The Story of Tiffani Kim Griffith

Ever since she can remember, Tiffani has had a passion for art and decided on a career as a Fashion Designer. She began her design training at the age of seven. Her mother, once a movie star, singer and ballerina fostered Tiffani's artistic talent by teaching her color, shape and design techniques. Tiffani began her formal training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and studied different aspects of the fashion business and fine art overseas. She went to England where her concentration was on textiles at Brighton Polytechnic and Italy where she studied accessories in Rome, Florance and Milan. In 1983, she made the last stop on her journey to Paris, France. While there and still a Senior in college, she worked as an apprentice to Jean Charles de Castelbajac and worked with Guy Larouche to create her first leather and suede collection under the Tiffani Kim label.  While in Paris, Tiffani incorporated "trapunto stitching" into her fashions, making it an exclusive signature element in her designs (a technique that has since been copied by other designers).

Her efforts to study at institutions around the world was motivated by a strong desire to draw upon the best ideas from Europe, Asia and America to develop a style and vision that would enable her to launch a worldwide market.

In 1986, Tiffani returned to the United States and received her B.F.A. Shortly after graduation she formed Tiff & Griff Designs, Ltd. The Chicago-based Fashion Design Company for the internationally respected Tiffani Kim clothing line. Tiffani was known for her diverse range in design, fabrication and manufacturing. Her clothing encompasses clean Oriental lines and European style while maintaining a functional and practical overall design that is readily marketable.

"My motto about fashion is that you have to constantly change with the times." – Tiffani Kim

The Tiffani Kim line has been carried in over 300 specialty boutiques and department stores around the U.S., Canada and Europe, including BERGDORF GOODMAN, NEIMAN MARCUS, NORDSTROM, JACOBSON'S, I.MAGNIN, COPLON'S, HUGO NICHOLSON'S, AMEN WARDY, and many more.Tiff & Griff Designsalso acted as image consultant for national television shows and created a cashmere line from Scotland and also a line of sportswear.

On April 9, 1997, Tiffani Kim became the first American and the first international designer to show a fashion collection in theGreat Hall of Peoplein Beijing, China. Accompanying Tiffani for this historic showing was Chicago's very own WGN-TV who then aired the segment nationally on their evening news program.

Honors and Awards

Chicago has recognized Tiffani Kim's talent by awarding her the DESIGNER OF THE YEAR award from the prestigious Apparel Industry Board in 1995. In 1997, Columbia College awarded her its "DESIGNER OF EXCELLENCE" award. Tiffani was awarded CHICAGO'S WOMEN ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD in 1998, The Network Women Entrepreneur 2001 "STYLEMAKER OF THE YEAR" award and also a 2002 "APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS" award from Mayor Daley. In 2003The River North Associationrecognized the Tiffani Kim Institute for its economic and social contributions to the River North community. In May 2004, Tiffani Kim received a "2004 Woman to Woman: Making a Difference Award" from Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and was honored as a "Woman-Owned Business Trailblazer" at the award ceremony.

Tiffani Kim is also a member of the Strategy Board for Women's Economic Empowerment, which is headed by Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.

A Revolutionary Idea: The Tiffani Kim Institute

As Tiffani Kim was finding success in a very competitive and tough fashion industry it was clear she wanted to do more than design women's fashion. She always envisioned a total environment that included health, beauty and wellness under one roof, all important to helping men and women achieve a fulfilling and healthy life.

With a concept that was a first in the world, Tiffani realized her mission and opened theTiffani Kim Institutein 1998, a venue of head-to-toe wellness, beauty and health housed under one roof in a beautifully innovated 26,000 square foot building located in Chicago. TKI salon, wellness, spa and fashion services.

Over the years Tiffani Kim Griffith and the Tiffani Kim Institute have been recognized by many national magazines and newspapers noting her accomplishments and the benefits her company has given to many people in the community.

The goal of Tiffani Kim Institute is to establish more urban centers nationally and internationally.