We had the pleasure to interview Nicomede Talavara, founder of the brand NICOMEDE and a former student of the MA Fashion Degree at Central Saint Martins who studied under the late Professor Louis Wilson.
Talavera has honed a progressive and distinct eye through extensive research and combines original and unexpected references to create a look that is wholly modern.
We asked Talavara why did he start his own brand and he told us that he did it because he believes in “pushing forward and laying out the art of the possible within menswear” as he told us, as well as due to his great approach to life to always be the best version of himself.
I guess courage comes from being creative and having the imagination to create magic.
His collections, called ‘Episodes’ are “an evolving story of the brand’s message of brotherhood” as he states, and all of them are related to Brotherhood and Unity, creating a hybrid style of classics and fantasy but grounded, taking inspiration from the 1950’s couture and uniforms.
The collection has designed so far a collage’s signature menswear with visually stimulating details and silhouettes to create a uniform for ‘Gentlemen of the universe’.
Another question we want to highlight in this interview is the last one, in which we asked him to give a piece of advice to younger artists and designers who want their dreams to come true. He said: “Focus on your world you want to create and what you want to stand for. Really push yourself and think about all the possibilities you can do,” and encourage everyone to keep learning in order to evolve as a person: “Keep learning and strive to be better than yesterday.” but most importantly:
Work hard but work smart.
Q: What made you to start your own fashion brand? Where did you get the courage from?
A: I started my brand because I really believe in pushing forward and laying out the art of the possible within menswear. I have always strived to be the best version of myself and that approach to life is exactly how I see my design process. I guess courage comes from being creative and having the imagination to create magic.
Q: How would you define NICOMEDE.’s DNA in a couple of words?
A: Modernistic menswear.
Q: Which is your favorite collection you have designed? Name some of your favorite pieces.
A: I would say all ‘Episodes’ I have created are my continued favorites. It’s an evolving story of the brand’s message of brotherhood. The clash of inspiration from 1950’s couture to uniforms inform a hybrid of classics and fantasy but always grounded. I love the cocoon moon coats from Episode 2 and also the ongoing conversations of my jewelry partnership with Ekaterina pronina. The collection has designed so far a collage’s signature menswear with visually stimulating details and silhouettes to create a uniform for ‘Gentlemen of the universe’.
Q: Can you tell us which is the story behind your latest collection?
A: Every episode is related to Brotherhood and Unity so for Episode 2 I referenced iconic boy bands such as Boys 2 Men and N-sync then collided it with historical wear from the 15th century onwards, 1950s womenswear couture and sportswear. The outcome is bold and unexpected. It is a celebration of being progressive, modernistic and a youthful spirit.
Q: Name some of your most important accomplishments as a designer.
A: I would say my cherished accomplishment is being taught by the late Louise Wilson, course director of the MA Fashion Degree at Central Saint Martins. The knowledge she instilled in me, approach to designing and research and courage is something that really changed the way I see design and fashion. I am forever grateful for that time in my life. Louise taught me how to deconstruct research and refine it to its purest form to create pieces that are timeless.
Q: What do you love most about fashion and how do you think it will evolve?
A: I love clothes and the art of creativity and design. Art is something I always embrace. Fashion in all forms is a reflection on the present but as a designer, I choose to create a progressive and forward-facing universe and to look ahead at what’s new and next.
Q: Can you tell us anything about the next collection?
A: Episode 3 is titled ‘Gentleman of the Universe’ and is inspired by Champions and Saints.
Q: Would you like to give some piece of advice to young designers and artists who want to make a living out of their passion and make their dreams come true?
A: Focus on your world you want to create and what you want to stand for. Really push yourself and think about all the possibilities you can do. Keep learning and strive to be better than yesterday. Surround yourself with people who lift you and each other up and always be grateful for life and all its beauty. Work hard but work smart.
Exclusive interview for Vanity Teen online!