Nolcha Fashion Week kicked off in New York on the 14th of September, showcasing an international selection of independent designers. It's a big industry event for emerging talent and to celebrate, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nadia Nour - a designer who has been at the forefront of the NYC green fashion movement since 2007.

For Nour, the best part of Nolcha Fashion Week is gaining exposure, mingling with industry insiders and fashion lovers of all kinds. Having showed her collection to a packed audience of the industry's mover and shakers this week, I was curious to know how she felt her designs stood out as unique and attention grabbing.

Nour's motto has always been that women should not have to sacrifice style to be ethical and she wanted her latest designs emphasizes this fully. To do this, Nour has opted for organic and eco-friendly fabrics made exclusively in the Manhattan garment district. The new collection features vibrantly dyed organic silks and cottons crafted into intricate couture-inspired silhouettes. The luxurious details of the designs juxtaposed with the strong ethical standards work well to capture the spirit of a new eco-suave that celebrates going green.

When asked about a celebrity or personality she felt would make the perfect muse for her designs, Nour picks Stacey London; New York's celebrity fashion consultant and co-host of the US version of What Not to Wear as the ideal candidate. The style icon and media darling has styled fashion photos for editorial publication Nylon as well as celebrities Kate Winslet and Liv Tyler. She knows her stuff and it's London's keen eye for detail and passion for the world of fashion that appeals.

When talk of Stacy London moved to discussion of the capital itself, I asked Nour whether she had been to the city and if so where does she shop? Not since childhood, she admits "But I love keeping an eye on the progressive fashion trends coming out of London via the internet."

And speaking of fashion trends, I wanted to know if Nour had any advice on how to look on-trend this season, Nadia suggests: "This season is all about celebrating your personal style. Accessorising and mix matching can be taken to new levels to give new life to your existing pieces."

Finally on the subject of her most coveted designers, Nour tells me that she considers Anna Sui and Chloé among her many inspirations. I can definitely see hints of Chloé sophistication and a splash of Anna Sui's vibrancy in Nour's work. But this is not to say her work is merely a spin off, definitely not, Nour's collection achieves a unique sense of style and the positive message of eco-friendly fashion.


Web: www.nadianour.com
For highlights of Nolcha Fashion Week visit: www.nolchafashionweek.com