She's Baaaaack: Tara Subkoff Survives Brain Tumor, Revives IOC

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Imitation of Christ designer Tara Subkoff survived a brain tumor last year and is back on the fashion scene—first stop, Harper's Bazaar's May 2010 issue, where she details her struggle, recovery, and new lifestyle resolutions.

Subkoff also revealed that she'll relaunch since-defunct label Imitation of Christ (wait, we thought she'd sold it?):

"While I’ve been recovering, I’ve decided to bring back IOC in its most basic incarnation: easy-to-wear staples with an edge. I’m calling this line just 'Imitation,'" she says. "I’m inspired by Coco Chanel and her use of jersey. I’d like to do that with Imitation. I want something effortless as a T-shirt, but in dress, trench, and jacket shapes."

In fact, it sounds like Subkoff's a changed woman—at least, she's spent her year out of the industry limelight reflecting on her career: "I started working in this industry when I was so young and such a little punk," she says. "I was discussing stuff I wasn’t mature enough to understand, and some of the things I said were so silly and controversial. But I’d like to think I understand it all a little better now. What can I say? I’m in a much different place, and I’d like to apologize to anyone I offended in my brash days."

"Life is so fast, it feels important to stop and freeze and appreciate the now," Subkoff says. "Even if the now is being stuck in hideous traffic with a flat tire, I bet if you look there’s a doughnut shop across the street. So just before I lose control, I take a breath and try to remember that there’s always something sweet just around the corner."

· Harper's Bazaar [Official Site]