The Nicci Hou Collection
August 5, 2008 | by B. Jones | Filed under collection, interviews
Inspired by High Fashion photography followed by a rich generation of seamstresses and designers, Nicole Houston created the “Nicci Hou Collection” in 2007. The freelance designer/student spent most of her childhood as a military brat, but delved into her rooted talents while raised in Atlanta. During her ‘shadowing years,’ Houston recalls always sketching, designing doll clothing and hours of playing dress up. Currently, a senior at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AA&MU) majoring in Fashion Design and Marketing, Houston proclaims her designs to be edgy, glamorous, sophisticated, unique and made for women who loves glamour and fashion.
TMR gets the exclusive digs on Nicole Houston and why she’s Sewn Up in Fashion …
The Maven Report: Who is Nicci Hou?
Nicci Hou: A lot of people think I’m “there” already, but I’m a student and I’ve been sewing for about 2 years. I started out doing plus size clothing, which was featured in a school fashion show for an advance sewing class and all the pieces shown became a huge success. Also, I’m really getting into photography and styling photo shoots. I love photography and it has been a creative focus for me, along with an interest in magazine editorials.
TMR: What inspires you to design?
NH: I live for getting my inspiration from magazines, but many of my inspirations to design comes from something as small as an image on a vase, Art magazines, or it could be a draped garment … I pull from things around me.
TMR: Favorite designer?
NH: John Galliano … I love Christian Dior! I love his couture line! I was anticipating his fall line because I knew it was going to be amazing!
TMR: Name your top fashion icons.
NH: Gwyneth Paltrow, Coco Chanel, Diana Ross and Beyonce, but above all I absolutely love Victoria Beckham1
TMR: What celeb(s) would you love to dress in Nicci Hou?
NH: Right now in high fashion it would have to be Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracy Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce and just anyone who loves fashion and glamour!
TMR: As a designer, what thoughts came to mind when the buzz about the all-Black Italian Vogue?
NH: I was very happy because they’re starting to recognize the contribution Blacks have put forth in fashion and it means a lot to me. One day I look forward to being featured in Vogue. Just as Barack Obama, we’re making a change!
TMR: Ever tried out for Bravo’s® Project Runway?
NH: I haven’t, but a lot of people have been mentioning it to me, and by watching this season it had me thinking I should’ve tried out. It’s definitely something I want to do.
TMR: How does Atlanta’s fashion scene differ from other major fashion markets?
NH: The Atlanta market is growing, but it is competing with other designers, which makes it easier. It’s growing, but it will eventually get there. As of right now, it’s not on that level yet, but it’s growing!
TMR: Give Nicci Hou’s Top 5 Must-Haves for the fall.
NH:-Colorful Coats with bows
-Platform ankle boots
-Patent leather
-A lot of funky prints and florals
-Definitely the color purpleTMR: Next move for Nicci Hou …
NH: I’ve really been studying the Asian heritage, the fabric and culture. My next line is definitely going towards the Asian inspiration.
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