Ian McFarlane
After a long battle with cancer, local stylist, designer, and all-around creator Tian Justman has died. She was 33. Most recently, she was the aesthetic director at the Goat Farm, creating the visual splendor of its many events over the past few years. A wardrobe stylist and fashion designer, she created ready-to-wear collections and custom pieces for local notables, and assembled the dreamy looks in the fashion editorials of Eidé magazine. She also designed costumes for theater and dance groups, including GloATL.
Though first diagnosed with cancer as a teenager, Tian never stopped designing, planning, and creating. In her last year, she was working with others at the Goat Farm on the Beacons project—a plan to reimagine South Downtown as an arts epicenter. She was admired for her fighting spirit and boundless creativity. Atlanta’s arts and fashion community remembers her, below.
Cassandra Connors, founder of Bella Bag
Celebrating Tian Justman. She may not have known but she inspired all of us in Atlanta’s fashion community. Rest in peace. (via Facebook)
Ruby Velle, singer and songwriter, Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics
This woman will always be loved and remembered well. Talented and always working to make happiness/abundance for all. Love you Tian thank you for everything you did to inspire me/us. (via Facebook)
Tova Gelfond Rosenberg, founder of Eidé magazine and Lookbook Atlanta
– For Tian Justman –
This is how you will always be.
To me.
Binder clips buckled to your belt.
A caterpillar stack of bangles on your arm.
Fresh, chipped nail polish and wet concrete worked into the beds.
A perpetual project in hand. On hands.
The textiles of a boundless sea of ideas.
A studio that built an entire world — fastened from metal scraps and pleated fabrics.
This is where you’ll stay. (via Facebook)
Photograph by Igor Korsunskiy
Michele New, marketing director of Saks Fifth Avenue Atlanta
The first big show we did together was the Forward Arts show in December 2007. We showed the Oscar de la Renta collection. Mr. de la Renta attended the event and sat at the head table; with the CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue. Tian was calm under pressure. She was beautiful with amazing an amazing eye and talent. But above all else she was a genuine, positive and gracious person.
Abbey Glass, fashion designer
Tian inspired me to embrace and explore my connection to the fresh Southern culture that has emerged in our generation here in Atlanta.
Jaime Lin Weinstein, editor of Eidé Magazine and Lookbook Atlanta
Remembering this beautiful, brave woman today. Tian lived in a dream world — and we were all nothing but privileged to have been able to witness her creative visions brought to life. (via email)
GloATL, dance and performance group:
