For many fashion designers, inspiration comes in the form of something they witnessed, perhaps experienced. They are inspired by colours, motifs and fashion from around the world. But for Diane Alex, it was the birth of her daughter 25 years ago that inspired her to start her label ‘Nicole by Diane Alex’.
Pursuing passion
What started out as a passion soon became a career for Diane. She was an ace designer at her institute in Mumbai, and started with evening gowns. The birth of her daughter launched her career in clothing for girls. She took great interest in dressing up her little daughter along with her tiny dolls and was looking to create the unique bond that existed between a daughter and mother.
Nicole Abraham, the girl who was the inspiration for her mother now handles “Nicole by Diane Alex” and speaks fondly of the Kochi-based company.
“When we started out, there was no particular age bracket we were looking to cater to,” says she. “There was neither a large scale analysis of sorts. The first step was to create clothes for infants and allow a natural progression to the label and the clothes.”
Nicole by Diane Alex has a chic collection of designs for children that can make any mom like it! Ensembles like a Midnight blue and hot pink pavadai, tiered chiffons, peach polka and timeless whites find place in Nicole’s collection.
Quiz Nicole about the response to this niche line of fashion, and she says, “The response has been overwhelming, no doubt. People love the elegance and simplicity that go into a Nicole design. Moreover, comfort and quality of the fabric are what we focus on.”
Nicole Abraham feels that orders pour in because of word of mouth. “Even today, we get customers because people talk about us,” says Nicole. Parents play a pivotal role choosing clothes for their children. While some like to go traditional, others are willing to experiment and play around with colours.
Ask Nicole whether parents nowadays are adventurous with their tastes or whether they want to keep it simple Nicole says, “Well, adventurous and simplicity are both subject to perspective. Our imagination and vision finds satisfied customers. It is fresh, specialised and tailored for the lucky girl, and it’s our pleasure to deliver.”
From a business person’s point of view, Nicole says that clothes are a lifestyle necessity regardless of age bracket, style and taste. “The market is constantly growing and parents are now blending in too.”
With time, kids too have progressed into highly opinionated individuals. They know what they want (sometimes they throw tantrums!) and they have an opinion about what they eat, wear, watch and play.
“Children nowadays not only have their own ideas are what they would like to wear but also what their mothers wear,” says Nicole. “It’s great to see this. The kids know they have opinions, and that’s what makes them all the more confident and expressive.”
What’s in?
Neon shades are doing the rounds this time and it’s all about the bright and bold!
Call: +91-9744044777
Email: nicoleanddiane@gmail .com