Nickie Nina
| Fashion design | |
| Industry | High fashion retail |
| Founder | Nickie Nazir and Nina Junaid |
| Headquarters | Lahore, Pakistan |
Area served | Worldwide; High-end shopping districts in Karachi, Lahore and Dubai. |
| Products | Haute couture; Prêt-à-Porter |
| Owner | Nickie Nazir and Nina Junaid |
| Divisions | Nickie Nina Designer Fabric |
Nickie Nina is a Pakistani fashion label, run by designer duo Aliya Nazir (Nickie) and Nabila Junaid (Nina).
The label was launched in 2000. The duo have since opened a number of outlets in Karachi, Lahore and Dubai; received invites to showcase at the Lakme India Fashion Week, and for Saudi Arabia's royal family; and exhibited at multiple destinations and fashion capitals, including London, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and the United Arab Emirates.[1]
History
2001-2003: Early years
The Nickie Nina brand debuted in Lahore in 2000. The duo "was invited to attend the year's MTV Awards in Delhi and to showcase at a group show under the aegis of Fashion TV International, in Bombay."[1] Between 2001 and 2003, the label staged a number of fashion shows both at home and abroad, including places like Lahore, Chicago, Orlando and Washington, D.C..[1]
2004–2006: Lux Style Awards, second outlet and Saudi Arabia
In 2004, the duo received their first nomination at the Lux Style Awards, held in Dubai. Nickie Nina competed in the Best Bridal Wear/Couture category. In the same year, they exhibited in New York, and at the Pakistani High Commission in London; and opened an outlet in Lahore.[1]
In 2005, Nickie Nina showcased at the Presidency of Pakistan, in an event organized for former US President George Bush's visit to Pakistan; held their first Designer's Lounge exhibition in Dubai; and showcased in Houston.[1]
One year later, the label opened its second outlet in Karachi's high end retail venue, Zamzama. The brand was also invited to Jeddah, where the duo unveiled a collection for the Saudi Arabian royal family. They also returned to Dubai and Chicago.[1]
2007–2009
2007 marked Nickie Nina's third Dubai exhibition; shows in Orlando and London; and a presentation at the Lakme India Fashion Week.[1]
In 2008, the duo exhibited in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dubai and the United Kingdom, and staged a charity fashion show in Pennsylvania, USA. In Pakistan, they opened a third retail store; exhibited their winter, fusion bridal collection; and launched a sub-label, the Nickie Nina Designer Fabric.[1]
Nickie Nina presented her designs at the 'Meena Bazaar Monday Masti Awards 2009.
Also in 2009, Nickie Nina and the Swiss Pakistan Society collaborated to stage an exclusive Nickie Nina fashion show fundraiser in Geneva, at the Kempinski hotel, on 16 May. All funds raised were donated to the Pine Hill Academy School for the deaf and hearing impaired children.
2010–present
In 2010, the designers featured their collection at the Veet Show 2010. Along with this, PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2010 was opened by Nickie Nina featuring a dervish whirling to a spiritual beat which was later followed by the label's Couture collection. The Couture collection which was inspired by Kösem Sultan, mother to the Ottoman Emperor and later to become one of the most powerful women in the Ottoman Empire and Muslim history. Nickie Nina's dynamic Fashion Week Couture collection took a cue from this classy and powerful feminist, illustrating her bravery and legendary poise through a series of elegant and vibrant designs. The collection used flowing lines and rich hues merged with extravagant embroidery and traditional embellishments that brought to mind the regal days of yore. Speaking about their participation and their collection at the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, the duo has said, "Hailing from a family of formidable women, the iconic design house of Nickie Nina has always sought to represent strong feminine ideals in its collections". Renowned musician Hadiqa Kiyani walked the ramp for Nickie Nina.
In 2011, Nickie Nina presented a couture collection, titled "The Poetry of Colours", at the PFDC fashion week 2011. Later this collection was put at the fashion store L'atelier in Islamabad.
The duo also participated at the Pakistan Fashion extravaganza Fashion Show on 21 May 2011 at Royal Garden Hotel Kensington, and were in Dubai with the PFDC Sunsilk fashion week collection on 6–8 June 2011.
Style
Nickie Nina clothes are not restricted to certain styles but, instead, make use of a variety of fabrics, motifs and designs. They often show a mix of contrasting colouring and, sometimes, gemstones. According to fashioncentral.pk:
"[They] work with a variety of fabrics and what truly sets them apart is the innovative way they combine two or more textures in a single garment. Similarly, they mix bright and subtle hues in a unique fusion of colour displaying a fine-tuned aesthetic sense. Wasli, karchob, zardozi, silk threads, precious and semi-precious stones are used in fascinating combinations to create unusual and distinctive garments."[1]
Press and critical reception
Nickie Nina has been generally well-received, with Pakistan's leading fashion magazine, Dawn's Images stating that their "names can be etched alongside the likes of giants Nilofer Shahid and Faiza Samee on the roster of pioneers" and that "It is obvious that, when it comes to fashion, Nickie and Nina belong to the rare breed that sets trends."[1]
UAE's Khaleej Times has called them "two sisters with an indisputable flair for fashion" and "an impressive team behind ... Eastern haute couture", while Jyoti Kalsi finds that "Nickie Nina show that sticking to family in fashion is a success."[1]
Commenting on the duo's 2009, Valentine's Collection, FashionCentral has said, "The Nickie Nina Valentines Collection feverishly speaks the language of love and refines the personality of anyone who puts it on. Nickie and Nina do it like no one can. The touch of red could never have looked better."[2]