I’m Tuwanda Chandler.
Welcome to my world.
“Fabric is my sketchbook. The sewing machine is my pencil.”
Creativity has always been a way for me to bring more joy into my life. There’s a special sense of accomplishment in taking something that exists only in my imagination and making it real. Even better is seeing the smile, confidence, and pride it brings someone else.
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A life of bringing ideas to life.
I’m Tuwanda Chandler, founder and creative visionary behind Fashioning Imagination™. I’m a fashion and costume designer, seamstress, and longtime cosplayer with more than 26 years of experience bringing ideas to life through fabric, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving.
My career has taken me from costume shops and entertainment venues to custom fashion and luxury bridal work. I’ve worked with SeaWorld, Club Med, and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and completed contract costume fabrication with Empyrean Productions for Riot Games’ Arcane project. As an alterations manager at a luxury bridal salon in Beverly Hills, I fitted brides—including VIP clients—and performed custom alterations with detailed lace, beading, and sequins.
Along the way, I competed on Syfy’s Cosplay Melee, was illustrated by George Pérez in two issues of Sirens, and created “troll tutus” for the Magic Wand Experience in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando. My custom work also includes jackets for Galantis and the jacket they gifted to Dolly Parton in 2019, when they collaborated on “Faith.”
The heart of Fashioning Imagination™
Those experiences have shaped my skills, but the moments that stay with me are personal: someone feeling amazing in an outfit I made or altered, or proudly showing me something they created with my guidance. When a bride recently made her own cape veil with my advice, her excitement reminded me that sharing what I know can help someone discover possibilities of their own.
That is the heart of Fashioning Imagination™. I want people to discover a new talent, a new way to express themselves, or a creative experience that brings them joy.
I believe everyone is creative. Many of us explored freely as children, before life’s demands, expectations, or discouragement made us question that ability. My programs offer tools, materials, professional guidance, and space to explore it again—to make your own choices and experience the pride of bringing an idea to life.
Because what’s in your imagination deserves to exist.
Different materials. Endless possibilities.
A glimpse into my world of fashion, costumes, cosplay, and creative projects.
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Let’s see what imagination can do.
I’d love to bring Fashioning Imagination™ to your library, community, or company for a creative team-building experience. Explore the six programs or get in touch to discuss a session.
Explore the Programs