Internationally Stylish: Nadia Nour

Nolcha Fashion Week kicked off in New York on the 14th of September, showcasing an international selection of independent designers. It's a big industry event for emerging talent and to celebrate, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nadia Nour - a designer who has been at the forefront of the NYC green fashion movement since 2007.

For Nour, the best part of Nolcha Fashion Week is gaining exposure, mingling with industry insiders and fashion lovers of all kinds. Having showed her collection to a packed audience of the industry's mover and shakers this week, I was curious to know how she felt her designs stood out as unique and attention grabbing.

Nour's motto has always been that women should not have to sacrifice style to be ethical and she wanted her latest designs emphasizes this fully. To do this, Nour has opted for organic and eco-friendly fabrics made exclusively in the Manhattan garment district. The new collection features vibrantly dyed organic silks and cottons crafted into intricate couture-inspired silhouettes. The luxurious details of the designs juxtaposed with the strong ethical standards work well to capture the spirit of a new eco-suave that celebrates going green.

When asked about a celebrity or personality she felt would make the perfect muse for her designs, Nour picks Stacey London; New York's celebrity fashion consultant and co-host of the US version of What Not to Wear as the ideal candidate. The style icon and media darling has styled fashion photos for editorial publication Nylon as well as celebrities Kate Winslet and Liv Tyler. She knows her stuff and it's London's keen eye for detail and passion for the world of fashion that appeals.

Stacy London

When talk of Stacy London moved to discussion of the capital itself, I asked Nour whether she had been to the city and if so where does she shop? Not since childhood, she admits "But I love keeping an eye on the progressive fashion trends coming out of London via the internet."

And speaking of fashion trends, I wanted to know if Nour had any advice on how to look on-trend this season, Nadia suggests: "This season is all about celebrating your personal style. Accessorising and mix matching can be taken to new levels to give new life to your existing pieces."

Finally on the subject of her most coveted designers, Nour tells me that she considers Anna Sui and Chloé among her many inspirations. I can definitely see hints of Chloé sophistication and a splash of Anna Sui's vibrancy in Nour's work. But this is not to say her work is merely a spin off, definitely not, Nour's collection achieves a unique sense of style and the positive message of eco-friendly fashion.


Web: www.nadianour.com
For highlights of Nolcha Fashion Week visit: www.nolchafashionweek.com

Label Love: Shamila

This week I have the pleasure of introducing New York fashion week newcomer Shamila Jiwa, a self-taught Seattle based gemologist with a huge passion for unusual stones. Her designs are uniquely exquisite pieces of jewellery with a focus on timeless, distinctive beauty. During her London stop-off, Shamila took time to meet me for a girlie chat over cocktails and a sneak peak at her new collection.

Sitting in the Mayfair bar, Shamila oozes a contagious zeal for her work and what it represents. Born in Tanzania and of Indian heritage, Shamila Jiwa designs jewellery that reflects her extensive travels and rich ethnic heritage. Her designs cleverly combine aspects of Turkish, Indian, and Asian motifs.

Despite being so exotic and culturally rich, the jewellery remains largely versatile as wearable art. Inspiration for her pieces are found everywhere she explains. "Travel, architecture, textiles, food, nature, relationships.." - all important factors to the creative process.

Having studied Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver B.C, it's interesting to how her career has moved so far from the schooling of her bachelor's degree to luxury fashion. Her passion for jewellery design stems from an early interest in fine jewellery and a deep love of art.

Since the launch of her design career in 2002, the use of unusual gemstones such as Labradorite has generated a loyal collective of discerning, international clients and I can see the attraction. Her work is impressive - the craftsmanship and exquisite detailing of each design really is on par with some of the long-standing, established jewellers. Her work is as endearing as Tiffany and as luxurious as Boodles but it also has a soulful, sexy nonchalance that is a cut above.

This is a bold statement, but one that is very fitting - In fact, I'm surprised that the likes of Vogue and Harpars Bazaar have not discovered her sooner. From her signature Blue Glimmer Boa Necklace to the Golden Decadence Earrings, her designs exude an understated elegance, fit for the red carpet.

Shamila is a hidden treasure, but this year may see the international acclaim she deserves. Her debut at Nolcha Fashion Week is fast approaching, and she has high hopes that her designs will have a larger international precedence to add to the awareness of her work state-side.

Nolcha is the award wining home for independent designers and host to a special New York and London fashion week, running alongside the main event. Nolcha Fashion Week will see Shamila's work featured in a stand-out showcase to editors, retailers, stylists and industry figures. With one week to go, I am quietly confident that Shamila is a global phenomenon waiting to happen.

Web: www.shamila.com
Shamila's facebook page
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