“Taking Over” - The Dynamic Frankie Tavares

“Taking Over” - The Dynamic Frankie Tavares

by Mathew Paul Robinson

Magnetic. Dynamic. Stunning. Warm. Graceful. Frankie. Influencer, model and designer Frankie Tavares is showing the fashion world how it should be done with a new capsule collection and continued social media success.

With a healthy social media following, the go-to influencer understands that genuine connections and kindness are what fashion needs right now. She recently launched a capsule collection with FTF Lab, the premier collection from Fashion To Figure’s program that will feature limited-edition collections from influencers and style icons.

The collection centers on Women's Bosses and features a jumpsuit, top, and trousers. “I’m at a point in my life where I’m bossing up every day.” About the clothes, Frankie says, “I wanted my pieces to make you feel like the expensive Queen you are with effortless yet sophisticated sex appeal.

These pieces can be worn as modest or sexy as you want them.” The Evelina Tie Waist Jumpsuit is curve-enhancing and functional; it features a well-fit trouser and a button-front kimono sleeve top. It’s shown with heels but would most definitely pair well with a pair of fresh chucks (Converse).

Scrolling through Frankie’s Instagram feed is like playing dress-up with your most stylish homegirl; her clothes fit her perfectly and she moves in high heels as if she’s wearing a pair of sneakers.

Whether in a sleek faux leather bikini top, paired with distressed jeans and temporary tattoos down each arm or sensually draped over an ottoman wearing a punchy pink flirty frock, or in one of her Frankie Tee’s graphic t-shirts with big hoop earrings, Frankie made quarantine fashion look exceptionally chic and accessible all while having a great time. Last year, her home photoshoots rivaled glossy editorial spreads and her IGTV appearances were a real event.

When one speaks to Frankie, she’s friendly and straight forward; no pretense, no phoniness. In part, it’s her natural charm that gives her an edge over other influencers when she is promoting brands or selling clothes. Taking her advice feels good. It feels correct. It feels genuine. It makes one feel confident in what they bought from her or because of her.

The hardworking wife, mother of three, dog-parent, sister and daughter, makes photo shoots look easy; “DIY is in her nature.” When it comes to her brand partnerships, the brands know that Frankie is the type of creative that gets the job done.

“Typically, they trust me. They say okay, we are going to send this to you and just do what you want.” She continues, “I’ll get something, whether it’s one outfit or ten outfits and my brain starts going. I think this will look good here, this will look good there, and I won’t stop until I find that location or I find whatever accessories I need.” The selfproclaimed control freak takes her creativity seriously and her photos make that very obvious.

Though, Frankie refers to herself as a control freak, she is more of a creative director with a keen eye for details. The brand she is directing is herself – her career. The renaissance woman does a lot: modeling, blogging, and designing. Her line Frankie Tee’s debuted early in 2020 and was a complete hit.

Phrases like, “Gordita, sí. Fea, No!” and “Pendejo Free” turn a tee shirt into an advertisement of one’s thoughts. Frankie Tee’s was the model’s first step towards her Fashion Designer/Entrepreneur endeavors. Which she described as her “ultimate goal.”

Frankie began her career five years ago as a model for designer Monif C. Since then she has worked with Fashion To Figure, Free Country Apparel, Poshmark and designer Byron Lars. As well as JCPenney, Forever21, Macy’s, Stitch Fix, Swimsuits For All, Eleven 60 and Rue 107.

When speaking about the future of fashion, she states, “this is the direction that it [fashion] is going in.” Referring to more influencer-driven collections and partnerships, she continues, “...and even after quarantine is over, I think businesses are now recognizing that the customers are responding more to real life people –people they can relate to. More than ever, the influencer and the blogger have more selling power. They are more effective than something that’s posted on a site that is heavily edited.”

Frankie is absolutely correct. Since March 2020, one of America’s favorite pastimes, shopping, has had a complete makeover. Masks are required almost everywhere you go, even with vaccines being administered, and shopping with friends is a thing of the past. Shopping for apparel and beauty products in particular is low on the list of risks one wants to take during a pandemic – apparel sales are mostly down across the board as are beauty sales.

The time for change – in the fashion and beauty industries – quickly went from “a thing that needs to happen” to “a thing that is happening now and happening fast.” Brands who use influencers as part of their marketing plans avoid stagnation.

Influencers should not be viewed as taking advantage of a dire situation. For the past 10-12 years (pre-Covid), influencers have been taking the place of (in-store) sales associates. Gone are the days when one waited to visit a department store, boutique or specialty store to buy their wardrobe from their favorite sales associate.

With stores changing their hours of operation and cutting staff, shoppers and fashion lovers have a harder time buying from stores. Now they consult with their new favorite sales associates –influencers and bloggers.

Frankie is one of the best out there. She has the gift and talent for connecting with people. Her warmth and approachability make her stand out in a very crowded field. All of her success has not gone to her head, in fact, she says she has “total imposter syndrome” and “hopes others know that they too can have similar success.” Humble she may be, but she will undoubtedly succeed and take over.

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