ABOUTHi, I’m Tierra, an apparel designer and recent graduate from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Growing up in Minnesota, my family always encouraged my creativity. At a young age, I was always taking things apart and making new things. My passion for fashion started in high school when I bought my first sewing machine. I wanted to create clothing that I couldn’t find in stores and upcycle clothing I already owned.
I enjoy the design process, from sketching out ideas to seeing the pieces come to life. I’m eager to keep learning and improving my skills, especially in technical design. Outside of apparel, I enjoy photography and nature, they often inspire my designs. My goal is to use my skills to make a positive difference in the world.
Contact: truggeberg2@gmail.com
Based: Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Minor in Product Design
THE STORY BEHIND THE WORK
From the beginning, I loved creating apparel to enter in my local country fair. A paper hat I made!
Early in high school, I started my own shop selling vintage pieces and created lookbook videos to showcase them.
In 2021, I began making thrift flipping videos and selling my designs. I was even featured in a Financial Times article!
I created my own brand RIENUU. Taking 2nd hand denim and upcycling it into new jeans.
2021: I began college at the University of Minnesota in Apparel Design and a minor in product design.
Throughout college I enjoyed photography and traveling which often inspired my designs.
March 2024: I participated in the Eau Claire Fashion night!
October 2024: I became interested in fully-fashioned knitwear and taught myself to knit and created patterns. I had a dress shown in MNFashionWeek Fall 2024.
November 2024: Worked on a team to produce 60+ pairs of underwear for the Hope Institute of Uganda.
April 2025: Created and presented a redesign of the current space glove heater switch to NASA in Houston, Texas.
March 2025: Showcased my Senior thesis collection “Imprints” at the ADES Collective fashion show Unveil.
May 2025: Graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Apparel Design and minor in Product Design.
June 2025: Interned in London, United Kingdom for a month and attended fashion events and workshops.