Tara Marita Rivas is 23-years-old and she just launched her first clothing collection under the label TMR, an acronym for the designers initials. With a fresh perspective, Rivas’ fall collection offers versatility for hustling Toronto professionals. Her pieces are named after uptown and posh Toronto streets that the designer grew familiar with as a city girl herself. The Davenport blazer is a great wardrobe staple, with a mesh cut out detail along the side seam. The Brant top, Liberty top, Mercer jacket and Roxborough vest an indicator of the designer’s favourite Toronto hot spots.
Photos by, Ruby Wray – TMR Brant Top, $160
All designed and manufactured in Toronto, the contemporary womenswear line is the perfect balance between corporate and cool with the comfort to take working Toronto women from the office to a night out. Women can lead double lives with reversible pieces like TMR’s Portland Dress in merlot and charcoal.
TMR Portland Dress, reversible in merlot and charcoal, $240
Sourced locally with heavy-weight materials like leather, contrasted with light-weight mesh cutouts gives the collection the adaptability to transition for one season to the next. A colour palate of black, cream, charcoal, olive and merlot lends to Rivas’ subdued pragmatic approach to offer Torontonians what they want—a collection that encapsulates the young entrepreneur.
With a hands-on approach to the collection, Tara said she went to the fittings herself. It’s no wonder that the line seamlessly complements her style and grace. TMR’s collection revitalizes black mesh and elevates it to an otherwise rare elegance. Tara agreed she is a fan of her own work, “I love that,” she said about the Hazelton jacket, a fitted black mesh unbelted trench style coat that hangs perfectly. My thoughts exactly.
The Hazelton Jacket
The young designer studied art history at Western University until she realized it wasn’t her calling. At an early age, Rivas showed an interest in fashion—she even envisioned having her own store, her parents confirmed.
Tara describes her father, Ruben, as her big motivator when making the leap to design her own collection. “Go do it, go follow your dreams,” Ruben said at the launch about when his daughter was considering taking a different career path.
Designer, Tara Rivas, middle, with friends at the TMR Launch party
Looking around the packed TMR Launch party at Montecito restaurant at John St. and Adelaide St. it is apparent that Rivas is on the road to success. At the launch, you could see the glow of support from her friends, family and work associates—behind this young woman are people that truly believe in her talent. Rivas is following her dreams and making them a reality.
It’s the first glimpse into Tara’s vision, but this made in Canada collection will leave you hankering for more next season. The TMR fall/winter collection will be available at local specialty store, Shopgirls Gallery Boutique at 1342 Queen St. West that carries all Canadian designers and at the INLAND pop up on September 26 & 27 at 99 Sudbury St. that promotes Canadian-made fashion. You can also visit the TMR website here.