Thursday 13 December 2012

Clothes Show Live 2012


Clothes Show Live was the biggest it has ever been. Held at the NEC in Birmingham, the clothes show pulled together over 400 fashion and beauty brands each with special discounts especially for Clothes Show customers. Along with fashion and beauty stands where you can shop until your hearts content, there were also 4 large catwalk and demonstration areas.



In the Susuki Fashion Theatre dancers and models performed for 45minutes at a time. The catwalk show was hosted by Henry Holland and stylist Grace Woodward.
 The Diet Coke Image Catwalk showcased graduate collections and the next generation of designers. The level of design was inspiring from the young talent.

Nica has teamed up with the Clothes Show Live's educational program to find an aspiring designer to create a print for our competition. Design a whimsical pattern inspired by nature, capturing the essence of Spring / Summer to be printed onto a satchel. If you feel you have the skill and design flare to become a designer then enter the Nica competition and get your foot onto the design ladder. Deadline line date is 1st September 2013. You must be aged 17 - 24. Visit the website for more details:


The Graduate catwalk show, saw the final year collections from students who have graduated from the Colleges & Universities that were present at the event located in the University and College forum.

Kicking off the show, was a block colour collection from North East Worcestershire College.



Barnet & Southgate College mixed layers and thick materials to create a wearable daytime range & rich velvets with satins for an evening collection.



University of Derby collection created elegance with sheer materials and used statement fabrics such as plastic added a depth to the collection.


Sandwell College had a raunchy side with fishnet tights, PVC skirts and berets! The woven pieces were interesting, but not something we would dare to wear out!


 The University and College Forum

If you would like to know more information about the University & Colleges who were at The Clothes Show Live event and what courses they have to offer find the information below;

Burton & South Derbyshire College: Open days .Saturday 19th January 2013 10am - 2pm .Monday 11th March 2013, 5pm- 8pm .Monday 20th March 2013, 5pm - 8pm
Call: 01283 494400

North Hertfordshire College:
Foundation degree in Fashion & Textiles
Call: 01462 424242

Barnet & Southgate College:
BTEC Extended Diploma in Fashion & Clothing
Call: 0208 266 4000
Email: info@barnetsouthgate

Warwickshire College:
Costume and fashion courses
Call: 01926 318233

University of Wolverhampton:
BA (Hons) Fashion & Textiles
Call: 01902 322 058

South & City College Birmingham:
BTEC, HND & NCFE courses
OPEN DAYS:
Thursday 24th January, 4pm - 7pm
Thursday 14th March, 4pm - 7pm
Thursday 23rd May, 4pm - 7pm
Call: 0800 111 6311

Somerset College
Textiles, Fashion, Art & Design
OPEN EVENING
15th January 2013, 5.30pm - 8pm
Call: 01823 366 331

New College
Art & Design
Call: 01527 570020
Website: discovernewcollege.com

Liverpool Community College
Fashion, Retail, Merchandising, Fashion marketing, Art & Design
Call: 0151 2523000
Website: liv-Coll.ac.uk

North Hertfordshire College
Fashion & Textiles, Art & Design, photography
Call: 01462 424242


The Nica stand was buzzing with happy shoppers, snapping up the bargains and enjoying free Pop chips & exclusive Nica wristbands! We hope to see you next year at the Clothes Show Live event where we are already planning the layout and design of our new stand. If you have any ideas about a stand please let us know as we would love to hear from you!



Friday 26 October 2012

Nemo the Vintage Lovers Choice x




Nica has a love for ALL things vintage. From clothes to jewellery, artwork to houseware! It is Nica's passion for vintage that sees elements and twists in her collections from times gone by.



The ‘Nemo’ shoulder bag is recognisable by two big buttons that are inspired by a 1950’s dress that Nica found on her travels of vintage fairs and shops. 



‘Nemo’ is a soft, fun loving everyday shoulder bag that can hold all of life’s necessities.



Thursday 18 October 2012

The Lucy Tote x




To escape the hustle and bustle of London, Nica’s favourite place to unwind is a secret garden. The serene and tranquil garden flourishes with colourful bursts and lush green foliage. Under an ivy covered archway Nica sits on her bench and sketches. 



First comes a twisted woven strap handle, like the ivy vine she sits under. Secondly, panels burst open to reveal canvas print like a flower bud opening and finally a perfect rose charm is added to complete the ‘Lucy’ shoulder bag.



 Whenever worn, the ‘Lucy’ bag brings back wonderful memories of the secret garden.

View the full collection of 'Lucy' tote bags at http://www.nica.co.uk/shop/search?keywords=lucy

Tuesday 16 October 2012

The Story of Rowan





Nica's trip to Longleat Butterfly garden had her fluttering with delight at the beautiful colours, symmetrical shapes and soft, delicate touch of the butterflies.






 The ‘Rowan’ bag has the same elements in its soft hobo shape. Fine detailing of embroidered butterfly stitching adds whimsical elegance.




 The ‘Rowan’ design inspired Nica to spread her wings and get carried away with the inside print design.


View the full Nica Signature range at: www.nica.co.uk 

Thursday 11 October 2012

Alicia Satchel Inspiration


Nica’s Signature collection is a range of cherished Nica shapes, with each style coming from delightful inspirations from Nica’s life.



The ‘Alicia’ satchel was inspired by Nica’s visit to Castle grounds where a statue of Alice in Wonderland ‘Through the Looking Glass’ can be seen. Multiple worlds and a whimsical aura allowed for the creation of, and need for, multiple pockets, both open and zipped.


A twist lock mimics Alice’s intriguing behavior to open and close doors by twisting keys in locks to find hidden treasures. Cut out flower detailing and snowflake shapes depict the wonderland adventure that Alice finds herself on.



 What style bag would Alice need on such an adventure? A satchel of course! And that is how the inspiration of an Alice in Wonderland statue created Nica’s ‘Alicia’ satchel.









Tuesday 11 September 2012

Vogue's Fashion Night Out in London

The Fashion Night Out hosted by Vogue always creates a fashion frenzy in the hottest capitals in Europe! London was no exception as all London's fashion finest turned up in their finery looking fabulous! There was music, food and plenty of cocktails to get the party started!


Kurt Geiger created a buzz with customised studding on all garments.



The live DJ kept spinning the tracks and drinks where flowing. The amazing party atmosphere also included a free manicure with every purchase over £50 AND 20% off all purchases!
These guys really know how to throw a party!

Hotel Chocolat was a tasty little treat!


Rich, creamy, hot chocolate and delectable dark and milk chocolate truffles that linger on your pallet. I found myself debating whether I’d be shunned if I asked for seconds.
These tasty little treats could kick off my Christmas weight gain 4 months early!
Who cares, it’s all in the name of chocolate.  

Louis Vuitton has collaborated with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. A life like replica of Yayoi stood in the window of the New Bond Street store. The figure was so life like we were almost certain she moved!
'Cover yourself in dots' best describes the colaboration as it is indeed VERY dotty!
From the accessories to the clothes everything in Yayoi's collection is bright and covered in dots; it is worth a visit to the store to see for yourselves!

Joe & Seph's delicious popcorn treats were a juxtaposition of flavours had us going back again and again!

Our favourite was the caramel and salt... I know what you're thinking! But no, it was a perfect mix of sweet and savoury! Try them for yourselves!

It was a fun filled evening and we are looking forward to what the treats will have in store for us next year!

 

Monday 13 August 2012

Nica’s Olympic Splash!


Nica was full of excitement heading to the visually stunning Aquatics Centre for the Olympic Games. The centre holds two 50m swimming pools and a 25m diving pool. The Aquatics centre was electric as we waited to see Micheal Phelps the human fish prepare to win more gold medals to add to his already very shiny Olympic trophy cabinet, which already hosted an astounding 18 gold medals!

Michael Phelps did not disappoint, he flew through the water with such amazing power and grace and gaining another four Gold medals for Team USA. These gold medals were won in the 4 x200m freestyle, the 200m individual medley, the 100m butterfly and 4 x100m medley relay.
But he didn’t stop there! He also took home another two silver medals. Making his Olympic total an amazing 22 medals!
So with all of the excitement about the games the other main question is, what should you wear to an Olympic event? A pair of super cute and comfy flat shoes are essential as queing, standing and most probably jumping will be involved throughout the day. Then of course you need a bag which will be big enough for your phone, camera, nibbles and a bottle of water.

Nica’s Olympic bag must have was the very pretty ‘Sophie’ across body bag. This bag is surprising as it appears small, but you can fit everything you need into it! The beautiful quilting design is classic allowing you to look smart and casual in skinny jeans and flats. The ‘Sophie’ across body has a zip top and inside zip pocket, so when you are jumping up and down cheering on the athletes, your belongings are safe and best of all with an across body your arms are free to clap and wave!

When you’re on the go, find your perfect across body bag at www.nica.co.uk

Friday 3 August 2012

Nica London AW12

This season Nica introduces a flourish of fabrics & textures with elegant label Nica London. Nica London prides itself on creating glamourous and chic looks with strong colour palettes, while using key shapes and finishes with gorgeous detailing. The beautiful faux leather and fabric provides a perfect balance between style and affordability making this a desirable label for fashion savvy females!
The 'Cannes' range combines sophistication and elegance using classic framing and clasps for the large shoulder and small cross body styles. British racing green and classic camel patent are key colours within this range. Exquisite tapestry craftsmanship draws upon statement botanical prints keeping a twist of Nica's signature playful style.
A collection of sublime rounded totes in crimson red felts, flap over cross body in a mixture of quilted faux leathers and soft felts and large flap over quilted clutch make the 'Sophie' range. A base colour palette of dark choc and black hues rest behind post box reds and taupes.
The 'Lana' range is a stunning new take on the classic satchel. 'Lana' has taken a rounded saddle shape and woven miniature flat, metallic bows in rows through the faux leather creating texture. A traditional colour palette of dark taupe, cream and black allows for the dusted metallic bows to shine. Playful tassels have been added to the zip pulls and delicate metal work detailing creates a beautiful bow from twisted rope effect which has been added to depict the essence of Nica London.

Visit our website and sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with all of the latest product launches from Nica, Nica London and Nica Play. xXx

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Behind the scenes at Nica Play's Video day out!

Behind the scenes at Nica Play's video shoot. We took a stroll with our bike (and film crew) into Chiswick high street and came across a beautiful quaint book store. No.183 was the perfect back drop to shoot our Nica Play video.
Inside the book store was like stepping into another world...
A life time's worth of reading was piled high in this little book store. It was though we had stepped into a shop along Diagon Alley, expecting to see Harry Potter and friend's buying spell books and wands...

Back outside Nica was creating her own fantasy land with Nica Play's new collection. A sense of charm and relaxed sunny days endulging in picnics in the park, a ride on your bike and loosing yourself in a book.

It is important to get the right lighting for both video and photography, to highlight features and capture the essence of the story.

The team checking the play back on the hand held camera.

Walking away into the distance captures the last scene of the day...

Our gorgeous model Catherine showing off Nica Play's across body satchel in choc print and the large shoulder bag in the pretty pink print.

The print is made up of leaf and bird images all designed by different shaded dots! Each Nica Play bag is coated allowing the bags to be washed and wiped easily, perfect for pincnics in the park, muddy festivals and they have no fear of children's sticky fingers!

Stay tuned for the video coming soon!
xXx