Nothing motivates me to follow my dreams more than to be inspired by other creative minds. Meet Nina Transfeld, fashion designer!
Originally from Cologne, Germany and after having lived in New York for ten years, Nina returned to Europe and has now recently opened a small boutique with her own clothing line in the South of France.
When and how did you become passionate for design?
I have always been passionate about design and clothes, ever since I was little. As a matter of fact, even as a child I always picked out my own clothes to wear, put outfits together and I always had a special interest for clothes which were a bit more original and out of the ordinary than the average piece of clothing.
What was the inspiration for your opening collection?
I find inspiration in a lot of places, mostly from when I travel to different countries, meet new people and discover new cultures (which I try to do often), but also from music and years past. For my opening collection I have a lot of dresses and skirts inspired by the 50s and 60s for example. These are years I love, I love the style, the music and the rock n roll attitude.
What is your hope for those who wear a Nina Transfeld Couture design?
Well, of course I hope that they feel comfortable in it, but also I want the women who wear my clothes to feel empowered and confident. My clothing line is very feminine and I want it to underline the femininity in women and give them an extra boost of confidence by looking pretty and elegant.
What is the hope for the future of your clothing line?
I would like to develop my brand to become bigger of course, but at the same time I always want to stay true to me and my style. It’s a fine line, because I also don’t want the brand to become too big, to keep the exclusive aspect of it. I have a few clients, who buy a dress from me, because you can’t find it anywhere else. I pay specific attention to the materials and the craftsmanship of the item and I want it to stay that way, meaning I will never compromise on quality or style. For this first collection I have received a lot of positive feedback so far and I hope that I will receive the same positive feedback for the next collections to come.
What is your process to design a piece?
Well, it starts with my idea and drawing, the drawing takes a few days to complete. Sometimes I imagine a design idea in my head, but when I actually see the drawing it doesn’t look as nice as I thought, so I change something or do something completely different. After that, we make a pattern based on the drawing of the design. After the pattern is finished, we first make a prototype out of less expensive material to make sure everything is correct and all the ideas are incorporated. Once the first prototype is finished and perfect, we then make another prototype, this time out of the actual fabric. Once this final prototype is approved, we start sewing this item for the collection and to be sold in my boutique.
Tell us about opening your own boutique! How exciting!
Yes, it is very exciting indeed. It has always been my dream to open my own boutique and it was, and still is, a lot a lot of work, but it’s all worth it. It’s very exhilarating to work for yourself, to be your own boss and to work hard for your future and the future of your own business.
Your first location is in Nice, France? Why this location?
I love Nice, it’s the perfect place for me and my boutique. It’s a fairly big city, but not too big, it’s absolutely stunningly beautiful, the colors are inspiring and it’s a very international city. You can meet people from all over the world. In addition to that the people are wonderful, the locals as well as the newcomers. There are lots of small businesses here, and everyone loves to motivate each other. It doesn’t feel like a competition, but a team of small business owners trying to help each other out.
How did you learn to design?
I learned most of if during the time I lived in New York. During that time I worked with numerous designers in the fashion industry and had the chance to learn a lot about design and fashion in general.
Why is designing your dream?
It allows me to express my full creativity to the highest level. All of my imagination and stories go into the dresses I make. On my days off I love to write fairy tales and lots of people have told me that they can see that in my dresses.
Is it your only dream?
During my time in New York, I also worked a lot in the film and entertainment industry. I would love to incorporate all that into my brand as well. I have already started working on small fashion films for my collection; it’s great to combine this experience with my clothing line. Besides that, I love to sing and I have a small band, together with my boyfriend who plays the guitar. I would love to continue developing this into more and do little concerts here and there.
Any advice for aspiring designers?
Design what you love and believe in yourself and your sense of style, and don’t worry too much about what’s trending at the moment.
What designers inspire you?
Dior, first and foremost, because he was an excellent designer, he designed collections which highlighted femininity to the fullest, but at the same time he was also an excellent businessman, which is equally important. Chanel of course as well, because she came from nothing and created her won universe with her collections, but also lots of small, unknown designers with small boutiques like mine.
If you could choose one celebrity to represent you and your clothing line, who would it be?
That’s a very difficult question, because most of my favorite celebrities are men ☺ I also love Kate Winslet, but I don’t think my designs would be her style. I would have loved Amy Winehouse for it, because I think she would have totally understood my style. Besides that I would spontaneously say Georgia May Jagger. I love her style-mix of vintage rock n roll. She would look great in my dresses.
Be sure to LIKE Nina Transfeld Couture on Facebook and see all of Nina’s designs on www.ninatransfeldcouture.com . If you type the promotion code KELLY in your shopping cart, Nina will give you 10% off your order! She ships all over the world!
Photography by Scevol Guinot
Photography by Scevol Guinot
Photography by Scevol Guinot
Thanks to Nina Transfeld for taking the time to answer my questions and for being an inspiration. All the best with your boutique and your dreams coming true!
Believe In a Dream 