The Founder of Tibi Discusses the Most Adaptable Piece in Her Closet.

      Welcome to The Who What Wear Podcast, your direct connection to the designers, stylists, beauty specialists, editors, and influencers shaping the fashion and beauty landscape. Be sure to subscribe to The Who What Wear Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

      In the latest episode, Tibi's founder Amy Smilovic discusses the fashion risks worth taking.

      You can watch on YouTube.

      Amy Smilovic, the founder and creative director of Tibi, finds inspiration in an instant. "It can strike quickly, but you need to step away from your world—in your office or in front of your computer. You must go outside," Smilovic shared. "That’s how to accelerate the process." In this episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, she talks about the design process for new collections, her motivation for writing her second book, *Almost Reckless*, her most versatile wardrobe piece, and more. To read excerpts from the complete conversation, scroll down.

      Could you provide some background on Tibi and its core values?

      Tibi is a global and independent brand, and it has always been that way. I launched it in 1997 while living in Hong Kong. As we approach our 30th anniversary, we become the oldest and longest-standing independent designer brand in America. There aren't many independent brands left, and it's truly focused on ready-to-wear, sportswear—elements we cherish. It’s a highly creative-driven company, participating in New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week twice a year, and that’s the extent of it.

      How did you come to write this second book? Who was your intended audience?

      I wrote *Almost Reckless* to assist people in regaining their intuition or refining their instincts. This is crucial now, as we're inundated with AI and drowning in data, with algorithms presenting seemingly definitive paths. I don't subscribe to that viewpoint; when we disregard our instincts and rely solely on algorithms, we risk viewing life through a rearview mirror. *Almost Reckless* helps individuals clarify what success means to them, enabling them to deeply engage with those definitions and use the concepts as guardrails for forging their own paths. Once you grasp your identity and establish your principles, you can move forward at a pace that may seem reckless to others, yet brings a sense of assurance in being unique.

      I understand you're preparing to launch the fall '26 collection and its fundamentals. Can you share your design approach for a new collection? Do you actively seek inspiration, or does it come to you organically?

      Inspiration strikes when it strikes. One moment you're on a train and see a book cover that leaves you wondering, "What is that book? What's its title? What colors are those?" Before you know it, you're on a creative roll. It can happen that quickly, but stepping outside your usual environment is essential—in your office or in front of your computer. You must get outside to expedite the process. Traci [Bui-Amar] and I utilize a Canva setup to compile ideas. Often, I'm trying to persuade her about something she isn't initially convinced by, or vice versa.

      What’s the most versatile item in your wardrobe right now?

      I would say it’s probably a pair of wide-leg nylon trousers. They present a sporty look as well as a polished one. I can adapt them into joggers or roll them up. The essentials I can’t live without are found in our fundamentals. When an item becomes designated as a fundamental, it has proven itself worthy of a permanent place in my closet. While nothing lasts forever, receiving that designation is significant for that piece.

      This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.