Nina is a first-year student in the Grande Ecole Program on theAix-en-Provence campus. She talks to us about passing on knowledge, commitment, inspiration, and creativity in relation to her passion for fashion design. Whatever career she chooses—there is no shortage of engineering positions in the clothing industry—one thing is certain: she is not about to stop sewing.
You chose to study science rather than fashion design. Why?
When I was in my final year of high school, I did consider pursuing a field more closely related to my passion. However, as a rational person, I am someone who enjoys learning, reasoning, and solving problems. The idea of attending a school exclusively dedicated to sewing and fashion design scared me a little. My appetite for science and literature (I also love literature and history) would have been stifled. I have absolutely no regrets about my two years in preparatory classes and then joining Arts et Métiers. I am very happy to be part of the wonderful Gadz'Arts family today.
What's more, there is no shortage of engineering positions in luxury clothing companies such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and even Chanel. I would love to work in this field, which I am particularly fond of, by working for one of these companies or, why not, by making a living from my own designs?
How does your sensitivity as a stylist express itself?
Sewing has many virtues. First of all, it allows me to express my creativity. The hours spent behind my sewing machine fly by in a different way. Concentration and meticulousness require my full attention. Other worries are pushed aside and forgotten while I'm working with my hands. Finally, there is of course the pride of wearing and seeing others wear my own creations, which allows me to affirm my commitment to more responsible consumption and fashion, a far cry from "fast fashion."
Where does your inspiration come from?
The senses that inspire me to create are mainly sight and touch. My imagination feeds on what I see. I deliberately seek out visual stimuli: magazines, films, social media, people. Pinterest remains my daily source of inspiration. I also never miss the Chanel and Jacquemus fashion shows: the former combines chic and comfort, while the latter has a Mediterranean feel that echoes my Montpellier roots.
Then, once the idea for a garment is sufficiently developed and precise, I focus on the materials to be used. For this, there is nothing better than touching all the fabrics available. I am not a fan of buying fabrics online.
What about that passion?
I have always had a real passion for clothing. Choosing the right outfit for every situation has defined my interest in fashion since I was very young. I learned to use a sewing machine at a very young age. At 7, with my grandmother's help, I made stage costumes that I wore at ballet galas.
Then I wanted to wear my creations to high school and on the street, not just on stage. In my opinion, clothing is the first step in self-expression. It was my desire to expand and adapt this "canvas of the self" that led to my desire to sew my own clothes.
Create something by and for myself that reflects who I am.
Nina has selected two of her favorite dresses for us.
One of her first creations, made during lockdown, was a strapless dress with straps made from a vintage floral tablecloth. The simple cut gives this dress a voluminous yet light look that evokes springtime and the desire for picnics in the countryside.
And her latest creation: a Japanese-inspired sleeveless maxi dress in raw denim, slit at the back to break up the austerity of a straight cut without a neckline. It is enhanced by a beige bias binding that highlights it by creating a contrast with the deep blue of the denim.
