Sweet Talk With Designer Tyler McGillivary

Designer Tyler McGillivary has never been one to play it safe, and thank goodness for that. Known for her whimsical prints, candy-coloured palettes, and silhouettes that turn everyday dressing into a form of self-expression, the New York–based creative has carved out a space where fashion meets fun, with zero apologies.

Her latest capsule, Sweet Treat, is a sugary love letter to bubblegum wrappers, birthday cake frosting, and the after-school snacks of our dreams. Packed with playful details like cherry-bead embellishments, ribbon lace-ups, and surreal graphics, it’s nostalgia reimagined for the now. We caught up with Tyler to chat about the inspiration behind the collection, her design process, and what’s next for the ever-whimsical world of TMG. —Vicki Duong

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in fashion?

I’ve always loved turning ideas into something real. Art and design felt natural to me early on, and fashion became the way to make imagination wearable. After studying design, I wanted to create clothing that felt vivid and full of personality. 

What drew you to designing clothing, and how did the Tyler McGillivary brand come to life?

Clothing is such a personal form of expression. I loved the idea that you can share a feeling or point of view without saying anything. The brand grew out of wanting to offer something playful but intentional, pieces that feel special and easy to wear.

How would you describe your design aesthetic in a few words?

Vibrant, curious, and a bit surreal. 

What inspired the Sweet Treat capsule? Was there a specific memory or moment that sparked it?

The Sweet Treat capsule was inspired by trips to Economy Candy on the Lower East Side. I’ve always been drawn to the stacks of chocolate bars and the vintage wrapping on all the sweets there. There’s a feeling of nostalgia inherent in candy and dessert because it feels so strongly attached to childhood and memories of wanting nothing more than an after-dinner treat. 

The collection taps into such a strong sense of nostalgia. What are some of your earliest “sweet treat” memories?

Ah exactly!! Personally, candy is so strongly linked me to Halloween, which happens to be one of my absolute favorite holidays. I think there’s something so inspiring about the branding of candy and how directly it’s intended to appeal to a child’s sensibility and wonder at the world. I’m always trying to tap into the pureness of that mindset and those themes and colors. Another memory I always return to is a photograph of Chloe Sevigny blowing a bubblegum bubble in a sort of mod brocade dress. That was the peak of inspiration to me in middle school– serious and playful all at once. 

From bubblegum graphics to cherry beads, the details in this collection are so playful. Do you have a favourite piece or design feature?

I really love the cherry beads hanging from the strings of our Cherry Flounce Skirt and the Cake Print on our cake pieces. We collected a bunch of old cake magazines and reworked them into a print that feels really fun and novel to me. 

Your prints always feel so original and personal. What does the design process look like for you, from sketch to final garment?

It starts with a clear idea or theme, then lots of visual research. From there, I refine, play with color, and think about how the print will sit on the body. It’s all about making sure each piece feels intentional but still a little unexpected.

You launched your label in 2018 with a bold, colourful aesthetic. How has your vision evolved since then?

I think the main difference is that we have become infinitely more print focused and our textile design has become much more intentional and descriptive. When I started the brand, I was heavily inspired by art and furniture design and particularly the Memphis Design movement and the resurgence of it that was taking over a lot of decor schemes. A lot of the prints were abstract and playful.Today, the prints focus on narrative and worldbuilding. They have matured alongside me, it feels. 

What role does storytelling play in your collections, and what story were you hoping to tell with Sweet Treat?

Storytelling is the heart of the brand – with the Sweet Treat capsule, it’s about savoring small pleasures, and leaning into color and whimsy, without restraint.

You’ve mentioned that every piece starts with a feeling. What feeling do you hope people walk away with after wearing this collection?

Joyfulness. 

What’s next for you and the TMG brand? Any hints at what’s coming after dessert?

We have a High Summer collection dropping on July 18th. It’s inspired heavily by one of my all time favorite movies, Belladonna of Sadness, and other cartoon worlds.