NY Fash Week Fall '09: Nicole Miller

February 13
6pm
Salon

Why it's hot: Nicole Miller sexes up party frocks with dark hues and cutting edge patterns.

The key trends, colors, shapes: deep hues, architectural lines, tight silhouettes, crisscrossing, matte and glossy color blocking, and kaleidoscope graphics.

Which celebs we spotted: Natasha Henstridge and Daisy Fuentes

Where to buy: Stock your closet with your very own Nicole Miller designs from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, or even www.nicolemiller.com. Chicago fashionistas can shop Nicole's store in Old Town at 1419 N. Wells St.

We caught up with the busy designer to dish about all things fashion!

Nicole Miller
photo by Factio Media

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Who is the “Nicole Miller” woman?
NICOLE MILLER: She is the girl on the go, the mother, the daughter with an active lifestyle. Career woman or busy with family, she always has a lot going on in her life.

FM: Give us an inside look at Nicole Miller as a company and at your career as a designer.
NM: With degrees from Chambre Syndicale Haute Couture School and RISD, I have both an art and fashion education, which has been instrumental in creating my prints and my clothing.

FM: Describe your signature style. Does it match the style of the clothes you design?
NM: Absolutely, but my style is very subtle. I don’t make loud statements and garish clothing. I go for a pretty approach with understated details.

FM: What does global style mean to you?
NM: The world is much smaller with the internet and everything is more accessible.

FM: Do you have any style icons?
NM: Twiggy.

FM: What tips do you give women when wearing your designs? Do you have any rules as far as fashion is concerned?
NM: Wear what suits your body type. Stay away from the item of the moment. It goes out of style too quickly.

FM: What is your most memorable moment to date in your career?
NM: My first fashion show with every top model from Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Yasmin Le Bon and Naomi Campbell.

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe? What key pieces should every woman have in her wardrobe?
NM: Basic black pieces to interact with everything else. A Perfect black skirt, perfect fitting pants, cashmere wrap and black tank tops.

FM: Which woman has impeccable style and why on an international level?
NM: Cate Blanchett and Sheryl Crow.

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice?
NM: Shoes like everyone else. Also black tank tops.

FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide?
NM: Leo in Miami, 0044 in Paris, Handle with Care in Chicago and Calypso in the Meatpacking District in New York.

FM: What do you love about Chicago style?
NM: I am always impressed by the avant-garde style of Chicago women. They are receptive to the most forward fashion.

FM: What are your favorite places to travel?
NM: Jamaica, Miami, Tokyo, Dubai.

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you just have?
NM: Absolutely not. I have seen better style with no money than with. People that have too many options can not be selective.
-Jackie Medler and Melissa Maynard for www.factio-magazine.com