‘THE ART DIRECTOR MAKING EVERYTHING LOOK GOOD – LITERALLY.’
She builds visual worlds that feel and look like they were plucked from your dreams. There is no space left untouched or unnourished when she’s on set, and it shows. To revitalise her eye, she heads for the forests around the city.
You can catch her frolicking in a meadow or curating the perfect shoot in her sleep.
In collaboration with ASICS SportStyle, our latest editorial campaign ‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ highlights a series of creatives over 5 weeks who embody the agility and self-expression required to create their visions. Cities are a convergence of chaos, resilience, and the pursuit of opportunity; we are inspired by the people whose very essence encourages and grows the cultural story of the city that they live in, and the way in which ASICS as a brand serves as the perfect companion on their path.
Last week, we brought you Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini and this week, we introduce our second character; the essential and critical art director; a role that dissolves the line between precision and imagination, with their work translating the visual worlds intended by a creative team. Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens is one such art director, whose initial foray into fashion design led her to curating dreamlike shoots and commercials; and she’s a force to be reckoned with.
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
For this art director, Tarryn’s secret to moulding the mood in her work lies in flexibility. “It’s about knowing when to stick to the plan and when to let things flow,” Tarryn says. “You need a solid base to make sure everything looks right, but then there’s room to get creative and experiment. I think it’s about striking the right balance between sticking to the vision and allowing a bit of freedom to keep things fresh.”
When bringing a shot to life, energy comes first. “I consider what kind of energy I want the shoot to give off.” she notes, and “whether it’s laid-back, edgy, or dramatic, that feeling sets the tone for everything else, from the colors to the styling to the setting. Once I’ve got that locked in, everything else just falls into place.” It’s this intentionality that ensures every detail aligns with Tarryn’s overarching vision, and makes her one of the most exciting creatives in South Africa right now.
When conceptualising Tarryn as a character, we were equally informed by her personal style and ASICS’ origins in the sartorial home of the avant-garde—Japan—and its disciplined status masters in the art of layering. “My personal aesthetic leans more toward the edgy and darker side, and that definitely makes its way into my work. I like to incorporate bold, raw elements that add a bit of depth to the projects I work on. But, of course, I always make sure the project’s vibe comes first. It’s about finding a way to blend my style in a way that still serves the bigger vision,” Tarrryn explains, underpinning her ability to adapt while staying true to her instincts creates work that feels both personal and universally resonant.
For ‘City Living Is A Sport’, Tarryn is styled in the GEL-1130™ sneakers, an homage to the ninth iteration of the iconic GEL-1000™ series. Originally a stability running shoe from 2008, it offers a supportive design perfect for wherever your mind takes you. The traditional materials have been updated, blending its notably nostalgic aesthetic through a contemporary lens, and for added comfort, ASICS’ signature GEL™ technology in the heel ensures all-day cushioning, making it as functional on the streets as it was on the track.
Paired with the Tennis Midnight Blue Court Skirt, a piece designed for matches, practices, or layering, is made from classic tennis material with pique mesh, keeping the body cool and balanced. The adjustable drawcord waist and side slits provide flexibility and a perfect fit, allowing the wearer for complete freedom of movement. Finally, the look is completed with the Performance Running Black NAGINO™ Run Adjustable Hoodie, designed to inspire calm through mindful movement. This versatile hoodie features a soft knit fabric, relaxed fit, and practical details like side pockets and thumb holes— we say, more to thumb hole additions in womenswear, please!
ASICS SportStyle itself is an offering from the iconic brand that brings together the functionality of performance technology with contemporary design; showcasing footwear and apparel that transcend the boundaries between sport and lifestyle. Rooted in ASICS’ legacy of innovation, SportStyle collections combine functionality and thoughtful design; for taste-makers and athletes alike.
To keep her ideas fresh, Tarryn draws inspiration from a wide range of sources. “Music, research, and social media are huge for me, but I also have some really cool friends who I can bounce ideas off of,” she says. “Every project has its own challenges, and that’s what keeps things exciting and helps me stay open to new influences.”
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
On what ‘City Living Is A Sport’ means to her, Tarryn shares that “city life demands constant energy, adaptability, and a sense of timing,” she says. “As an art director, I’m often juggling multiple tasks, pivoting quickly, and navigating a fast-paced environment. It’s about balancing strategy with spontaneity and taking it one step at a time.”
In the landscape of city living, Tarryn’s commitment to her work and self-expression demonstrates the dynamic interplay of discipline and creativity in realising one’s purpose. Through this view, City Living Is A Sport pays respects to the ingenuity that defines what it means to truly flourish in the ever-changing movements of city life.
Tarryn’s look: Tarryn wears the Asics Tennis Midnight Blue Court Skirt, layered with the Asics Performance Running Black NAGINO™ Run Adjustable Hoodie, a piece designed to inspire inner calm through mindful movement. The look is completed with ASICS’ GEL-1130™ sneakers in Black and ASICS’ crew socks, with the intention of the look offering a nod to ASICS’ origins in the sartorial home of the avant-garde—Japan—and its disciplined status masters in the art of layering.
Credits:
Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle
Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus
Talent: Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens
Production assistant: Grace Crooks
Photographer: Keegan Foreman
HMU: Xola Makoba
Stylist: Holly Beaton
Art Direction and Campaign Design: Briony Blevin
Written by: Holly Beaton
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