Off Duty: Luxe Lingerie Designer TyLynn Nguyen

I met, 30-something, TyLynn Nguyen about two years ago when I was working in Los Angeles. She attended a private event I was throwing with Equinox to promote its new, very cool Spin Class. I was immediately taken by her warming smile and down-to-earth demeanor, which made sweating in a room full of women decked out in althleisure wear a far less intimidating experience. Since then, we’ve kept in touch over social media, and when I was back in LA a few months ago, we connected again, this time in her Calabasas home. Our meeting was scheduled for mid-morning, which was smack-dab in the middle of rush hour. I borrowed a friend’s car to drive the 50-ish minute commute myself, rather than wrestling heavy traffic, directions, and a conference call the from the backseat of an Uber. It was my first time ever driving in the city, which caused a slight, however brief panic attack, but I made it, and the drive was surprisingly easy and fairly relaxing once I got on the freeway.

When I arrived, I was greeted with the same warm smile and calming demeanor. The two of us hunkered down in TyLynn’s sunlit kitchen with freshly brewed coffee in hand and banned together over the similar relationships we share with our mothers, the trials and treasures of our latest business ventures including her namesake lingerie brand (I still need to get my hands on one of her beautiful sets!), and our collective goals to create an ideal environment for balance and grace as an example for our children to flourish. She also gave me a valuable lesson in CBD and all of its grandeur. We spent most of our time together chatting, which made for a long and tranquil morning that felt more like friends coming together, rather than a work assignment. That’s, by far, the best part of my job — the raw connection and community it fosters. Now, let’s get into the interview.

How do you typically spend a day off when the work can wait?  “I typically spend a day off with my children. Reading, at the park, at the beach, as relaxed as I can be. I am a busy woman and I cherish my downtime with my family.”

Do you sleep-in on your days off?  “No. With three young children, I am on their clock.”

What’s on your bedside table?  “A Diptyque candle.”

What’s the story behind your home? How long have you lived there?  “The home my family and I live in now is our temporary home. We had moved into a house a couple miles down the road and it ended up having so many issues that we needed to leave. We’ve lived in this home for two years, but don’t plan on having this be our forever home. We love it though, and are so grateful for the memories it has given us.”

Where do you shop for home decor?  “Our home decor has slowly come together over the years, but I shop online mostly.”

Some of your favorite things in your home:  “I love my dining table. I asked my friend Jenny of Aesthetic Pursuit to help me find it, and she did. She’s amazing. I cherish my leather lighter by Hunting Season. It’s one of my favorite brands and so beautiful. I also cherish my two black arm chairs. They have been reupholstered in the perfect fake suede.”

Tell us about your art collection.  “It’s a compilation of gifts from Bee [TyLynn’s husband], my daughter Lotus’ artwork, my artwork, and other artists I have found on Instagram.”

Coffee table books or magazines you love?  “French Vogue, Porter Magazine, and Unconditional Magazine are my favorites.”

Favorite candles?  “Diptyque and Jenni Kayne.”

Favorite Netflix series?  “Kingdom — it’s a Korean royalty zombie show. Enough said. And, Formula 1. I love the intensity of the Formula 1 teams and trying to understand the business behind it.”

Any hobbies?  “Painting, pilates, yoga, and ballet.”

Night in or night out?  “Always a night in taking a bath.”

Song on repeat?  “Elevation Worship – First and Only”

Signature scent?  “Staggeringly Beautiful by Diana Vreeland.”

Describe your personal style.  “My personal style is refined, timeless, regal, and straightforward. Every piece I wear I feel I will have for decades to come.”

What’s the one thing in your closet you would save in a fire?  “It would have to be my white Chanel loafers. I want to pass them on to my daughter. I am also completely obsessed with them.”

Your first fashion splurge?  “My first fashion splurge was Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps. They were so sexy to me, and I bought them to impress my husband.”

Your biggest fashion failure?  “My biggest fashion failure was trying trends that did not suit me. I wasn’t comfortable in my skin yet, so I thought maybe if I dressed like someone else? It didn’t work. I’m grateful to be as I am.”

What do you wear when you’re spending the day comfortable, at home, and off duty?  “I wear soft cashmere sweaters and sweats when I am at home. If I am off duty it is a vintage pair of denim and a thin sweater.”

Who, what, where inspires your style the most?  “Who: Carolyn Bassett Kennedy. What: My intuition. Where: Paris”

What are three things on your want list?  “A mini Hermès bag, Manolo Blahnik tan mules, and more suiting!”

Your five wardrobe staples, go…  “A white button-up, black denim, black mules, a large tailored coat, and a suit.”

Your favorite designers/brands?  “The Row: timeless classics. Toteme: timeless, affordable classics. Manolo Blahnik: his shoes are so well made and chic. By Far: they have some amazing selections and styles coming out I can’t wait to wear.”

Very favorite online shop?  “My favorite online shop is Goop! TyLynn Nguyen is sold there, too!”

Now, tell us about the one that you keep a secret.  “[Laughs] my secret that’s not so much a secret is the Rose Bowl Flea Market for vintage denim. I find jeans that I like, then tailor them to my body.”

What are the fashion pieces you tend spend the most on?  “I spend the most on bags that go up in price as the years go on. Investments like Hermès or Chanel.”

Dresses or jeans?  “Jeans.”

Heels or flats?  “Heels.”

Dress to impress or dress for comfort?  “Dress for myself.”

What’s always under your clothes?  “Lingerie — TyLynn Nguyen Rose Bra and Ivy Panty.”

Breakfast or brunch of choice?  “Breakfast cooked by my husband. His food tastes like love.”

Coffee or tea?  “Coffee. With half-and-half and one sugar.”

Regular Postmates order?  “The Vegan Céasar Salad from Joi Cafe.”

What does self-care look like for you when you’re off duty?  “A bubble bath, red wine, and a good book. I also love when the whole family falls asleep in my bed.”

What keeps you centered?  “I consider myself a spiritual person. Praise music, prayer.”

How do you indulge?  “I usually indulge myself (and bring my husband) to a massage. It’s so important to move your muscles around, and not just by workout, but by touch.”

You recently launched your lingerie line. What sparked the idea for the brand?  “I was drawn to lingerie while in school and studying. I keyed in on how lingerie over decades has been worn to seduce or persuade a man. I loved the idea of lingerie for the woman. A line of intimates that walks the line of personal love letter and sexual interaction.”

Why lingerie?  “I am a very spiritual person. There has been a lot of self-understanding in my adult life. I’ve learned so much about how actions begin on the inside. I wanted to begin on the inside as far as clothing goes. I see my brand being more than just lingerie.”

Favorite pieces from the line?  “The Rose Bra and Ivy Panty are my favorites.”

Advice for women looking to feel their sexiest self?  “It all starts on the inside. Not sure if this question was meant to be light, but sexiness is a personal journey. With all of the worldly messages of how we are not good enough, I have learned to take a stand for myself and say thank you God (the source) for your creation. I have created three beautiful children and deserve to enjoy this temple you have given me. I enjoy my husband so much, I want him to enjoy me as well. Music, food, books, Instagram feed should all be feeding you life. When you love yourself as you are, you will feel sexy.”

How did you get started?  “I started modeling at 17 and fell in love with the excitement and business of fashion.”

What does a typical work day look like?  “I don’t have a typical day. The only thing that is constant is my children’s schedule.”

What keeps you motivated when it comes to business?  “My family legacy.”

Can you tell us how you remedy being in a creative rut?  “I remedy being in a creative rut by going straight to God. I thank him for the glory and grace he’s placed on my life. I remember not every day is suppose to be perfect, but it’s all set up for my good and blessings on the way.”

Any advice to other women looking to launch their own company? “Believe in yourself!”

Any exciting projects on the horizon? “So many! Follow along @tylynnnguyen.”