Elli-Nicole Sazeides made the top 8 in last year's ELLE Rising Star Designer competition. While the competition did not go her way, Elli-Nicole is back this year to give it another go and tells me whether or not her second attempt results in a victory it will not deter her from putting in the necessary work in establishing herself as a designer.
Me: You are a finalist
for the second year running. Do you think this gives you an edge over the other
designers and why?
Elli-Nicole: While it is helpful
to have an idea of the process and requirements from my experience last year I
am by no means more relaxed, being part of this competition a second time also
has it's challenges, you know longer have a luxury of a first impression so you
have to up your game considerably!
Me: What would you say
was the biggest lesson you learned from being part of this competition last
year?
Elli-Nicole: The biggest thing I
learned was to take chances with my work,instead of worrying about it being
text book perfect I had to shift my mindset to "it's ok to try something
new and fail", push yourself, try new things no matter what the outcome.
Me: Worst-case scenario, you don't win... Where to
from there for you?
Elli-Nicole: I don't see not
winning as a worst case scenario. Everyone loves to win but that is momentary,
don't get me wrong it would be great but one win doesn't make a label it's
about consistency and building a reputation as the years progress. I see the
competition as a stepping stone on a path rather than an end destination.
Win or lose I intend to take the lessons from the competition and grow my
business and following and really focus on building a brand that is successful.
Me: What can we expect
from the collection you are making for this year's show?
Elli-Nicole: My collection this
year is adventurous in its pattern work but still effortlessly wearable with a
balance between luxe and edge. I decided to push myself this year by developing
my own prints which has been very exciting. It was also important to me to
develop my accessories in this collection and therefore shoes and handbags will
feature even more prominently than last year. This year the inspiration behind
my collection is also very personal, the collection was inspired by all of the
teachings and memories of my maternal granny whom I was very close to and who
passed away last year.
Here are a few pictures from Elli-Nicole's show as a finalist in last year's inaugural Elle Rising Star Designer search:
Photography: Gary Stemmett/ SDR Photo
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