ABOUT
Hi, 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. Within apparel, I have a passion for eco-conscious designs. 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.