Winning Race Day Fashions
For the highly awarded designer and founder of nicolangëla, Melbourne’s racing carnival means just one thing – lots of colour and fun!
A two-time winner of the carnival’s Designer Award, Nicole Williams will again present her race wear designs in this year’s prestigious competition. An invitation-only event designed to formally recognise the amazing contribution designers have made to the Melbourne Cup, Nicole took out the grand prize in 2008 and 2010. The wins firmly cemented Nicole’s brand, nicolangëla, in the race wear industry and provided both national and international exposure for her stunning designs. “The awards are such an amazing opportunity for established and emerging designers, and are truly one of the most colourful outdoor fashion events in the country.”
A graduate of the National Art School, Nicole’s path to fashion design was never a choice. “Designing clothing feels so innate to me. Even as a little girl, I would be using my mother’s denim offcuts to make clothing for my dolls.” Cutting her retailing teeth at Sydney’s Paddington Markets, Nicole’s unique designs and passion for garment construction was recognised by buyers who offered her space at the Sydney Fashion Designers Emporium. “The Emporium was a fantastic launching pad and taught me so much about the commercial realities of the industry.”
After successfully retailing from Melbourne’s Greville Street, Prahran, High Street Armadale, and exclusive Melbourne GPO, Nicole switched gears to make way for greater flexibility in her personal life. “I loved retailing, but the hours are absolutely gruelling. It worked well when my children were very young, but they need so much more of me now.”
From her head office and design studio in Port Melbourne, Nicole now offers an online, wholesale and retail concept of her celebrated nicolangëla brand. “Offering our customers options to connect with the collections is really important to us – whether it’s online, through boutique stockists or in the studio, I think people will get a really good sense of who we are.”
Drawing on exceptional draping skills, pattern making and garment construction, Nicole continues to personally design two seasonal collections each year. “My design process is fabric driven with designs evolving organically through the making process.”
The result is garments that fit beautifully, are made with perfection and are flattering to the female form. And despite the label’s distinctive European flavour and exquisite imported fabrics, 100% of the nicolangëla range is made right here in Melbourne. “I’m passionate about supporting the garment industry here in Australia. Our talented fabrication artisans enable us to offer a very personal and customised service to our clients.”
With affordable collections characterized by understated glamour, luxurious fabrics and unique, exclusive prints, Nicole’s designs have introduced an ease and modernity into the wardrobes of women. Offering an exclusive ready-to-wear, event, bridal and made-to-order range, Nicole’s designs are easy to care for and perfect for travel.
And when she isn’t designing award winning race wear, Nicole is assisting brides and bridal parties to realise their own very special day. Her popular multiway bridesmaid dresses in unstructured sizing are made to order in 30 colours. Offering a perfect fit for sizes 8 to 18, they are designed to flatter every female shape. “I love the challenge of creating our versatile, multiway collection. They offer such incredible confidence and elegance for special events.”
Nicole’s top tips for the perfect race day outfit
• Choose an outfit that reflects your personal style, it’s a day to have fun and celebrate the season
• Keep your outfit proportional to your frame, and your headwear proportional to your dress – it’s all about the scale
• Wear sensible shoes!
You can view the full nicolangëla collection online now at www. nicolangela.com. Personal styling is available by appointment at the nicolangëla studio, Ground Floor 252 Graham Street, Port Melbourne, Monday to Saturday.
For more information:
Phone: 1300 798 956
Email: info@nicolangela.com
www.nicolangela.com
