The Label: Nonoo
Based In: New York City
Designed By: Misha Nonoo, who was born in Bahrain and raised in London before moving to Paris. Now based in Manhattan, Misha launched her namesake collection in fall 2011. "I didn’t study fashion design in a traditional sense," she recently told The Fashion Informer. "I would say that my schools were the streets of Europe and my books were magazines such as Vogue, Tatler and Harper's Bazaar. Growing up in the Middle East influenced my color palette and introduced me to a very vibrant world early on and living in London and Paris, I adopted a very tailored aesthetic, influenced by Savile Row tailoring. Being exposed to European fashion is what planted the idea of starting my own line. Even though aesthetically I knew where my line would take me, my entrepreneurial spirit guided me to the European business school in London where I studied International Business and French. The business background was all I needed to start my journey." Said journey includes the recent opening of an independent showroom in Soho and being awarded the 2012 FGI Rising Star award for women's ready-to-wear.
Looks Like: Refined, accessible and elegant, Nonoo designs are subtly glamorous with a strong emphasis on fit—and they're made entirely in Manhattan. "I love to create pieces that will live with a woman and not wear her, and I think that idea speaks to many women," says Misha. "I think polished and put together can also be fun, quirky and even daring." In practical terms, this translates to soigné Anouk Aimee-inspired pieces for fall 2012 (think: slinky silk blouses and well-cut coats and trousers). Spring 2013 was inspired by the crumbling luxury and eccentricity of Havana as seen in photographer Michael Eastman's Cuba series (lots of vibrant colors and faded wallpaper prints fashioned into fluid shorts and feminine day dresses). As for her ideal customer, the designer envisions "a woman who is young but polished, or more mature but still youthful. The woman I design for understands and is drawn to high quality tailoring and fabrics but doesn't take herself overly seriously." And if all goes well, expect a Nonoo accessories and home collection in the not-too-distant future.
Sold At: Nonoo retails from $300 to $2,500 and is sold at Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols, Gus Mayer, United Arrows and online at Shopbop and Nonoo.
graphic design by K Sarna
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