To say that Niki English is an open book is an understatement in every language. Her natural ability to draw you into her life and make you feel like her best friend is intoxicating from the moment you sit down with her.
One thing I’m sure that no one has ever said about this young lady is that she’s lazy. Many years before even considering entering the University of Minnesota’s Apparel Design program, she acquired her first sewing machine (age 14) which set her dreams to become a designer into motion.
She taught herself most of what she knows through observation of role models as well as experimentation on her own part. Although she’s only been selling her pieces since 2005, she has quite the resume and will knock your socks off with her list of connections and killer pieces to date.
Niki found herself designing clothes when she got sick of struggling to find pieces that fit her abnormally tall frame. That’s not where she started though. She began making one-of-a-kind handbags in 2005, which is also when she began selling them at Cliche, a local boutique. She thinks it’s fascinating that around 100 of her bags are “roaming around Minneapolis somewhere.” (I agree!)
Inspiration is never a lost cause for Niki either. She keeps a neat box of pictures that she rips out of magazines. Usually, a particular unique style or color palette will set her brain on the right track to create a master collection.
Niki’s most recent project was one she doesn’t wish to repeat. This is not because it was hard or didn’t end well. It was quite the opposite actually. Niki found herself so enveloped in her designing that it was hard to get anything else accomplished! Her senior collection took her nearly 6 months from creation and development to finally constructing the garments and showcasing them on the runway. “I really pushed myself and my creativity and I was really excited about the results.”
Although she certainly has the right to be, the classy lady isn’t hard to please either. “There are infinite perfect paths for me. I would be happy as a designer for a high-end ready to wear company, or as the owner of my own line.” She raves about her excitement for what her future holds.
Interestingly enough, Niki can’t speak highly enough of Gareth Pugh. His designs are intensely structural and play with shape in unheard of ways. It makes complete sense that she loves him, because her collections, especially her last, the senior collection she created, showcase her inspiration precisely. She says his fashion shows are like a punch in the face to her (in a good way) and that she feels she could learn so much from him.
Someone of Niki’s nature is bound to be able to provide some knock-out fashion advice. For spring, she recommends that every girl invest in a smart, sexy, well-tailored jacket. She personally believes that a blazer has the ability to tie any look together and make anyone’s body look amazing.
Niki English is just a few short months from completing her degree at the U of M but this is definitely just the beginning for her and she has no plans to slow down. In April, Niki will participate in Envision: Artopia, part of Minnesota Fashion Week as well as compete in the Sol Inspirations sustainable design contest.
When we say she’s “one to watch”, it’s no joke. This girl’s going places, and if your smart, you’ll keep up.
How Do I Know??
English, Niki. Personal interview. 01 Mar. 2011.
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