By: Charles S. Mombo
.png)
Nathalie Konan - the brainchild behind the fashion brand NK Style.
CC: Tell us a little about yourself.
NK: I was born in Saint Pedro, Ivory Coast, West Africa. I have always loved fashion and so for me becoming a Stylist is somewhat of a childhood dream.
CC: How did you get into the fashion business?
NK:At my very first job as a seamstress, my supervisor noticed my sense of creativity and great attention to detail… And so her encouragement, combined with my clientele's compliments about my work, made me believe that the day would come when I would be able to do it on my own… I started off as a simple seamstress in Abidjan and ended up in Paris, where after a few years of working in the fashion industry, I decided to create a collection reflective of my personal vision of Women's Fashion: NK Style.
CC: Where did you go to school and what was your major?
NK: I began designing at the ELDA Super Confection – Coupe & Couture Academy in Abidjan. Then transfered to study at the University of "Notre Dame des Deux-Plateaux" College and FORMAMODE in Paris. NK Style is unique in the quality we aim for in terms of the cuts and flawless lines of our designs, this is especially visible in our form-fitting garments – the house specialty. My line is a true blend of modern and traditional styles; I also love working with African textiles like Baoule prints, Kita, and Rafia, as well as Woodin and Wax fabrics.
CC: Who are some of your clients?
NK: My NK Style designs are made for the modern woman, for a woman open to change and innovation, one who enjoys fashion and uses it as a form of self-expression. Everything from the colours to the fabric plays a role in the process of creating every piece, which is what makes every one of my design different, as is every woman… The NK Style woman is feminine and elegant, she enjoys being both stylish and comfortable, and always likes to have something special in her outfit that makes her feel unique.
CC: I have seen some of your outstanding works with African textile. Do you prefer them to other fabric?
NK: Yes, I do. I want to emphasize the African fabrics
CC: Describe your philosophy about fashion.
NK: First and foremost, I would like African Fashion to be worn by all women, whatever their culture or nationality; the most important thing for us all is to build bridges between Africa and the Western world and start connecting… In terms of the place of women in African Fashion, it is still a bit hard for us, but I have faith in the future and in myself.
CC: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?
NK: The better skill is patience (good-natural tolerance).
CC: What inspire your design?
NK: I have the inspiration when I touch each fabric.
CC: Which fashion designers have been important points of reference for you?
NK: My point of reference is Valentino.
CC: Where do you foresee Nathalie Konan in the next five years?
NK: To be prosperous.
CC: If you had the opportunity to design an outfit for one person who will it be?
NK: Halle Berry.
CC: If you could do anything else, what would it be?
NK: I could be a Teacher.
CC: What stores in the United States carry your clothing line?
NK: Soon, I want to develop in the United States. I will open the store next year.
CC: What advice do you have for young Blacks or African who wants to get in the fashion business?
NK: Keep hope alive because African Fashion is (becoming) more diverse.
Related posts:
- Your favorite black fashion designer http://www.chocolatecity.cc/black-fashion/index.shtml – focuses on Black Fashion Designers, African-American Fashion Designers,...
- Stephen Burrows: unrecognized fashion genius Stephen BurrowsChocolateCity.cc is grateful to Mr. Stephen Burrows (SB) for...
- Yves Saint Laurent, 71 died in Paris Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, died this evening, a longtime...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Good luck to you my sister. Hope you see your boutique/clothing line in a major U.S. city soon.
Hey there I discovered this webpage by chance, I was searching Bing for New Designer Fashion when I came upon your blog, I must say your blog is very interesting I just love the layout, its astounding!. I’m strapped for time in this instance to entirely browse your webpage but I have favorited it and also signed up for your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. Thank you for a great webpage.