Boisterous, funky, whimsical, playful—all facets of personality in a growing child echoed in the menswear-inspired children’s clothing line Fat Tie, Inc. Founder and “Head Honcho” Marinella Gallen was inspired to create the line by her son Max. The options for boy’s clothing seemed to be limited to dinosaur and monster truck prints while designers focused on keeping girls in lace, frills and pretty pink. Marinella set out to change all that with Fat Tie, Inc.
Marinella developed the line following attendance at both University of Florida and Los Angeles Trade Technical College, where she earned a degree in fashion design. Her later experience in public relations, advertising and packaging at the prestigious Rogers & Associates agency in Los Angeles was crucial in preparing Marinella for the multi-disciplinary role of running her company as a dynamic, strategic entrepreneur and fashion trendsetter.
Surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Marinella observed celebrities in uncomfortable “penguin suits” at various red carpet events. She realized that children loved dressing up like adults, too, but needed versatile clothing that could go from mommy’s award ceremony to the playground. As a mother, she wanted to create versatile, no-fuss clothing that was comfortable and easy to care for.
Marinella developed the cut and sew line Fat Tie, Inc. while carefully attending to every detail of production quality: design, fabric selection, Los Angeles-based manufacturing and worldwide distribution. Her whimsical designs have won accolades from the press, discerning parents and hip children everywhere. Marinella currently lives in the Studio City area of Los Angeles with her stylish son, Max.