Athleisure Mag #50 Feb Issue | Something You Should Know - Fashion as a Platform

It's been a busy series of weeks with the first round of Awards Season coming to an end, being in the midst of Fashion Month with a number of the runways in global cities showcasing FW20 de- signs. With many of us enjoying a mild winter, we're already envisioning SS20 looks that will be enhanced with warm- er weather. We're transported back to NYFW for SS20 when we enjoyed an intimate presentation of NONIE which took place on the rooftop of the No- Mad Hotel and included a lunch as well as panel with influential women includ- ing the Co-Founder of Venus et Fleur as they talked about the importance of their creativity as well as the need to focus on issues such as bullying.

NONIE's founder, Nina Kharey is a Ca- nadian based designer who has had a number of celebrities including Meghan Markle, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Jessica Mulroney. We took a moment to chat about her line as well as her fo- cus on #EndingBullying. NK: I was always sewing and exploring different designs. It was something I dreamt of from the time I was a lit- tle girl, watching my parents create garments out of fabric – like magic. It wasn’t until I lost my brother and started to focus on what was actual- ly bringing me peace that I decided to just go for it.

AM: What is the ethos behind NONIE?

NK: We are very holistic and keep hu- manity at the forefront. We’re also always focused on environmental sus- tainability - we want to be able to give back to our planet while creating. The women who wear NONIE should feel like they are contributing in a positive way to the world, rather than taking away. We work very closely with our clients to grow and learn from their needs and experiences.

AM: Is there a significance to the name of the brand?

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to launching NONIE how did you get your start in the fashion industry?

NINA KHAREY: My love of fashion and design began at an early age. I worked with my parents a lot. My mom was a seamstress for menswear and my dad managed a knit factory. I learned ev- erything from them and becoming a designer seemed like the natural next step, but watching my brother fall into gang violence at an early age forced me to follow a more traditional path, and I eventually got my degree in En- gineering.

Halfway through my career in engi- neering after the tragic loss of my brother, I launched NONIE to live my life to the fullest in his honour and teach my daughter to believe in her dreams and work hard.

AM: What was the moment that you re- alized that you wanted to launch your own line? NK: Nonie is my nick name. I got it when I was born. Everyone close to me calls me Nonie.

AM: What celebrities have worn the brand?

NK: NONIE has been worn by Meghan Markle, Jessica Mulroney, Chantal Kreviazuk, Jessi Cruickshank, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.

AM: How would you describe the as- sortment that one would find within NONIE’s collections?

NK: Everything I design works very well together and with other design- ers. The line in minimal and clean so it can easily be paired with a statement piece to tone it down. Everything is easily worn during the day as well for the working woman. I want her to feel at ease going into her closet and quick- ly finding something that instantly contributes to her personal style and comfort.

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 inspira- tion 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 attend- ees. 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 de- signing clothing. It’s not always about the clothes, and in fact, there’s always a cre- ative process that goes into each collec- tion. Sometimes that process can really bring discussions that inspire others and bring people together. I think it’s import- ant to share that. Art should bring inspi- ration and discussion as well. I was real- ly moved by the women in my heritage that were pushing forward and making room for themselves. It shows that any- thing 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. 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 im- portant 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 like- minded people together and was such an inspiring afternoon. SS21 will be com- pletely 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 inspir- ing 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