AM: What are you excited about for Spring 2020 and what was the inspiration for this season of NONIE’s collection? NK: Spring 2020 was a fun collection to design. I was aiming to bring a little more personality and interest into the designs. There’s a lot of edge and fun in this one. It has the youth in it that sometimes can be intimidating for women to explore but is kept subtle and minimal. The inspiration was community and how we can all make room for one another to grow. We can have a stronger impact together. As for the designs, I also go back to my roots in India and this time I was really enjoying the wrapping and tying of the designs. AM: We attended your SS20 presentation lunch last NYFW with influential attendees. It was a great way to see the brand as well as guests that were on panel with you? Why was this format during NYFW and select panelists chosen to be involved to share their stories? NK: There’s so much that goes into designing clothing. It’s not always about the clothes, and in fact, there’s always a creative process that goes into each collection. Sometimes that process can really bring discussions that inspire others and bring people together. I think it’s important to share that. Art should bring inspiration and discussion as well. I was really moved by the women in my heritage that were pushing forward and making room for themselves. It shows that anything is possible if you’re willing to put the hard work and sacrifices into it. Rupi Kaur (writer) and Seema Bansal Chadha (Co-Founder of Venus et Fleur) are both people who went against the system of what’s expected of them and made their dreams come true. They kept pushing and disrupting the norm. Also, it’s nice to see everyone come together and support one another. That’s the true form of women helping other women - encouraging each other to live their best life. AM: You’re focused on a campaign known as #EndBullying. Why is this a platform
you are interested in educating others on and why is this important to you? Also tell us know about the Love Gives Freedom T Shirt. NK: I lost my older brother to violence so when the chance came up to design something that would be used to inspire others, I jumped on it. I’ve met with so many kids who have been bullied or are getting recruited into gangs. It’s so important for these kids to hear my story and learn from the pain my family and I have gone through. I never want a family to experience our loss and pain. I try to lead everything I do with love and that’s what I tell them as well. I could have held onto the anger I felt towards the people who did this to my family, but I chose to let that go. I chose to focus on spreading love and living in forgiveness. It gave me freedom to live a good and healthy life. AM: We're sure you’re already planning SS21, what can we expect from the line and will you do another event here in NYC? NK: I absolutely will do another event in NYC! After the last one, I made some great friends out there and the support was beautiful; it brought so many likeminded people together and was such an inspiring afternoon. SS21 will be completely sustainable fabric wise, and I’m working on some great designs that can easily be worn to work and out in the evening. SS21 will be luxurious and inspiring to the women wearing it. AM: As someone who travels, what are 3 items in your carry on that you like to bring with you in order to make traveling easier for you? NK: Wet wipes, Air Pods and face masks. @Nonie.Official PHOTOS COURTESY | NONIE
