Debuting her designs at Tucson Fashion Week, emerging designer Anine Paulsen said fashion has always been a prominent interest of hers.

The designer learned to sew throughout her early 20s from her grandmother, who Paulsen said has always been an excellent seamstress.

“I started out just sketching garments, and when I found an old sewing machine in the attic, I tried to bring those drawings to life using fabric-like materials we had at home, like curtains and bed sheets,” Paulsen said.

Fashion has always been Paulsen’s primary way of expressing herself to the world — she said the art medium not only influences how people feel about themselves, but also how they perceive others.

As for TFW, Paulsen’s collection draws on elements from the late ’90s — Paulsen’s childhood. She said she has always loved ’90s style. 

She also finds inspiration from the city of Tucson itself.

“There is so much color, art and life here, and that’s definitely had an impact in my designs,” Paulsen said. “There is not a single black piece in my collection … I think it’s a very fun, romantic and girly collection.”

Paulsen’s previous designs have been featured in Norwegian magazines, but TFW was her first try at a runway show, and the first time she produced a full collection rather than single outfit concepts, at that.

Her own designs are unique because of their eclectic streetwear-fantasy looks, which she thinks can be worn from the runway into real life, Paulsen said.

“I think people need to take more risks with the way they’re dressing and have a little more fun with it.” 

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