Carrying her Swedish roots along, this iconic model-cum-designer broke the monotony of the industry rules upon reaching the Middle East, showcasing her true diligence and motivation of working hard since a very young age.
When it comes to the history of women’s fashion, taking the gloves off to fight can be taken in a very literal sense. Keeping in tandem with the same, Nicole Aisha Pickering has not only redefined fashion as a changing factor but also into an aspect that challenges the rules of gender limitations. Carrying her Swedish roots along, this iconic model-cum-designer broke the monotony of the industry rules upon reaching the Middle East, showcasing her true diligence and motivation of working hard since a very young age. She believes that clothing should be based on what accentuates the body rather than following trends and the faith simply resonates in her personal line of clothing as well. Listen to her inspirational voice from the edited excerpts of her exclusive interview.
Q- Being an established model what inspired you to create your own international clothing line as a career? Who has been your mentor all through in this competitive industry?
I have always been diligent, driven and motivated from a very young age to work hard. When I moved to Dubai in 2009, the fashion industry here wasn’t as expanded as compared to Europe. And that was the time I decided I have to look forward to other ways of earning. My mother was a model herself throughout her career. So, having a background as well as an interest in fashion, made the most sense for me to continue working in this industry. Even though I did not have any specific mentor, I was fortunate to have great emotional support from my family.
Q- What’s the biggest thing that modelling has taught you over the years? And what’s been the biggest challenge in the industry?
The biggest thing that modelling has taught me is to be headstrong. Working in an industry where you are recruited solely on your appearance can be tough emotionally and very challenging at times. In some castings, you will be loved, while in others you’ll be disregarded. Therefore, it is really important to remember the dynamics of the industry and not take it personally.
Therefore, it is really important to remember the dynamics of the industry and not take it personally.
Q- You are yourself from the West, being half Swedish and half Irish, and currently residing in Dubai, the financial hub of the Middle East. Do you think cultural of a specific region impacts the fashion trends?
I think Dubai fashion couture itself, although in the Middle East, very much caters to western shoppers.
Q- Do you find any difference in the fashion couture of the Middle East and the West? How would you define it?
The main difference that I have noticed between the fashion couture of the Middle East and the West is the modest trends, especially a lot of intricate embroidery by regional designers.
I think Dubai fashion couture itself, although in the Middle East, very much caters to western shoppers.
Q- It goes without saying that fashion is an integral part of a model’s life. Who are your favorite designers, if we may ask? How would you like to describe your personal style?
My personal fashion style is very eclectic. I usually choose clothing based on what accentuates my body rather than following trends. Some of my favorite designers would include Elizabetta Franchi and Louis Vuitton.
Q- Being an international model, what are your views about the concept of being all-inclusive in the fashion industry?
Having been a plus-size model myself, I believe very much in diversity within the fashion industry.
Having been a plus-size model myself, I believe very much in diversity within the fashion industry.
Q- In the past, fashion designers were known for having over-the-top personalities, as if this was important for the success of the brand. Being quite a discreet person, do you believe that the job is gradually changing today?
Yes, I do very much believe that nowadays a brands success is not about the persona of the designer. Instead, with a good marketing strategy, the designer can become almost unknown.
Q- What are your views on media and feminism in the fashion and modeling industry? Does being under the public eye bring its own fears in your mind?
I think fashion has always had an important role in liberating womens bodies. Being under the public eye, one must be prepared to face criticism.
Being under the public eye, one must be prepared to face criticism.
Q- The year 2020 has been very different and brought about a new era of fashion on the horizon. Share some sneak peeks from your clothing line for this Autumn.
For this autumns clothing line you will have to keep an eye on the website ‘eschel fashion’ for the new releases.
Q-oing back to your childhood, when did you first realize that you were inclined towards this industry?
I have always been a girly girl since as far as I can remember. I loved playing with barbies and experimenting with makeup. I also was very tall from a young age. When I was 16 years old, I remember reaching 181 cm height and therefore was approached by model scouts.
When I was 16 years old, I remember reaching 181 cm height and therefore was approached by model scouts.
Q- What is your favorite pastime when you arent found on sets or either designing clothes?
My favorite pastime is dining out with friends.
Q- What advice do you give young designers?
My advice to young designers is to always take advice from your elders. In our young age, we feel that we know it all but that may not necessarily be the case!
Q- Where do you look for creative inspiration and innovation?
I feel there is creative and innovative inspiration all around us, everywhere you look. You just need to keep your mind and imagination open to see it.
Q- How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
I feel you can be unique as a brand even whilst being commercial by what your brand’s core values are.
Q- Tell us something about your upcoming projects.
I keep my followers updated on my upcoming projects mainly on my personal Instagram page @nic_crypto.
She has always perceived fashion as a form of emancipation for womens bodies. Despite being a part of the glamorous industry, which at times tends to blind you to the core, she loves to hold her feet onto the ground rather than following the paparazzi.
In our young age, we feel that we know it all but that may not necessarily be the case!
