Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Nicole, a talented fashion designer with 10 years of experience in the industry, who helped us design some of our Hayati's collection. Nicole's unique approach to design and her commitment to sustainability and ethical practices have made her a prominent figure in the fashion world. Let's delve into her journey, her signature style, and her vision for a more sustainable future in the ever-evolving fashion industry.
NICOLE ARRUDA
a fashion designer who weaves dreams into reality.
Fashion designers often face challenges in the design process. Can you share a specific obstacle you encountered in one of your projects and how you overcame it?
Nicole highlights the challenge of navigating the era of fast fashion and its impact on the market. With an abundance of information on the latest trends, she strives to maintain her creativity and uniqueness. Overcoming this obstacle involves striking a balance between following trends and creating distinct, special products for her customers.
Can you tell us about your journey as a fashion designer? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Nicole's passion for fashion started at a young age, as she experimented with dressing up her Barbie dolls. Drawing clothing designs and sewing clothes for her dolls ignited her love for design and garment construction. This initial spark fueled her determination to pursue a career in fashion, leading her on a journey of creativity and self-expression. She can do another version of herself by creating collection for summer.
Every designer has a unique design aesthetic. How would you describe your signature style, and what elements or themes often recur in your collections?
Nicole's signature style revolves around playing with prints and color to create something truly unique. She believes that good tailoring can make all the difference in bringing her designs to life. A strong emphasis on uniqueness and tailored craftsmanship is a defining feature of her collections.
Fashion is cyclical, with trends from the past often making a comeback. How do you reinterpret classic styles to make them relevant and fresh for contemporary audiences?
Drawing inspiration from past trends, Nicole repurposes vintage styles using high-quality materials. By adding modern touches and alterations, she creates fresh designs that resonate with contemporary audiences.
How do you continuously find inspiration for your designs, and what steps do you take to ensure your work stands out in an ever-evolving industry?
Nicole prioritizes understanding her target market and conducts thorough research on consumer behavior and fashion trends. By staying informed about the latest developments, she ensures that her designs remain relevant and distinctive.
How do you incorporate sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your design process?
Nicole is a staunch advocate for sustainability and eco-friendly practices. She is a fan of fabrics that do not contain polyester or harmful chemicals. Furthermore, she aims to reduce environmental impact by being mindful of water consumption during the production process.
As a fashion designer, how do you ensure transparency and ethical sourcing in your supply chain?
Nicole ensures transparency by communicating openly with the people she works with. When collaborating with small businesses, she can confidently verify that the supply chain adheres to ethical practices.
Why should people use organic fabrics or recycled materials?
Nicole underscores the importance of using organic and recycled materials for their positive impact on both our health and the environment. By embracing sustainable practices, we can minimize the negative consequences of the fashion industry on ecosystems and foster positive change.
Fashion trends can sometimes prioritize fast fashion and disposable clothing. How do you balance your commitment to sustainability while staying relevant in a fast-paced industry?
Nicole promotes conscious consumerism and aims to create durable, high-quality products that stand the test of time. Her commitment to sustainability aligns with a message that values long-lasting, sustainable fashion over quick trends.
Looking ahead, what trends or innovations do you foresee influencing the fashion industry in the next few years, and how do you plan to embrace these changes in your work?
Nicole sees technology playing a significant role in the evolution of fashion, enabling the development of better, more efficient fabrics. Moreover, she recognizes the growing popularity of thrifting and clothing rental services as sustainable alternatives to fast fashion. In response, she aims to incorporate these emerging trends into her creative process.