For this week’s Indie Artist Fixx, I’m featuring fashion designer Nicole Rae Styer. I first discovered Nicole’s work at Bloom during one of my periodic visits to check out what’s new there. Mimi, the owner of Bloom, pointed out some new designs she had just received from Nicole and I just loved them. Nicole combines couture detailing with modern diy style and creates one-of-a-kind designs from vintage finds. She breathes new life into thrift shop finds and makes them into something completely different. Your old discarded prom & bridesmaid’s dresses may have a chance at a 2nd life in Nicole’s hands. She is one talented designing woman.
Read more about Nicole and her work in my interview with her below.
1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?
Nicole Rae Styer. I create all one of a kind funky and very fun items including, tee’s, hoodies, tanks, hand-dyed re-vamped slip dresses, purses, belts, skirts, and men’s and baby items too! I embellish garments with fantastic textiles and unique fabrics!
2. When did you get your start and what made you decide to take the plunge?
I have been creating and always making something ever since I was young. I went to school for painting and graduated with a BFA in fibers and I sold my items during college at shows and in boutiques. I could not wait to graduate and do what i love 24/7; although, sometimes it is tough as a one women show, but it feels great when you can pull everything off!
3. How do you come up with the concepts for your designs?
My ideas come from my everyday life…travels, friends and family. I love vintage and used items. And love the idea that I recycle vintage finds into something more wonderful then they already were!
4. What’s been your biggest, or one of your biggest accomplishments, so
far?
Umm, coming right out of school and not having a 9 to 5 job and instead working hard for my own business and my love for creating unique items! Oh, and showing my line last year during NY fashion week was pretty exciting too!
5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.
There’s not enough time! But one thing is when I sew, sew, sew all day and don’t get enough sleep, I become delirious and everything that comes out of my mouth is pretty silly!
6. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?
The best thing is everyday I get to wake up loving what I do and having a blast making clothing that people want to buy for special occasions to make them feel special because they are wearing something one-of-a-kind! Also, I have the best fam and boyfriend who keep me going!
7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at? List as many as you want.
Every fashion mag I can get my hands on…..and every vintage store flea market I can find! Love them. Oh, and I like flygirl.
8. Were you an artsy craftsy kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?
Oh, yes I was. I dressed pretty cool, if I do say so myself! I think one of the 1st things I ever made was a pencil case made out of peach fabric with ‘# 1 dad’ on it. He still has it in his work shop today. I also made a wooden watermelon and I colored the seeds on it with crayons!
9. If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have only one food or one type of food available to you in infinite quantities, what would it be?
Brownies and lemons to put in my water.
10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both. 😉
Someone who thinks out side of the box and creates!
11. What are you reading, watching and listening to?
I know its silly but I watch The View everyday while I sew and have my morning coffee!
12. What are your inspirations?
I am inspired by lovely vintage dresses and unique trinkets that I find to use…..and I love old lace! Sometimes I find the most hideous dress, but when I am done with it, it has a totally new attitude! I just got the best sewing machine ever! It’s an industrial one that I just love to sew on!
13. What’s next for Nicole Rae Styer? Any new plans or products that you want to share?
Keep on making new items for new boutiques and clients. To do more shows and events.
Love Nicole’s stuff – her style is so bold. Great interview.