Cayman designer eyes Hollywood’s fashionistas

(CNS): Local fashion designer Tamara Tigerlily Hill, based in Los Angeles, and already enjoying popularity in Hollywood will be debuting her spring 2010 collection in a few weeks. Following an injection of funds from the Cayman Angel Investor Network (CAIN), Crown Atelier, the brand name under which Hill’s clothing is marketed she has been able to put together a new collection. Described by Hill as feminine, flirty, sophisticated and affordable the spring collection, Hill says, includes a fresh take on mini dresses, blazers, shorts, rompers and cropped lambskin leather jackets.

“I’ve used luxurious fabrics with unexpected details like ruffles, beautiful stitching and strong shoulders, this adds dimension and personality to each piece,” Hill said. Having worked as a wardrobe stylist who focused on print editorials, red carpet assignments and music videos Hill has the experience to settrends, not follow them.

CAIN investor, Tom McCallum has nothing but high praise for this young entrepreneur. "Tamara first came to the attention of the Cayman Angel Investor Network through an introduction from the CIIB. Whilst CAIN’s focus is primarily on businesses that a) we as a group have knowledge of and experience in, and b) are based in Cayman, Tamara’s "pitch" was most impressive,” McCallum said. “She is qualified and experienced in fashion design, plus she also has qualifications and experience international finance, so her business plan and presentation to us was first class.”

Having discovered a keen affinity for fashion from as far back as she can remember Hill started her line in 2006 when she partnered with a university classmate. She later became a Cayman Islands Investment Bureau client and when she approached the agency about investment funding, Executive Director Dr. Dax Basdeo put her in touch with the angel investor group CAIN. 

That subsequent injection of capital allowed Hill to further develop Crown Atelier operations and meet the additional costs imposed from accepting orders as she can now finance the production side of things. 

“My business now has prospects of continuity and a dream is now a reality,” Hill said about the investment she received.

Crown Atelier clothing can be found in all the rage Beverly Hills stores like Swirl Boutique, Shop Amelie and Rouge. Select Nordstrom chains will carry the line in February 2010 and she continues to add boutique outlets in other states over time, the most recent being Colorado and Arizona.  For more information on product distribution, check for website updates at www.crownatelier.com.