NINA NIKICIO
Nina is the CEO & Creative director of the Fashion label Nikicio.
NINA NIKICIO: “I get inspired from boredom. Those things and mainly because i'm a fucking pothead.“
[interview.aldy kusumah / pics.nikicio documents / September 2011]
How do you end up with this profession as a brand owner and fashion designer?
I've always wanted to own a ready to wear brand. When i just started back in 2007, there is very little growth of local brands in Indonesia even though there is a market for it. Huge market. So then i went ahead and launched Nikicio. It came from a very grounded concept and started off from close friends.
Musicians often say that making your own album is like raising a child. Would you agree with that statement when it comes to your brand?
Of course. I cant wait to sell them when they are teenagers.
Everywhere, the fashion industry has changed a lot. What do you think about this lucrative business?
It looks really easy, but this business is hard to keep because of the competitions. I think it's the same for any lucrative business everywhere.
How do you get inspired when it comes to creation?
From boredom. I always create something because i feel bored of seeing the same things again and again. And laziness. Why should we create things that are complicated and hard? I want clothes that are easy and simple. Things that you can wear again and again without thinking. Those things and oh! Mainly because i'm a fucking pothead.
How are your designs connected to your Indonesian heritage?
It's made and created by Indonesians.
What songs would you play in your fashion shows?
Currently listening to Bombay Bicycle Club album and i think i will pick 3 songs for the next show in October. Or maybe The Rapture.
I see your line has an eco-friendly campaign. Can you elaborate on the subject?
I figured there should be something i could do to give back. and that's that. It was hard as the resources are limited and there were only a few local factories that have organic threads to spun. After a while, we get resources from Korea and China for our organic threads so it's easier now. The second line, NN:02, is supposed to be very basic staple clothes, a compliment for our Mixte (main line). Something like Bassike, but more affordable.
Do you have a favorite model for Nikicio? The ones you have the closest relationship with?
I used to scout models from friends and my favorite would be Mikael Jasin. He's not in the campaign much but we hang out and at some point he went and worked for Nikicio. I guess you can call him a muse.
How do you see the development on fashion trends?
I think it is more about looking for what's new as opposed to what has been done. But i never think much about trends. I simply make clothes that i would wear personally. In the end, customers will buy things that make sense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmKpEUS9_7Q
