Fabrice Tardieu

Miami, FL – March 20, 2015 – Absolut Elyx partners with brands and ambassadors with substance, integrity and style so it only seemed fitting that Elyx along with the Thompson Miami Beach, would welcome Fabrice Tardieu and his first ever Miami Pop Up Shop to the 1930’s house. To express the cultural tone and language of Elyx the brand has defined a creative language that matches that of raw luxury, and this was apparent everywhere from the amazing clothing and shoes to the three delicious specialty cocktails created for the evening. Guest enjoyed Elyx On the Rock, Dark Horse, and vesper martinis while shopping Tardieu’s styles amongst Miami’s fashion crowd.

Fabrice Tardieu has been involved in the fashion industry for over a decade. Beginning his career at Giorgio Armani in France, Tardieu rose through the ranks to hold the title of Head of Sales and Distribution for France and the French Caribbean, doubling sales in just two seasons.  With countless years of international travel and work experience alongside the fashion industry’s top names and influencers, Tardieu learned the ins and outs of the business, design and management, driving him to move beyond sales and into creating a fashion brand that would reinvent the menswear market. In 2014, Fabrice Tardieu launched his first namesake collection of meticulously handcrafted luxury menswear with the Fall/Winter 2014 collection in Miami. Currently available at select Neiman Marcus locations across the U.S., the collection is inspired by the multi-cultural energy of Miami as well as New York City, Paris and London street-cultures. The brand fuses times, places and essences, relentlessly cutting, threading and intermixing materials that Tardieu brings to his workshop in Italy, where his visions are fashioned with European craftsmanship.

Before presenting his Miami Pop Up to a slew of South Florida’s top trendsetters, we had the opportunity to catch up with Tardieu and hear a bit about his latest looks as well as how he has developed such a unique, show-stopping brand.

WRE: You were born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, how has that culture influenced your design aesthetic?

FT: My Haitian heritage greatly influences my design aesthetic. I make sure to use colors in all my collections year-round. It’s very important to me to offer bright options even during the coldest seasons.

WRE: What was the inspiration for your latest Spring/Summer 2015 collection?

FT: I’m inspired mainly by my travels and the places I have called home. Miami’s culture and vibrancy played a major part in my inspiration for the SS’15 collection. You’ll notice I’ve incorporated palm tree prints into blazers and shorts as an ode to the place I call home.

WRE: What is your favorite piece from the collection? And why?

FT: I can’t pick a favorite piece because I believe this my best collection yet. But If I had to pick a piece I would decide depending on where I was going. If I was going to lunch in Miami, I would wear the flower and palm tree printed blazer and matching shorts.

WRE: What sets your brand apart from other brands?

FT: Fabrice Tardieu offers a level of craftsmanship at an affordable price point but maintains the luxury.

WRE: Describe the kind of person who is rocking your clothing?

FT: I envision a man who appreciates comfort and wants to be relevant to today’s fashion. He is a traveler, businessman (with or without a tie) and always makes a lasting impression as soon as he steps into a room.

Fabrice Tardieu

I love Miami style, that’s where I get my inspiration.

Fabrice Tardieu

WRE: What are your favorite fabrics to work with?

FT: I have a thing for leather, poplin and of course cashmere fabrics.

WRE: What has been a common theme throughout all of your collections?

FT: I add my personal touches into details such as zippers or unique stitching.

WRE: Do you see the brand expanding into women’s clothing?

FT: Absolutely, it is a major part of my brand expansion

WRE: What was one of the most memorable moments of your fashion career thus far?

FT: It would have to be when the VP of Neiman Marcus Men’s viewed my collection and placed an order for a number of their locations.

WRE: Let’s talk about Spring fashion, what’s one item everyone in South Florida needs in their closet?

FT: It is hard for me to just pick one, so I would have to say definitely my python skin tassel sneakers and Mona Lisa sweater inspired by the Mona Lisa at The Louvre.

WRE: What are your thoughts on Miami’s style? What could we use more of? Less of?

FT: I love Miami style, that’s where I get my inspiration. I think Miamians could use more sophisticated footwear options that offer a cool and classic look. I can get used to seeing less shirts with front buttons and less colorful detailing.

WRE: Fabrice Tardieu is in Neiman Marcus locations throughout the US. Does this latest pop-up give us any hope you will open up a free standing store here in Miami?

FT: Miami for me is home, so I envision a flagship store that will carry a men and the women’s line when both are ready.

WRE: Where do you see the brand 10 years from now?

FT: I see Fabrice Tardieu as a collection expanding into women’s and possible children. I hope to also open retail locations around the world.

Bruce Taylor & Fabrice Tardieu

Fabrice Tardieu & Amaris Jones

Ronal Rigaud, Anael Francillon, Fabrice Tardieu, & Kenly Silencieux

DJ Ethics

Fabrice Tardieu & Patricia Delinois

Helen Symonova & Didier Theard

Nicole Bostick, Andrew Rosen, Fabrice Tardieu, & Lauren Maillian