I am Eva-Karlotta Tatar, the creator and designer of the brand KARLOTTA (founded in 2019 in NYC).
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Art Education at Tallinn University and have taught art and creativity in various youth camps across the United States. My Master’s studies took me to the Design School Kolding in Denmark, where I specialized in accessory design.
Before moving permanently to New York, where I spent four years working and practicing as a bag designer at the small luxury company 1Atelier, I also worked for several years at Stella Soomlais Leather Studio.
Now, back in Estonia, I apply my experience, knowledge, and network through Estonian Design House and Tallinn Design Festival (Disainiöö). I have also completed my first personal bag collection, “Collection ÜKS,” which is produced in Estonia using leftover materials from furniture manufacturing.
How did you find your calling—your path to design?
I grew up in an environment where good design and art were always important. Even then, I knew that my future would be connected to creativity, although I wasn’t yet sure in which field exactly. My interest in leather and leather accessories began while doing an internship at Stella Soomlais’ studio.
What does your daily routine consist of?
I really enjoy slow, long mornings, so I tend to leave home later. In the mornings, I drink coffee at home, do yoga, and start my work on the computer. Once I’m done with computer tasks, I usually head to the studio.
The best days are the ones when I can spend long, uninterrupted hours in the studio—time passes quickly there, and I often even forget to check the clock. I don’t like taking breaks much, because it interrupts my workflow. I usually work into the late evening together with my hardworking and talented studio mates in Studio 609 at the Standard building.
Which Estonian designers would you find exciting to collaborate with?
Ivo Nikkolo ja Tarmo Luisk.
I wish I had been the designer/creator of this design.
EVERY ICONIC BAG IN THE WORLD!
A motto that guides you in life:
Don’t take life too seriously!
An interesting or unusual fact about you:
I’m not sure if it’s interesting, but perhaps that I don’t have a driver’s license.
What would you advise your 20-year-old self:
I’d say keep doing what you’re doing, stress less, and believe in yourself more :)
Meet the Designer: Eva-Karlotta Tatar
Tell us a little about yourself…
I really enjoy slow, long mornings, so I tend to leave home later. In the mornings, I drink coffee at home, do yoga, and start my work on the computer. Once I’m done with computer tasks, I usually head to the studio.
The best days are the ones when I can spend long, uninterrupted hours in the studio—time passes quickly there, and I often even forget to check the clock. I don’t like taking breaks much, because it interrupts my workflow. I usually work into the late evening together with my hardworking and talented studio mates in Studio 609 at the Standard building.
EVERY ICONIC BAG IN THE WORLD!
A motto that guides you in life:
Don’t take life too seriously!
An interesting or unusual fact about you:
I’m not sure if it’s interesting, but perhaps that I don’t have a driver’s license.
What would you advise your 20-year-old self:
I’d say keep doing what you’re doing, stress less, and believe in yourself more :)
A cultural recommendation:
I’d suggest going to see the Banksy exhibition!