biography Fifth generation of a wool growing family from outback Queensland, Australian fashion designer Tia Carrigan is determined to use her eponymous label to promote and reinvigorate the Australian natural fibre industry.Childhood memories watching and participating in the wool growing process on her family’s property near Goondiwindi impressed upon Tia, and since graduating from fashion college, her collections are hallmarked by their use of quality Australian Merino wool.Across trends, but not unduly influenced by them, Tia’'s first and foremost priority is to create garments that are bound for longevity through timeless styles, quality manufacturing, and ultimately their ability to flatter the female form.Tia graduated in 2004 from Queensland’s Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE with an Advanced Diploma of Textiles Clothing and Footwear.Since this time she has been heavily awarded for her outstanding designs and in 2004 a beaded cream calico evening gown won her the national Australian Young Designer in Cotton Award.Along with the prestige, as part of the award Tia was given the opportunity to spend a month in Milan where she completed an internship with Italian fashion house Trussardi.While the experience was insightful, it deepened her desire to remain true to her heritage and establish an Australian designed and manufactured label.Tia set up studio in an abandoned town hall outside her local community and it was from here the Tia Carrigan was launched.Determination and passion for her craft ensured that Tia's rural location did not impede her growth and it was not long before Tia Carrigan obtained stockists in Brisbane and Goondiwindi.In 2007, a maternity range created by Tia won the prestigious Supreme Excellence Award at the Australian Wool Fashion Awards.At the same awards in 2008, Tia won the Semi Professional category and received a highly commended medallion in the Collection category.Following these successes a personal invitation to participate in the 2008 Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane was extended to Tia and her collection Ink Block Mentality, received critical acclaim.In 2009 Tia made the decision to leave the serene, rural environment that had fostered her early creative energies, and moved her studio to Brisbane.Tia has also been invited to be the fashion partner at numerous functions and showings, placed ninth out of almost 50 designers in a national fashion competition voted by the public, and has submitted installations at two significant invitation only exhibitions.2009 saw Tia enter the prestigious invitation only Design Award at the world renowned Melbourne Cup in Flemington, coming home with the 1st Runner Up prize. Invited again to enter in 2010, Tia made the Top Ten and then in 2011 took out the top prize of Overall Winner with a classically styled outfit teamed with a modern, vibrant print designed herself.In January 2011, Tia started on a different path to gain experience in the business side of the fashion industry. She started casual work at a Brisbane clothing importer/wholesaler where she is still currently employed and is involved in various duties including office administration, reception and customer service, graphic design, warehouse management and offshore manufacturing.Tias signature design elements are jersey and stretch fabrics teamed with her unique, hand designed and painted prints creating vibrant yet comfortable clothes. Her passion for painting and creating her own prints sees Tia striving to develop visually unique and exciting garments.
