A candid chat with designer Antonia Nae ahead of London Fashion Week

05 Jan A candid chat with designer Antonia Nae ahead of London Fashion Week

Antonia Nae will be presenting her collection to the panel of industry expert judges at the prestigious Britain’s Top Designer Awards competition hosted by Fashions Finest during London Fashion Week on the 18th of February 2018. No stranger to accolades Antonia Nae won the Lipsy Red Carpet Award in 2016 just after graduating.

This season judges include TV presenter and fashion expert Nicky Hambleton-Jones, BNTM judge Nicky Johnston, Stylist to the stars Bernard Connolly and Lola Royle.

Britain’s Top Designer Award culminates a weekend of catwalk shows and pop-up exhibition at Fashions Finest during London Fashion Week and is presented by TV and radio presenter Laura Naylor. The weekend and Britain’s Top Designer Award attracts not only high profile industry judges but celebrities and VIP’s from the world of fashion, entertainment, business, and sport.

The sixth season sees Simon Cowell‘s protigéé Xfactor starlet Sam Lavery performing on the night.

We grabbed a quick five minutes with the designer.

How did you get into fashion?

Since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by art, fashion and sketching ideas for my dolls’ clothing. During the years, I developed an interest in fashion design, and after finishing my college, I decided to leave my country and follow my dream in London.

How has your personal life influenced your career?

Without my parents, I would not be living my dream. They represent my inspiration, and supported and influenced me in my important decisions. Having a jewelry business, they always showed me passion and drive in all the projects they took part in. They taught me what represents a business and how to expand it.

How is the fashion industry changing in your eyes?

Throughout the years, the fashion industry changed a lot. It became highly competitive and changed its dynamics in terms of cost, quality and speed to the market. Fashion designers and retailers need to adapt to this fast fashion and create a strong platform for their social media, which represents an important factor for the business nowadays.

What was your greatest success in the past few years?

One of my greatest successes was showing my collection at Graduate Fashion Week 2016 and winning the award for ‘Lipsy the Best Red Carpet Dress’. After this, I was invited to an event at the Houses of Parliament where I was called one of the five best students of that year from the UK, I collaborated with many stylists, designers and brands, I participated in different fashion shows and I had the honor to have a masterclass with Victoria Beckham.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from everywhere, from life, nature, people, animals, books, etc. I like to see beauty in everything and create unique pieces that will stand out.

Do you have a Muse you wish you could see wearing your designs?

I appreciate a lot of people, but I would love one day Lily Gatins and Daphne Guinness to wear my designs.

What can we expect from you and your brand in your future?

Throughout the rest of the year, I would like to develop my social media for increasing my brand awareness and open my online shop. Moreover, I want to do a collaboration for a major project for presenting in September at London Fashion Week.

My plan for the future is to build and expand my brand and make a name for myself in the fashion industry. I know it will take time and patience, but this is the only thing I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. I believe it is really important to continuously work for what you want and never to give up.