Clothing and product previews are tons of fun. Not only do we get a sneak peak at things before anyone else, but they’re also a great place to find inspiration for new stories. At one such preview, I was directed to look through a rack containing Fall 2012 pieces from Roxanne Nikki‘s newest collection. Pieces that forced me to gasp “Who wears this?!” and decide right then and there that I needed to interview the designer behind them.
The label is named after its creator Roxanne Nikki, who began designing at the age of three. After getting her BA from the University of Winnipeg and graduating from College Lasalle Montreal, Nikki decided to take her years of retail and merchandising experience and turn it into her business. Her first collection was sold nationwide in 1994 and she has since moved her studio from Montreal to Vancouver.
“I am always designing,” Nikki says. “When I’m beginning a collection, anything can start the process. The world around me is a constant inspiration. I usually create all kinds of sketches and then edit them down to what I feel is relevant. Fabric is a big part of my process.”
And that isn’t a small statement. One of the more noticeable traits of Nikki’s collections is the use of fabrics and materials you won’t see anywhere else. Literally. All the fabrics featured in her AW 2012 line are made-to-order, specifically for her, from exclusive textile mills around Europe. Looking like leathers and rubbers, Nikki’s textiles go through even more manipulation when they arrive at her studio, as she likes to shape them into new forms. While her clothes have a look that says “Don’t even think about laying a hand on me,” Nikki admits that she strives to find materials that beg for a feel.
“I am very particular in choosing unique modern luxury fabrics with a hand that beckons the touch,” she says. “Roxanne Nikki pieces are meant to be coveted and worn for a lifetime. To me, this is what designer clothing should be and the right fabric is a paramount factor.”
Employing the requisite inspiration board to work from every season, Nikki promises that her fall board is already jam packed. Selections range from fashion-related photos to pictures of travel, toys, and machines. The former fashion illustrator is big on visuals and likes to create characters that suit each mood she feels for new collections. Speaking of characters, Nikki lets it slip that Fall 2012 incorporates superheros and heroines with rock and roll and femme fatales.
I’m not alone in thinking that Nikki’s avant garde designs are exactly the kind of aggressive creativity the fashion world needs. Not only have her garments appeared in films like The Sixth Day starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Milla Jovovich’s campaign for The Messenger, but celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Carmen Electra, Bai Ling, and Christina Milian are fans of her work.
The collection I was able to view wasn’t technically her spring or fall line, but was instead created specifically for her LA clients. Citing a “white hot future flapper amazon” as her inspiration, Nikki walked me through the entirely hand-made garments. Using extremely fragile silk tulle and combining it with faux leather applique and dimensional leather fringe, she hopes people will see the connection to the 1920s.
“I’m always drawn to that era,” Nikki says. “This group of clothing comes from a dream place; that which is not yet seen but somehow hauntingly romantic like a deja vu.”
When discussing her designs, I sometimes find it hard to describe their over-the-top aesthetic. Once I settle on deeming them “outrageous,” Nikki seems to light up.
“People called Coco Chanel’s ideas outrageous at one time, so thanks for the compliment! I design for world class citizens. Self expression is personal power and I hate limits,” beams Nikki. I couldn’t agree more.
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Bianca Teixeira writes about style for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at @BeeLauraTee.
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