, a going-out look, and a more casual look. This allowed me to explore how one concept could be translated across different types of garments while still creating a cohesive collection.

REWORKED

As one of the sewing interns for Preservation, a slow vintage and modern boutique in Des Moines, Iowa, I worked on REWORKED, the segment of the brand focused on modifying, repairing, and reimagining secondhand and vintage clothing.

I started with a mini vintage modification line including a denim blazer, button-down set, cape, and shirt. I then developed the Tatum Pouch collection, where I patterned a bag and made nine drawstring bags with tassels using old dresses.

For the Fastened Button Down collection, I collaborated with the other sewing intern, Sophia, to rework ten button-downs by completely altering the fronts and creating a gathered pinch detail through the center. Our final REWORKED collection was the Tactical Collection, where we used vintage military pieces, denim, and other durable garments along with grommets and embellishments to transform existing pieces into more wearable clothing.

Throughout REWORKED, I focused on finding new ways to use existing garments while maintaining their character and creating something that could be worn again.

Elegance

Selected for The Fashion Show 2026

I designed “Elegance” as my first project in patternmaking at Iowa State University, and it was also selected to walk in The Fashion Show 2026. I wanted to create a dress inspired by bridal elements and timeless, classic styles without making a traditional wedding dress. Instead, I designed something a bride could wear to a bridal shower or another bridal event.

I took inspiration from 50’s dresses, especially the mid-calf to knee-length silhouette, and developed a drop-waist V-neck top with princess seams paired with a box-pleated skirt. I love how elegant silk and satin look on a bride, so I wanted to incorporate that feeling through the fabric choice and an off-white color palette.

This project was especially important to me because it was my first time taking a design from an initial concept through pattern development and into a finished garment.

Working Woman

I designed “Working Woman” in my patternmaking class at Iowa State University. The project was inspired by a highly career-driven woman who loves her morning coffee, which naturally led me to use coffee as part of the color story. I focused on browns and white to create a neutral palette using different shades of coffee.

The designs combine masculinity and femininity through structured tailoring and more fitted silhouettes. The espresso brown blazer features princess seams and a warm caramel coffee-colored lining, paired with a fitted white collared button-down that also uses princess seams. I designed the coordinating trousers with a wide-leg silhouette, mid-rise waist, and overlapping waistband.

I wanted the final looks to feel polished and professional while still having personality through the color palette, fit, and construction details.

MASKED

TREND Magazine Issue 37 — Noctulume

I served as a Couture Director for TREND Magazine at Iowa State University during Noctulume Issue 37. Couture’s “MASKED” was originally inspired by my concept “Volturi” and was further developed through collaboration with the committee I led.

The concept explored the darker side of fantasy through Victorian-era vampires, hidden identities, and the idea of creating your own kind. We created masks inspired by nocturnal animals to connect the vampire concept to the nighttime setting. I also worked with the ISU Costume Shop on styling the models in Victorian-inspired dresses and jackets, while collaborating with multiple TREND committees to bring the final spread together.

Dichotomous

TREND Magazine Issue 35 — RADAR

As a committee member for Runway TREND Magazine Issue 35 RADAR, “DICHOTOMOUS” was developed around eerie feelings, twins, mirroring objects, and the contrast between opposites.

We played with the idea of a good twin and an evil twin, using lighter colors for one character and darker colors for the other to create a visual contrast between the two. I assisted with styling four models and helped with shoot-day production across multiple locations.

Grow Up!

TREND Magazine Issue 35 — RADAR

As a committee member for Story Styling TREND Magazine Issue 35 RADAR, “Grow Up!” played with the idea that your personal style has to grow up and become more mature as you age.

We intentionally took a retired or senior model and styled her in bright colors, playful outfits, unexpected settings, and off-putting locations to challenge that idea. I assisted with model scouting and styling, along with helping behind the scenes on shoot day.

BOARDROOM

TREND Magazine Issue 36 — The Living Issue

As a committee member for Ready-to-Wear TREND Magazine Issue 36 The Living Issue, “BOARDROOM” was inspired by office life and the clothing associated with it.

The styling focused on taking recognizable workwear and creating cohesive looks for seven models. I assisted with styling, model selection, posing, props, and shoot-day duties to help bring the concept together for the final editorial.