Tell us a bit about you, your background. What made you start your brand?
After graduating from Istituto Maranogni London, I realized that the only way I can fully express my creativity and follow my own concepts is by starting my own brand. Growing up in Vienna, I started working with textiles in elementary school at a very young age, so I always dreamt of having my own brand one day. Being able to fulfil that childhood dream of mine is really wonderful.
What about your design process, how do you start working on a collection?
An ongoing theme throughout all collections I have ever worked on is visual perception. I start my secondary research with information relevant to the concept, and then have a rather organised approach to how I work. I usually follow certain steps, starting with primary research which then evolves into draping, fabric experimentation and the form of the actual garments coming at the very end. My work sort of evolves from the whole process. I like to use a range of mediums such as, drawing, photography, and digital collage which all help inform the final garments. I then further highlight the concept with various fabrics, colors, manipulations, and prints; developing the designs until the collection is at a final cohesive stage.
You state that this collection is inspired by the significance of perspective in determining someone’s reality. Can you tell us more about the key concepts and inspirations behind it?
Since I am four years old my vision has been increasingly worsening. Over the years, blurry and distortion has become a second world for me. The objective of this collection is to portray my reality. With a prescription of -10.00 on my right eye and -9.00 on my left. Symmetry becomes asymmetry, colors blend into one, textures protrude over one another. Juxtaposing all elements, this collection is meant to bring the wearer a step closer into my visual reality.
How did you choose the textures and prints to represent this collection?
Drawing inspiration from my visual perception, the aim was to create strong protruding textures against more subtle and soft transparent fabrics, to highlight my different perceptions, and how they change depending on how close or far I am.
I wanted to create something similar in the garments; look closely and you will see different prints and textures within monochromatic looks. The print throughout the collection is inspired by the Snellen chart, which is an eye test used by opticians to determine your eye sight.
Who do you design for and how would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetic is dark and somewhat risqué . My goal is for people to feel confident when they wear Nona the Label. The garments have endless possibilities in which they can be worn and combined so my aim is that there’s something for everyone.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles a fashion designer has to overcome in the journey to success?
For me personally, the biggest obstacle to overcome as a fashion designer is the pressure of keeping up with the fast pace of the industry and creating collections that are well received. This can always add a lot of pressure to a young artist and designer. I have learned to work at my own pace and express my vision and creativity. There will always be people that may not like the work you put out, but if you truly stand by it and have a story to tell, there will always be someone who appreciates the hard work you put in.
What are your future plans now after graduation?
My plan is to come out with a new collection as well as produce my current collection, as it has currently only been available for custom orders. I’m planning on having a pop up very soon in London so people can interact with my garments, not just over a screen.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
This is a difficult question for me to answer as it is still one I am trying to figure out. The current world situation has brought us all in a position we have never been in before, and especially as a graduating fashion designer it has been an obstacle I have had to overcome. Dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety in the last year, I realize perfect happiness is something you can’t actively seek out. Perfect happiness comes then when you’re in the present moment, not worrying about what might happen tomorrow or the next week.
Credits:
Photography: Marco Giuliano / @marcogiulianoph
Styling: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei
Fashion: Nona The Label / @nonathelabel
Jewels: Archived Prototypes / @archivedprototypes
Francesca Castiglioni Jewellery / @francescacastiglionijewelry
Editorial Assistants: Inga Lavarini, Ai Lin Hsieh / @ingalavarini @ai_lin.h
Model: Sofia at Next Models Milan / @currant.sofia @nextmodelsmilan
Greed