#christopher niari

[lhlovelyeuphoria-blog]

This event Is on wednesday 15th may 2013 at as you like it in Jesmond 7pm! 

[dreamforever-livefortomorrow]

Christopher Niari

Christopher Niari has just finished Sixth Form. Here Rachel finds out more about his designs & his first time at NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week.

1.       Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from everything around me; anything that appeals to me or catches my interest can be translated into clothing. I love foreign culture, period fashion and architecture in particular, which always have influences on my clothes.

  2.      How long does it take to make each item?

My items take various lengths of time to make. The more basic items such as stretch garments and slip dresses can take a couple of hours to create, whereas the more complex items such as steel boned corset dresses with high volume layers or heavy embroidery can take up to 150 hours to complete.

  3.      How long have you had your business? And what made you want to set it up?

I actually don't have an established business, as I have just recently completed my final year of Sixth Form. However, I decided to set up my own 'fashion house' (If it can even be called that) due to my love for fine design and clothing, and to provide a creative outlet for me.

  4.      Have you always been interested in fashion?

My interest in fashion really developed when I was about 9/10 years old, but I have always had an interest in art since I can remember. I love creating things and producing things that have a great visual impact, which I am able to do through the media of fashion.

  5.      Who is your favourite designer?

I have 3 favourite designers, which are Thierry Mugler, John Galliano for Dior and Alexander McQueen. I love their creativity and ability to capture audiences and create breathtaking spectacles that are appreciated by millions around the globe.

  6.      Was this the first time you have been involved with NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week?

This year was the first year that I have been involved in NE1's Fashion Week. I had a lot of fun and I would love to be involved with the events in the future!

  7.       What did you enjoy the most about being involved with the local event?

The whole event was a great experience, both watching various fashion shows and showcasing in one. The best part for me was the Fashion Front Row show at As You Like It, as I got to showcase my Autumn/Winter 2012 collection and meet and network with some amazing models, designers, makeup artists and hair stylists from the North East.

  8.      What is your fashion tip for this spring/summer season 2012?

Spring/Summer 2012, in my opinion, is all about colour; dare to wear striking colours and bold prints! The boho trend is full of bright tribal patterns and the sport luxe trend really makes wearing brightly coloured blocky outfits fashionable and amazing!

[newwavedistrict]

Interview with Christopher Niari

Kemmy: Firstly, I love the creative flair of your collection. What were you inspired by this season?

Christopher Niari: My collection is based on everything the person is i.e, the good, the bad...it's so hard to put it in words! I've used everything from paint spray, tailoring and paint.. It's got references to the past and present British tailoring with elements of corsets and lingerie. I personally really enjoyed creating the collection.

Kemmy: Who are your designer rolemodels?

Christopher Niari: TV Mugler - he used to do high-end haute couture that will just take your breath away. I still remember that white dress he created that was worth 4.5 million pounds. It was a white feathered dress that has encrusted diamonds embellished on it...

Kemmy: Wow, a dress worth 4.5 million. It must be a piece that was skillfully crafted and designed.

Christopher Niari:...my other rolemodels are John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood - when she used to do alot of DIY designs.

Kemmy: Yes, John Galliano is so in-your-face and flamboyant. I describe McQueen and Westwood as fashion rebels because they made their mark in British fashion. Westwood started the whole grunge/punk/rock movement that many people still wear today.

Christopher Niari: (agrees) Exactly.

Kemmy: Which leads to my next question; many influential designers such as Barbara Hulanacki (BIBA fashion house founder) has stated that London fashion has become too simple, loosing it's individualistic abilities and craftsmanship. Do you feel that London fashion has become a place where the 'same ol' designs occur?

Christopher Niari: (agrees) Yes, I seriously do think that people are using simpler patterns that have smaller details. I mean, Alexander McQueen always thought out-of-the-box and did things very extraordinary; whether people liked it or not.

Kemmy: I totally agree, the man was a total rebel! People first criticised his designs on the catwalk; next you see top celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga and Drew Barrymore wearing his pieces. Then it's like...oh, so they're people who love his innovative talent (looks at a dress with paint). Oooh, I like this dress. How did you get the paint on it?

Christopher Niari: I was just doing the same thing; splashing paint at one angle. I was a bit worried of how the paint will turn out on the dress but it came out fine. I wanted to make a collection that is cohesive and artistic. So I just thought 'go wild'- it's nice for a change.

Kemmy: Do you think this was your toughest collection that you've created?

Christopher Niari: Yes, I think so. I mean, I had asymmetrical stitching on some of my pieces and still keep the same silhouettes. It's okay to do it wrong as long as it's done in the right way.

Kemmy: Hmmm 'do it wrong in the right way' that's a strong statement!

Christopher Niari: (smiles) I say it cos many people do it wrong and the standard of the craftsmanship slips also.

Kemmy: Can you give us an insight into your next collection and your future prospects?

Christopher Niari: Well, with my next collection, I'm going completely opposite. I'll use tailored and refined silhouettes with fine embroidery. With regards to my fashion career, I plan to go to Central St Martins ( that's if it goes to plan) or a very prestigious institution that focuses on art and fashion.

Kemmy: So I'm assuming that you want to continue pursuing your progression in fashion?

Christopher Niari: Yes, all I want to do is art and fashion; as it's all about self-expression. I aspire to create timeless pieces. Vivienne Westwood's designs are never in fashion - but at the same time, they're never out of it. I don't care about the money or fame; as long as I can show my designs to the world then I'm satisfied. Whether I get famous or rich doesn't really bother me as long as I can make clothes.

Kemmy: That's good, cos I feel that people become designers just on the basis of gaining commercial success and fame. So it's good to hear from emerging designers like you that you just have the passion for fashion. Whether you make money or not (smiles). To end this interview, I was just wondering whether you have a personal website where people can view your collection?

Christopher Niari: No, I don't at the moment. But I can give you my lookbook address which is http://lookbook.nu/christopherniari.

Kemmy: Thanks, it was a pleasure meeting you and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you Christopher Niari. Looking forward to seeing your collection on the catwalk (smiles).