What was your first major break?

I think I had a couple... the most recent one was when I did a show in New York 'the Coterie' and we sold over $200,000 in three days, people were literally making lines to see the line and to place their orders, followed by a great article in WWD and a TV interview. It was a great feeling. The same season one of the wool capes was featured in omne editorial for Italian Vogue.

What has been the greatest challenge so far?

One big challenge has always been trying to edit the collections, I usually find every piece so important and I have a hard time parting away...but the biggest challenge I think is finding the time to oversee other aspects of a Collection, from marketing to production. And once this cycle is complete... there is another one to start all over again.. I think it's a life style and you have to love it.

Who has influenced your designs the most?

I like Dries Van Noten, Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo, Rei Kawakubo for Commes de Garzon..among many others. I like designers that break the rules...I find them very interesting and brave. I like Japanese designers for their ingenuity and perspective of the world. So I think I am influenced by all of this but I always put my personal touch to everything that I create, I love fashion and good quality clothes, in a world that everything becomes disposable I enjoy clothes that have value in design and craftsmanship, things that would endure and not disintegrate with time. Clothes that would become vintage some day.

What do you see as the main goal for the Nelly fashion label?

I see as the main goal for Nellik is to keep creating fun beautiful knitwear, and to add wovens and accessories to the collection in the near future while becoming a more global label.

As a designer, what do you think of the whole Internet phenomena, and do you feel it benefits you much?

I think the Fashion Industry was the last one to fall into the internet phenomena, and I think it's fantastic, not only because is a way of reaching out and getting exposure, but it's being one with the world and I think that's very exciting.

How do you consider the style of your designs have changed?

My style may adapt sometimes to trends and also with sales... sometimes it's a good idea to listen to your customers, that just makes everybody happy.

What would you advise people who are just starting out?

My advise to people that are just starting out is not to give up when times get tough and to always pay attention to the little things, so they don't become huge snowballs... if you believe in yourself someone else will too...

IF THERE IS A WILL.....THERE IS A WAY...

Related links::

Nellik website