Street Style: Meet Ana Tkabladze
I first met Ana at an evening event at American in Paris. Her long, shiny black hair caught my eye and I enviously asked if it was naturally straight or if she had to blow dry, flatiron and put a ton of product in it like me. She smiled and said “blow dryer,” but I knew that she was just born lucky with great hair. She later helped me find a winter jacket I didn’t even know I was looking for, and has been a regular source for some great finds whenever I stop in. When Renée and I arrived for her Street Style shoot, she needed little direction. She carries herself with incredible style and grace.
Born in Georgia, she shares, “My dad moved us here when I was 11, he had already been here for about a year as an artist sponsored for a U.S. residency program. When I arrived, pretty much everything was foreign. I barely knew English. It was difficult in the beginning, but I had a really good teacher, Mrs. Sutton, who never gave me special treatment…she taught me to be who you are. I learned the language fairly quickly over the summer by watching a lot of TV with subtitles, especially Gilmore Girls and the movie French Kiss.”
Growing up in a family of artists taught Ana to value culture, language and music. “It’s a very European concept, not a lot of sports, more humanitarian things. I was really into art because of my family, our very historic country, the ancient ruins, the Agean myth, historical, greek mythology. I loved Clash of the Titans and Indiana Jones – although he (Indiana Jones) was not an ethical archaeologist,” she says without skipping a beat.
Ana Tkabladze
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Self-Styled at AIP
Handmade beaded gemstone jewelry @SimpliAni
Shoot location: American in Paris, 1225 King Street
Her parents trained her to draw still lives and weave tapestries when she was little. “In our house in Georgia, I would make rings out of copper wire; I was always drawn to that and enameling, a fairly prominent art in Georgia and other Eastern European countries. I was also really drawn to glass – my heart beats faster when I see it! After I finished my Masters (in Archaeology), I went to the Art League School and took a few courses…and was pretty self-taught after that. I began experimenting on my own, not letting class time limit my creativity.”
Both of her parents teach at the Art League School and the Smithsonian. “Dad’s a sculptor, and can make anything with his hands. My parents had a furniture store but closed it when they were juried into the Torpedo Factory.” This year Ana also decided to apply and was selected. “I’ve been going there since I was a kid, it’s always been so cool, the collective of artists…I never thought I’d be an artist and also get to be part of it. I guess the genes took over!” she says with a laugh.
Of Old Town Alexandria, she says, “It’s very historic, beautiful and reminds me of Europe, and the local, tight knit community reminds me of home.” Ana joined the American in Paris team last fall after seeing a listing online. “I always want to make the biggest difference I can. A smaller company is where I can make an impact and make a connection and form real relationships with customers. I love walking up and down King Street and running into people I know from the boutique.”
Ana was appointed American In Paris Head of Bespoke Services (AIP Bespoke) which launched in May 2024. In this role, she manages the boutique's suite of custom offerings, ensuring no detail is overlooked during the creation of a client's bespoke pieces (which include lacquer, vintage-inspired clutches, riding boots handmade in Argentina, or monogrammed pieces in collaboration with local artists). In addition, Ana also designs two jewelry lines: Galeria GeorgiAna (enamel jewelry) and SimpliAna (semi-precious beaded jewelry), both of which are displayed and sold at American In Paris.
“She has a unique design background and that made her perfect for this role. With her meticulous eye and attention to detail, she’s been charged with quality control,” shares Alex, owner of American in Paris. “We had a client come in that loved our lacquer clutches and had an event to go to where she would be wearing a floral gown. Ana matched the design of the clutch to match the pattern of her gown. She sketched out the pattern and worked with the vendor. Because of her custom jewelry design background, bespoke is right up her alley!”
I can attest to Ana’s dedication, she’s very accommodating and helpful, especially if I’m running late or coming from out of town to pick something up. She is the only one who measures for AIP’s bespoke boots, and I just picked up my own pair of Argentinian riding boots. A month prior she had spent at least fifteen minutes measuring me for them to ensure I had just the right fit. Even though it’s been a warm fall – I couldn’t wait to wear them!
When her creative mind needs another outlet, Ana says, “Dancing makes me really happy. I get energy seeing everyone out and being in the same element. My go-to has been Flash in D.C, and their wonderful Sunday Love sessions. If that’s not a possibility, I enjoy sitting around the Alexandria waterfront area and doing some people-watching where people are living their lives, and not stuck to their phones.”
You can find Ana at American in Paris Wednesday through Friday, and at the Torpedo Factory Studio 3 on the first floor…close to her parents. A true artistic family.
Check out Ana’s Street Style:
ABOUT ANA
Neighborhood: Manassas, VA, although having worked in Old Town Alexandria for the past nine years makes me feel like a local.
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia (Eastern Europe).
What would surprise people about you? I have a Master’s degree in Archaeology; I’ve excavated bones and artifacts as old as 1.8 million years.
Favorite movies: French Kiss and the original Clash of the Titans (both very sentimental movies for me).
Guilty Pleasure: Unapologetically eating fresh bread & cheese and watching Ancient Aliens.
Latest binge-watch: I’m currently switching between Vikings and rewatching Gilmore Girls.
Bucket list travel destination: Egypt.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less. Elegant, sophisticated, (just a touch of) edgy.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Dresses in the summer, colorful coats in the winter.
Favorite trend: As a stylist and jewelry designer, I might be breaking an unspoken golden rule by saying this, but I rarely follow trends. Whether I’m styling my clients or myself, I prioritize selecting timeless pieces that flatter each individual and enhance their confidence rather than chasing every trend.
However, on a broader scale, I have observed a rising appreciation for slow and sustainable fashion, along with a renewed recognition of craftsmanship, which I’m very excited to see.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Tatcha Dewy Skin cream, MAC eyeliner and my signature scent!
Boots, heels or sneakers? Heels! Although I am completely obsessed with the new bespoke boots at AIP, handmade in Argentina!
Ana is wearing the new custom/bespoke La Casas De Las Botas boots (available upon request).
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Dancing or creating my jewelry.
Most fun way to stay active: Tennis.
Wellness goal: Finding work-life balance and inner peace.
Want to try: Horseback riding.
Proudest wellness achievement: Maintaining a positive mindset and emanating that energy to those around me.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: The dining room—there's nothing like enjoying a delicious meal and making cherished memories with the people you love.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix but I gravitate toward antiques.
Last item bought for your home: Does a selection of bourbons count?
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Ideally clutter-free but it’s not realistic for an artist.
Next planned purchase: Everything I need to finalize my studio/gallery setup at the Torpedo Factory!
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love the positive, informative, and inspirational content. It's wonderful to see highlights of local small businesses and to feel genuine camaraderie within the community.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Old Town Waterfront and the Torpedo Factory!
Your Go-to Shop: I might be biased but hands down American In Paris.
Best food spot: Too many good places to choose from - it really depends on the occasion or the mood
For date night: Captain Gregorys or Barca Pier & Wine Bar;
Oysters and Spicy Pineapple Margarita at Vola’s Dockside Grill; Norwegian Crepe at Fontaine Caffe.
Favorite local organization: The Art League
Annual Alexandria events you most look forward to: Alexandria Old Town Art Festival;
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style along with its associated High Octane Ball, is an exciting event with a strong charitable focus. Last year, I had the pleasure of contributing to their silent auction by donating one of my jewelry pieces, helping to support wonderful local non-profit organizations such as ALIVE and Community Lodgings.
