Q+A: Nik Erwan Roseli
We recently spoke about local fashion designer Nik Erwan Roseli who showed at the last Malaysian International Fashion Week (MIFW / MIFA) and is quickly catching attention in the Malaysian fashion scene. Read the interview TiC did with the humble award-winning designer for an insight into his passion and love for fashion!
Why fashion? How did you decide or know that this is what you want to do with your life?
Before this I took a Diploma in Graphic and Digital Media, and immediately after, had an interest in fashion as almost all my friends were in the fashion line. I then made the decision to pursue a degree in Fashion Design in UiTM, Shah Alam. From there, I realized that I could actually go far in the industry.
You had your collection featured on MIFA - Earthly Debacle. How was the experience, and what inspired you to come up with that line?
I was very proud of my work and it really was an unforgettable event.
The inspiration behind my collection was 'Landslide', based on recent events. I could see something unique and challenging behind creating a collection from current events.
The fashion industry is a tough one. What drives you to making this struggle to pursue this?
I think every designer in Malaysia has their own target market and from there, they either make it or not. It surely is a competitive industry, but we have to compete healthily without pride or jealousy.
We know you've worked on celebrities like Elaine Daly and Yasmin Hani, who else have worn your designs?
I have designed for many celebrities and shows, including Mendua Reality Television Gangstarz, 3.5 Reality Television Gangstarz 2, Eone Reality Television Mentor Season 1, Dilla Reality Television Malaysia Most Beautiful, Idayu Reality Television Akademi Fantasia Season 3, Noryn Aziz, Farahwaheda, Siti Sarah, Sharifah Aleya, Azura and Tinie (Hot.fm DJs), Dhanya Nambia (Ala Carte host), The Fabulous Cats, Mila Akademi Fantasia Season 5, Irma Hasmie, Atilia, Lisa Surihani, Maya Karin, Tengku Azura and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.
Who would you love to design for?
I would love to design for Camelia and Dayang Nurfaizah. I personally feel that they are fashion icons who can carry any clothes with style and look gorgeous.
What inspires you as a designer? Do you have a muse?
My muses are my parents and my friends, their support is of utmost important to me.
How would you describe your personal style and your designs?
My personal style would be very indie-style, very vintage & old school. My designs are all experimental and there must be some aspect of uniqueness in my designs. Also, I only choose a combination of 2 or 3 colours.
What is your current fashion must-have?
Biker jacket!
Who is your all-time favorite designer? And if you could collaborate with any top designer in the world - who would it be?
My favorite designers are Versace and Marc Jacobs. If locally, it would be Rizalman Ibrahim & Melinda Looi. If I could collaborate with any top designer, it would have to be Donatella Versace!
Any fashion shows or big plans coming up this year?
I am planning to participate in Stylo or MIFA this year. I also want to collaborate with batik companies to have a show featuring Malaysia Batik, but this is all still in planning stage. Perhaps I might get involved with some events like the “Anugerah Bintang Popular” and “AIM” this year.
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You can stalk Nik on his blog, or email him for more information at nikerwanroseli@yahoo.com.my.
[All pictures courtesy of Nik Erwan Roseli]
