Welcome to an exclusive interview with the visionary fashion designer, Victoria Tom, whose exquisite creations have graced closets across the Caribbean, and now the MRKT community around the world. In this captivating discussion, we delve into her creative process, inspirations, and the essence of her designs that are now part of our esteemed collection. At MRKT, we are committed to sharing the inspiring work of global majority artists, and in particular their attention to artistry, as reflected in every piece we curate.
Headshot of Victoria Tom, courtesy of artist.
MRKT: What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design, and do you feel your upbringing influenced this decision? (If yes, how so?)
VT: I’m not sure. I’ve always enjoyed getting dressed and watching my mother get dressed. We always had fashion magazines around, and I loved flipping through them—they fascinated me.
MRKT: Could you bring to life your upbringing in Trinidad and Tobago a bit and explain what you mean by the ‘playfulness of island living’?
VT: Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I spent a lot of time outdoors, in nature, and by the ocean. There’s a sense of playfulness in how we interact with our environment and each other. Some of my fondest memories are with my siblings and cousins on the beach. Even as an adult, being in nature feels playful to me, especially now when so much of life happens online. The natural beauty of Trinidad and Tobago, its colours, and how the built environment blends with nature—all of it inspires that sense of joy and freedom.
MRKT: Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new collection or design?
VT: It usually starts with something I feel is missing from my wardrobe or something someone has mentioned they struggle to find. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling I get from a place or music. I start by sketching, then looking for fabrics, making a sample, and tweaking until it feels right. I think a lot about how the piece will feel on the body, the colour, and its versatility—how it can be styled in different ways, dressed up or down.
Image of Victoria Tom next to collection, courtesy of artist.
MRKT: Sustainability and environmental consciousness seem to be a key focus in your work. How does this philosophy shape your approach to making?
VT: I try to keep things simple. I avoid waste, prefer using natural fibers like linen, and everything is made in small batches by a very small team. My goal is to create pieces people will love and want to keep for a long time.
MRKT: What challenges have you faced in building your brand, and what advice would you give to other creatives or small business owners starting out?
VT: The clothing industry feels oversaturated, and I sometimes struggle with the idea of making more when there’s already so much out there. There’s also pressure to constantly create, meet expectations, and put out new things, which can be overwhelming. Being in Trinidad adds its own challenges, like sourcing materials and supplies. My advice is to focus on your vision, pace yourself, and stay true to what you want to create—don’t let others dictate your path.
Explore more of Victoria Tom's work, here at the MRKT.