After noticing a clever rain cloud necklace (pictured below) by designer Beci Orpin at Giant Robot in NYC, I had to find out more. Turns out she’s an Aussie. A graduate of the Bachelor of Textile Arts program at RMIT in Melbourne, she scratched her entrepreneurial itch by launching her own line of t-shirts called Princess Tina in 2001. Her collection has since expanded to include totes, jewelry, stationery and more.
Cute is one of the first words that comes to mind when looking at Orpin’s work. Sweet is a close second. While her style of illustration for printed work and fashion pieces are distinct, their content clearly comes from the same fantasy world. The use of repeated characters and motifs makes Princess Tina wearables recognizable. One such trademark is the smiley-faced tooth appearing in the put-a-smile-on-your-face animated intro on her site. Sometimes he appears as a sad tooth. All of us have a sweet tooth, so check out Princess Tina and Orpin’s other art work to satisfy your craving.
Pleas let me know where people in the USA can purchase her things.I really like them and can’t find a website or store that carries her designs.
Many thanks
Unfortunately, I’ve only found a few stores and online vendors that sell her pieces. As I mentioned briefly above, Giant Robot is your best bet. If you’re in NYC visit their fantastic store or check ‘em out on the web for totes, jewlery and clothing. I’m diggin’ the pillow-like hoody with the raindrop pattern. Fredflare has a small selection: two tees and a stationery pack. The One 40 Five Store has a unique selection, but you’ll have to pay shipping from the UK. Princess Tina goods are limited runs, so maybe that’s why they’re so tough to find.
Her stuff is quite hard to find in Australia too, only being sold at a few small shops. Try ebay I’ve found Princess Tina clothing and tote bags.