Hudson Weekly Magazine welcomes you to an exclusive conversation exploring the dynamic intersection of visual media and apparel design. We sat down with Javier Tabarés García to discuss his exceptional journey through the creative industries. Javier represents a modern breed of creative professionals who seamlessly blend technical apparel construction with compelling digital storytelling. He has established a unique footprint in the competitive global apparel market.
Javier graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2022 with a perfect academic record. His academic excellence set a strong foundation for his multifaceted career. He quickly transitioned into the professional sphere. He currently works at Brandon Maxwell in a design role and also serves as an Atelier Coordinator. This role demands precise attention to detail and a profound understanding of garment manufacturing. He has navigated various roles within the same company since 2022. He started as an intern and moved through production and design assistant positions. This steady progression demonstrates his remarkable work ethic and creative reliability.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Javier built a powerful personal brand. He launched his own online store at the age of nineteen. This early entrepreneurial venture showcased his ambition and intrinsic understanding of digital commerce. He expanded his digital presence significantly over the years. He currently commands an audience of nearly 120 thousand followers on his TikTok account. This massive platform allows him to share his creative process directly with a global audience. He also leverages his content creation skills professionally. He previously managed social media engagement for ShopShops and created content for the Brandon Maxwell accounts.
His visual artistry extends deeply into photography and art direction. Over the past three years, Javier cultivated a distinct visual language for two Korean apparel brands. He collaborated closely with Troo Lee and Yooel. These sisters founded Trooel and The Innrs. Javier directed, styled, and photographed multiple campaigns for them. His photographic concept places casually dressed models in remarkably mundane environments. He captures them washing cars, waiting for buses, or walking down hotel hallways. This juxtaposition creates a visually arresting experience for the consumer.
His classical piano training in Spain and Canada adds another layer to his creative identity. This musical background informs his sense of rhythm and proportion in visual arts. Javier also possesses extensive technical skills. He is highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Clo3D digital garment making software, and traditional pattern making. He speaks Spanish, English, and Catalan fluently. This linguistic versatility aids his international collaborations.
Today, we explore his creative philosophy, his rigorous technical background, and his vision for the future of visual storytelling. We delve into the mind of a truly versatile artist.
D’Arcy Sardone: You have achieved remarkable success across multiple disciplines since graduating from Parsons in 2022. How do you balance your roles as a designer, photographer, and content creator?
Javier Tabarés: These different roles serve as extensions of the same creative impulse. Rather than separating my mind into different compartments for design and photography, every project is approached with a unified vision. When sketching a garment, the final photograph simultaneously takes shape in my mind, encompassing the lighting, the model, and the environment. Ultimately, this holistic approach prevents any sense of overwhelm.
To accommodate these various disciplines, maintaining a strictly organized schedule is essential. Specific days are dedicated to technical design work at the atelier, while others are reserved entirely for photography editing or content planning. Separating tasks in this manner allows for deep focus on the immediate requirement. In fact, moving between different media actively prevents creative burnout; photography inspires my design choices, and a thorough knowledge of garment construction elevates the final styling.
D’Arcy Sardone: You started your own online store when you were only nineteen years old. What motivated you to launch a business so early in your career?
Javier Tabarés: An intense desire to share my creations with the world immediately drove that decision. Waiting for permission or validation from the established industry simply was not an option. Driven by a need to understand the entire product lifecycle, the basics of web design and digital marketing had to be self-taught. Everything was managed firsthand, from designing the pieces and sourcing materials to sewing the garments and handling the shipping.
That early venture provided invaluable lessons about the reality of the business. It became clear that designing beautiful clothes is only one small part of the equation; understanding the customer and communicating a vision effectively are equally vital. As a result, this experience forged a much stronger foundation for my career. Today, the end consumer and the work’s commercial viability are always at the forefront of my design process.
D’Arcy Sardone: Your TikTok account has grown to nearly 120 thousand followers. How did you approach building such a substantial audience?
Javier Tabarés: Focusing entirely on authenticity and educational value was the primary strategy. It became clear early on that people wanted to see the reality behind the glamorous facade of the fashion industry. By sharing the genuine process, both successes and frustrations were put on display. This included documenting late nights in the studio alongside complex pattern drafting techniques.
Maintaining a very consistent posting schedule was also crucial. After analyzing which types of content resonated most with viewers, a strong interest in technical construction and behind-the-scenes footage became apparent. Consequently, videos were tailored to highlight these specific aspects, complemented by active engagement with the community in the comments section. Building this platform required immense dedication, yet it ultimately fostered an incredible, direct connection with people who appreciate the craft.
D’Arcy Sardone: You have worked with Brandon Maxwell since 2022, progressing from an intern to Junior Designer and Atelier Coordinator. How has this environment shaped your professional development?
Javier Tabarés: Brandon Maxwell provided me with an unparalleled education in luxury garment construction. There, the absolute necessity of precision and flawless execution became clear, as the atelier environment demands nothing short of perfection. Observing master craftspeople manipulate fabric in unimaginable ways made it possible to absorb every detail regarding fit, proportion, and finishing techniques.
Furthermore, progressing through different roles yielded a comprehensive understanding of the company as a whole. Working in production taught the mechanics of scaling designs for manufacturing, while a subsequent transition into design assistance revealed how to translate abstract concepts into tangible collections. Today, serving as Junior Designer and Atelier Coordinator requires merging creative vision with logistical management. This dual responsibility ensures that the atelier runs smoothly while simultaneously contributing to the seasonal collections.
D’Arcy Sardone: Let us discuss your ongoing collaboration with Trooel and The Innrs. How did you connect with the founders, Troo Lee and Yooel?
Javier Tabarés: We connected through a mutual appreciation for subtle, refined aesthetics. I admired their vision for modernizing classic wardrobes. They appreciated my photographic style and my understanding of garment presentation. We started discussing potential collaborations and quickly realized our creative philosophies aligned perfectly. We wanted to create a visual language that felt entirely authentic and distinct.
I began creative directing and photographing their campaigns. We established a deep trust very quickly. They gave me significant creative freedom to interpret their collections. I understood their goal of blending comfort with bold designs. I translated this concept into the visual narratives for both brands. Working with Troo and Yoo el has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far.
D’Arcy Sardone: Your campaign photography for these brands features models in mundane environments, such as car washes or bus stops. What inspired this specific artistic direction?
Javier Tabarés: The goal was to challenge the traditional conventions of luxury presentation. Excessive glamour and artificial studio settings often feel somewhat disconnected from reality, whereas highlighting the beauty in everyday moments offers a much more compelling narrative. True style remains evident regardless of the setting. In fact, when a beautifully crafted garment is placed in a mundane environment, the resulting contrast actively elevates the clothing.
To achieve this, the models were styled casually but meticulously and placed in locations like hotel rooms, beaches, or ordinary hallways. The garments stand out precisely because the environment feels so familiar and grounded. Ultimately, this approach makes the clothing feel accessible yet aspirational, suggesting that the wearer carries their elegance with them wherever they go.
D’Arcy Sardone: How does your background as a trained apparel designer influence your approach to fashion photography?
Javier Tabarés: My design background provides a distinct advantage behind the camera. Because of my training, there is an innate understanding of exactly how fabric should behave and which angles will best highlight a specific cut or drape. Upon observing a garment, its most important design feature becomes immediately apparent, allowing the photograph’s structure to be centered around emphasizing that specific detail.
Furthermore, this technical expertise includes knowing exactly how to adjust the model’s clothing for the perfect fit. Rather than relying entirely on a stylist, the garments can be pinned and tucked with construction-level precision. This deep knowledge makes it possible to capture the clothing exactly as the designer intended, effectively bridging the gap between the physical object and the two-dimensional image.
D’Arcy Sardone: You secured an exclusive photoshoot for PAP Magazine. Can you share the conceptual process behind that specific project?
Javier Tabarés: The PAP Magazine editorial provided an opportunity to explore a more avant-garde aesthetic. The primary goal was to create a narrative centered around identity and duplication for a project titled Multi Me. To cultivate a slightly surreal atmosphere, specific lighting techniques were utilized, ensuring the resulting images felt both cinematic and slightly unsettling.
Creative direction, styling, and photography were managed entirely independently. Garments featuring strong, architectural silhouettes were deliberately selected, and the models were instructed to adopt very rigid, structured poses. Although the entire process required intense concentration and meticulous planning, seeing the final spread published ultimately validated my belief in a distinct visual perspective.
D’Arcy Sardone: You dressed the musician Stevie Bill for The Knockturnal, featuring your 2022 collection. What is the difference between designing for a musician versus a traditional model?
Javier Tabarés: Designing for a musician requires a deep understanding of their personal brand and physical movement. Because a musician must perform and project energy to an audience, the clothing becomes a crucial part of their storytelling. Before selecting the pieces, considerable time was spent analyzing Stevie Bill and her musical style to ensure the garments would amplify her natural charisma.
While models generally act as blank canvases to showcase the designer’s vision, musicians bring their own strong identity to the wardrobe. A symbiotic relationship must be created between the garment and the artist. The clothing needs to allow for dynamic movement without losing its structural integrity. Ultimately, working with Stevie was an incredible experience because her energy truly brought the garments to life.
D’Arcy Sardone: You worked as a dresser for the Balenciaga Resort Spring 2023 show at the New York Stock Exchange. What did you learn from the backstage chaos of such a massive production?
Javier Tabarés: The Balenciaga show taught me the importance of extreme organization under intense pressure. The environment backstage is incredibly fast-paced and unforgiving. You must know exactly what you are doing at every single moment. I learned how to handle delicate, complex garments with speed and precision.
I also observed the immaculate choreography of a major international runway show. Every person backstage played a critical role in the final presentation. I witnessed the intense focus of the creative director and the styling team. This experience gave me a profound respect for the logistical mastery required to execute a vision on that scale. It inspired me to bring that same level of rigor to my own projects.
D’Arcy Sardone: You are highly proficient in Clo3D. How do you see digital garment-making software changing the future of the industry?
Javier Tabarés: Clo3D revolutionizes the entire prototyping process. It eliminates massive amounts of physical waste. I can iterate a design dozens of times digitally before cutting a single piece of fabric. I can test different textiles, check the drape, and adjust the fit instantly. This technology dramatically accelerates the design timeline.
I believe digital design will become absolutely mandatory for major brands. It provides incredible sustainability benefits by reducing sample production. It also allows for much clearer communication between design teams and factories. I use Clo3D constantly to refine my ideas. It serves as an incredibly powerful tool that enhances traditional pattern-making skills rather than replacing them.
D’Arcy Sardone: You underwent extensive classical piano training for over thirteen years. Does this musical background influence your visual or design work?
Javier Tabarés: Classical music fundamentally shaped my understanding of structure and discipline. I studied piano in Spain and Canada for many years. Learning a complex sonata requires breaking the piece down into fundamental components. You must master the basic rhythm before you can express emotion. I apply this exact methodology to my design process.
Music also instilled in me a deep appreciation for proportion and harmony. A well-designed collection flows like a musical composition. You need moments of quiet simplicity mixed with crescendos of intense detail. When I edit my photographs or video content, I often cut the visuals precisely to the rhythm of the underlying track. Music remains a constant source of inspiration for all my creative output.
D’Arcy Sardone: During your time at ShopShops, you achieved a three-thousand percent engagement growth on their TikTok. What specific strategies drove this massive increase?
Javier Tabarés: The content strategy was completely overhauled to focus on dynamic, visually stimulating narratives. Traditional, static promotional videos were phased out in favor of fast-paced editing and highly engaging hooks. By capitalizing on trending audio formats while maintaining the core brand message, the resulting content felt truly native to the platform.
Heavy emphasis was also placed on community interaction. Video responses to user comments were created, and user-generated content was actively encouraged. Furthermore, daily metrics analysis helped pinpoint exactly when the audience was most active. Ultimately, this data-driven approach, combined with creative storytelling, triggered the algorithmic surge, proving that brands can achieve explosive growth if they respect the language of the platform.
D’Arcy Sardone: You maintain a very impressive academic record, graduating with a perfect grade point average from Parsons. How did you maintain this standard while working freelance jobs?
Javier Tabarés: Maintaining that standard required extreme time management and unwavering discipline. University studies were treated as a primary professional obligation, and submitting anything less than the absolute best work was simply not an option. Achieving this level of excellence naturally meant sacrificing a significant amount of personal leisure time and organizing each week with military precision.
Whenever possible, freelance work and academic projects were integrated to maximize efficiency. For instance, a photography assignment would often feature the garments designed for studio classes. This deliberate synergy maximized overall output and ensured that the rigorous environment at Parsons perfectly prepared me for the demanding realities of the global apparel industry.
D’Arcy Sardone: The Innrs focuses on a modern interpretation of classic wardrobes. How do you translate the concept of The Innrs cultness into your visual campaigns?
Javier Tabarés: The Innrs cultness represents a quiet, undeniable confidence. It is not about loud logos or aggressive trends. It is about exceptional fit and subtle detailing. I translate this into the campaigns by focusing heavily on the models’ posture and attitude. I direct them to project a sense of relaxed superiority.
I use lighting to highlight the texture of the fabrics and the precision of the cuts. I want the viewer to feel the quality of the garments through the screen. The mundane environments I choose serve to amplify this feeling. When a garment looks incredibly chic at a bus stop, it proves its inherent value. That effortless sophistication perfectly defines the brand.
D’Arcy Sardone: Looking ahead, what are your primary ambitions for the Javier Tabarés brand and your personal career trajectory?
Javier Tabarés: Expanding this multidisciplinary practice remains a primary focus. The goal is to push the boundaries of how clothing is presented, both digitally and physically. Future plans include directing larger campaigns and eventually producing short films that merge narrative cinema with apparel design, allowing visual media to serve as a conduit for much deeper stories.
In the near future, launching a comprehensive luxury collection under my eponymous label is a major objective. Currently, refining my technical skills at Brandon Maxwell serves as the perfect preparation for this exact moment. It is essential that this future brand reflects a diverse background alongside an unwavering commitment to absolute quality. Simultaneously, continuing to cultivate a robust digital community will ensure a strong foundation for these upcoming endeavors. Ultimately, there is a profound sense of readiness for the next major chapter of my career.
Official Website & Portfolio: https://javiertabares.com/
Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/javiertabars/
PAP Magazine “Multi Me” Editorial: https://www.pap-magazine.com/multi-me
