Nadia Izruna of NADINOO

Fashion is such a beautiful thing, is it not? There is something marvelous about watching new trends and designs come into the fashion scene. Whether we are being intrigued by a different spin on an old idea or a completely unique design, there is no question that fashion is evolving at every moment. Since designers are central to this evolution, we are highlighting one of our favorites this week on Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

Meet Nadia

Nadia Izruna grew up appreciating the process of creating and sewing beautiful garments. With a mother who enjoyed sewing clothes, Nadia was introduced to fabrics and their clothing possibilities early on. She explained, “My mum used to make clothes for my four sisters and me. She’d take me to buy the fabrics and then I’d hover around her, probably annoyingly so, until they were ready.” By the time Nadia was eighteen, she finally had her own sewing machine and was ready to take on the fashion world. In her own words, “I haven’t looked back since.”

Because of her lifelong interest in making clothes, Nadia realized designing could be a career she would actually enjoy. She remembered, “Doing anything you love and earning a living from it is a very fortunate thing to have. Having friends and family dreading the Monday morning was all the realisation I needed.” Thus, it made sense for Nadia to pursue fashion as a career, so she entered Manchester Metropolitan University to study fashion design and technology.

Throughout her university experience, Nadia was always ready to learn through regular coursework at the school and local internships with independent designers. She recalls creating her first complete collection, “The final year of university was very demanding, but seeing my collection at Urbis Gallery (Manchester, England) was very exciting.”

After finishing at the university level, Nadia joined the design team at Puma for three years. It was there that she learned how fashion works on the corporate scale, “Working for a corporation of this size exposes you to many key skills I have utilised whilst starting up Nadinoo.” However, she also realized, “Designing commercial product at Puma does mean you sometimes have to sacrifice creativity. But seeing your product in store and on people as you walk down the street gives you a real buzz.”

NADINOO

With five years of professional design experience, Nadia has been in the industry long enough to understand the ins and outs of running a label. Because of her background, she has achieved every designer’s dream and created Nadinoo, a growing and successful brand. When asked about her design experiences, Nadia commented, “The real icing on the cake has been Nadinoo. It’s really hard work, but I get to design garments which I love to bits! I’m very proud of how far Nadinoo has come in less than a year.”

Currently based in Germany and moving to London later this year, Nadinoo includes designs that are beautifully feminine with a vintage feel—even pixie-ish. Nadia explained her label’s aesthetic, “For inspiration, I like to dip into many fashion eras from the 1900s. Right now, I’m particularly inspired by the 30s and 40s. The styling is all so perfect that I think this will definitely come through in my next collections.” Beyond these eras of style, specific fabrics (like Liberty of London prints) inspire Nadia as well, “Often when selecting the fabrics, they spring to life, and I can imagine what style they would suit and how they will look as finished garments.” When working with silks, she loves creating beautiful dresses, as seen in her Autumn/Winter 09 collection.

Advice for Independent Designers

“Getting industry experience is essential.  Small design labels are great for exposing you to the product and are very hands-on.  Larger corporations teach you processes, such as critical paths, costing a garment and commerciality.  Finally for the independents, save up a little investment capital. In most cases it will be a while before your business becomes profitable, and eventually you can earn a living from it.” ~ Nadia Izruna

What Nadia loves right now!

* Vintage stores and markets in London
        1.    Portabello Market
        2.    Brick Lane
        3.    Petticoat Lane
* Music – TOP 5 Bands
        1.    Friendly Fires
        2.    Bat for Lashes
        3.    Bon Iver
        4.    Lykke Li
        5.    Joanna Newsom
* Radio – Since she lives in Germany, Nadia loves to tune in to hear English conversation!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Nadia is half English and half Libyan and can speak fluent Arabic?

Check Out Nadinoo

Learn more about Nadia and her designs through the following sites:

Nadinoo.com
Nadia's Blog
Etsy Store

Thanks again for letting me interview you Nadia! I am looking forward to watching your continued success  with Nadinoo. Good luck in London!!

By Sarah Corley

Comments

[Cafe Fashionista]

Not only is Nadia absolutely adorable, the aesthetic of her designs is absolutely divine. I'm loving the juxtaposition between sophisticated and sassy - what an amazing combination! Fabulous article!! :)

[bbheart]

this is so cool! i know her sister, can you believe? its so weird reading this.

[Sarah Corley]

That's awesome!!

[Tuskandweave.wordpress.com]

i adore her stuff. can't wait to order up one of her peacock blouses. love love love it.

[fashion design]

Hi nadia, Nice to meet you. It looks like you are a very experienced designer.I have seen you all collection. All are very good.

I will contact with you soon.

fashion design

[سعودي كام]

very experienced designer.I have seen you all collection. All are very good

[Purse Party]

Lovely writeup on Nadia. She has great designs!