Very Fly Presidential Encounters

So proud of Andrea Pippins, of one of my most favorite blogs, Fly. She recently had the opportunity to sit on a panel of new media experts at the White House, and meet President Obama himself! How cool is that! Read more about her amazing experience here.

For a little Fly nostalgia ~ Remember this piece Andrea did on NIC*FISH... This was filmed in my previous design studio - oh, how I miss that place. The lighting was divine!

All the Pretty Birds

Tamu in Vogue Nippon

If you are anything like me, you love to people watch! I love to see how people choose to express themselves with dress & adornment, in different environments. All the Pretty Birds, captures the best international street style, mostly in Milano, seen thru the eyes of Tamu McPherson. Check it out for lots of great people/ style watching! <3

Inspiration via Animation

I love anything art deco - And the art deco animation, and brown color scale of this dream sequence from The Princess & the Frog is no exception - even the stills are beautiful!

"I remember daddy told me, fairy tales can come true - You gotta make em happen, it all depends on you - So I work real hard, each & every day, and things for sure are going my way - Just doin' what I do, look out boys, I'm coming thru!" ~ Great verse from this tune. <3

Pop Africana

Soooooooooooooooooooo excited about this magazine!!! <3<3<3<3

Pop Africana ~ Delivering a rejuvenated image of Africans Worldwide.

Inspiration by Will Smith

I. Love. This. ~ Incredibly inspired every time I watch it. <3

Little Dragon...

never disappoints.... Love. this. Group. <3

Nail Tite

One of my favorite indie singer/beatmaker/all-around creatives ~ Miss Suzi Analogue just launched a new venture - Nail Tite, specializing in deco nails for the flyest of the fly. Nail art is so cool! Check out more of Suzi's tite nails, here & here.

Also, check out a sampling of her music on Sound Cloud.

Albert Chong

Cousin Shirley - Albert Chong

One of my faaaaaaaavorite artists is Jamaican mixed media artist - Albert Chong. I was first introduced to him in 2002, at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The museum displayed his color still life photography series (seen below). The pieces spoke to me - so much so, that I attempted to recreate his vision by photographing my own color still life at my grandfather's birthday party some months later (see below). I love the simplicity of his use of mixed media - black & white photos against vivid colored flowers is breathtaking. Meet Albert Chong.

Aunt Winnie - Albert Chong

Pop-Pop Bouie Fisher~ Homage to Albert Chong

Welded Furnishing

Image Source

My grandfather (Ompa) was a skilled craftsman - a welder. He designed the most beautiful wrought iron gates & furniture that can be seen all around the city of Philadelphia.

These modern pieces of welded furniture by Johnny Swing remind me of my grandfather's work. I'd love to own one of these chairs! They are incredibly chic works of art!

Proud Mary

This is my great aunt Mary Upshaw. I've mentioned her in a few interviews, as being extremely influential in my decision to pursue Design as a career. I was first introduced to fashion in the 1980's, at the fashion show & pageants she produced. She had serious moxie ~ beautiful, poised, intelligent, creative, independent, driven & very successful. <3

Photo Booth Files

This stop motion video never gets old! I absolutely love it! Its from the 2009 Roots Picnic. There was a photo booth set up backstage by photographer, JJ Tiziou. Our candids were later turned into this fun stop motion video.

Check me out at 2:20! <3

Convertible Clothing - The New Twist

Check out this great New York Times article, by Ruth La Ferla, all about convertible garments, and their economical intelligence. <3

<<<Article Link>>>

Starfish Bloom

Here's a great video from the 2010 sponsored Starfish Bloom workshop. As you can see, the attending girls & their parents had an awesome time! We are currently planning a sponsored event for 2011 - Stay tuned for details!

Starfish Bloom: Fashion, Beauty, Art! from theBrickerati on Vimeo.

Lovely Textiles

Textiles from Galbraith & Paul

I've recently become completely fascinated with amazing custom textiles and mod-chic interior design. Two local (Philly) companies specializing in original interior & print design are Galbraith & Paul, and Print Fresh. Print Fresh also houses an extensive vintage textile archive (salivating). Great work from both of these companies!

Individuality

Minna in Lagos, Nigeria

Check out this great story by Minna Salami (Ms. Afropolitan) about individuality in personal expression. I really love this article. It expresses everything NIC*FISH and the convertible jumpsuit collection is about. <3

My Best Design Yet

In 2010, I welcomed this amaaaaaazing little guy into my life. Life with him is absolutely incredible! Life before him... ummmmmm, I don't really remember, lol!

Ms. Afropolitan

Ms. Afropolitan is an amazing UK boutique & blog that highlights African Diasporic designers, global lifestyle, as well as cultural, political, economic & social issues. The online boutique recently began carrying The Original Convertible Jumpsuits by NIC*FISH. Check it out here.

Minna, Ms. Afropolitan's founder, also did a great Q&A with me... Check out the interview here.

NIC*FISH Fringe Top

Check out this awesome black& white image of Dominique from Couture Vulture in the NIC*FISH Fringe Top. The fringe top is now available in Topstitch Boutique in Olde City Philadelphia.

Couture Vulture

Couture Vulture Q&A: Nicole Fisher of NIC*FISH

This past week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Philly designer (born and raised) Nicole Fisher. Nicole, in many ways, is much more than a fashion designer; she is also a creative consultant, educator/mentor and new mother. I am honored to share with you our conversation and style session. Thank you again Nicole!

This Q&A also covers the topic of sustainable fashion. Through her unique, Convertible Jumpsuits, Nicole has been able to find an alternative to buying more, more, more. As you will read and see below, the pieces become a creative expression of one's style- there isn't just one way to wear it!

Check out the full interview, here.

New Year, New NIC*FISH

Hello everyone!! Its 2011, an amazing new year of new opportunity, new discovery, new thoughts, and new inspiration!!

The blog direction will now reflect all the funky fresh newness in not only in the happenings of NIC*FISH, fashion & beauty, but in the holistic lifestyle of me: designer| mother| artist| art lover| entrepreneur, Nicole Fisher.

Also, I will be updating you on all of the happenings while I was away! Lots of really great stuff! Super excited - stay tuned!! <3

Its been a long time....

STARFISH BLOOM ~ Free Intro Workshop & Fall 2010 Registration Session

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, from 1pm to 5pm, modeling & etiquette program,
STARFISH BLOOM will be hosting a FREE introductory workshop & Fall 2010 registration session for girls, ages 5-17, residing in the Philadelphia PA area. The girls will have the opportunity to participate in really fun and interactive fashion| art | beauty projects, as well as learn to work the runway in a mini modeling session. All girls interested in attending must RSVP at starfish.bloom@gmail.com. See you there! <3>

STARFISH BLOOM is an initiative of NIC*FISH Womenswear

NIC*FISH Article in Style Sample Magazine

This was an amazing article done by Style Sample Magazine on NIC*FISH. Check it out here!

JYPSEA Grand Opening

The JYPSEA event was fabulous! Tons of people came out to celebrate the grand opening of my friend, Meca McKinney's very first design studio in the heart of downtown Newark's revitalized arts district. Guests shopped til they dropped, mingled and dined to delicious champagne cupcakes & chilled white wine.

Four beautiful models, with faces painted as fierce warrioresses, modeled the latest leather accessories collection from JYPSEA, accompanied by the 2010 convertible jumpsuit collection by NIC*FISH. See images from the event below, provided by alleyesonwho.com and Tamika of Lowe Key Fashion Finds.

NIC*FISH at JYPSEA Design Studio Launch/ 2010 Collection Debut

Come to the JYPSEA design studio launch/ 2010 Collection debut on March 26, 2010!!

Terina "Meca" McKinney, CEO/Designer of Jypsea~Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods, proudly opens her first design studio in the home of her birth, Newark, NJ. The celebration will include a live fashion installation of the Jypsea Fall 2010 line preview, a live band, and video footage of the latest marketing campaign. The fashion installation will feature Jypsea's eco-friendly leather handbags and accessories in collaboration with the 2010 NIC*FISH womenswear collection.

The show will begin promptly at 5:30pm. Goodie bags full of free swag will go to the first 75 guests. Wine and desserts will be served, catered by Cookie Bottom.

Admission is free. All merchandise will be available for purchase! RSVP here!! You don't want to miss this!! Its going to be extra fabulous!!

NIC*FISH Interview on Istylelist

What were the inspirations behind your current collection?

“The inspiration for the collection is chic comfortability. NIC*FISH is all about creating incredibly chic, comfortable, timeless pieces, in great fabrics, that can take a women from day to night seamlessly. The entire collection is comprised of convertible jumpsuits, allowing a woman to bring her personal style to the jumpsuit with infinite tying options of the bodice sashes.”

What was the first piece you ever made?

“At about 10 years old, I made fabric buttons and sequined tees with my design mentor, Sayida Hafiz. She taught me an incredible amount about the art of apparel design. I still apply her concepts to my work today.”

Read full interview here.

NIC*FISH Article in Style Sample Magazine

Style Sample Magazine is an amazing magazine, by editor-in-chief, Tamia Stinson. The magazine is all about haute style, globally - from the perspective of bloggers. My article was written by super cool blogger, Nisha of Nonsence on Stilettos. Check out the full NIC*FISH article here - issue #6, page 22.

Open publication - Free publishing - More style

NIC*FISH Interview with Yannique

We're talking with the designers themselves about their line. Get to know the creator behind the collection and find inspiration in their personal stories of creativity.

Today's featured Independent Designer is Nicole Fisher of NIC*FISH.

How did you get into fashion design?
I was introduced to fashion as a little girl. My family was/is heavily involved in the fashion scene in Philadelphia. My great Aunt Mary produced fashion shows & pageants in the 1970’s & 80’s, and was an amazing seamstress, and my uncle Aaron Pender currently produces wonderful fashion shows/ events with his company, Premiere Productions. I grew up surrounded by very talented designers, and was mentored by them. One in particular, Sayida Hafiz, taught me an immense amount about design technique, which has helped me tremendously in my growth and development with NIC*FISH.

Read full article here....

NIC*FISH featured on Blame It On Ashley

Philadelphia has given us some the most interesting and talented individuals. Author Bebe Moore Campbell, Singer/Poet/Actress Jill Scott, and the legendary Maze & Frankie Beverly (my Mothers will appreciate that shout out). And now we can include designer Nicole Fisher to the list. Born in Philadelphia at a young age Nicole was surrounded by the fashion industry. Due to mentors and family members’ involvement Nicole was taught all aspects of the industry. After pursuing an education at Howard University she enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. It was here she hone her gift for designing original, inventive pieces that would soon give birth to the incomparable NIC*FISH clothing line....


Read full article here...

NESTOLOGY - Grand Opening!!! On 12/10/09...

NIC*FISH Article in Clutch Magazine

Fashion is a finicky industry where a designer’s genius can be praised and shunned in the same breath. It’s as unpredictable as it is banal and many newcomers aren’t prepared to succeed.

Partly to blame is the allure of instant success on shows like The Hills and Project Runway. These fanciful interpretations of reality make it easy for fashion hopefuls to overlook the disclosure where Tribeca apartments aren’t included and financial backing, an innovative business plan and lots of endurance are your holy grail.

Below the glittery surface of fashion design are business mechanics whose absence can signify instant failure of a brand: especially an emerging one.

Luckily, Nicole Fisher had longevity in mind.

Read full article here....

NIC*FISH featured in NESTOLOGY - King of Prussia Mall - Pavilion

This store is AMAZING folks!!! You really don't want to miss this!!

Nestology @ King of Prussia (Pavilion)

Nestology is an artist collective and shopping concept to support and nurture art and artists. It is a blend of art, culture and commerce - - showcasing both established and emerging artists. In troubled times, we need art more than ever. The King of Prussia Mall is an exposure opportunity for the artists to bring their work to a demographic they might not otherwise reach at the busiest shopping season of the year! Beginning on November 23rd through January 31st, Nestology will be just that - - a nest for artists to incubate their creativity, broaden their markets, introduce themselves to the world of the King of Prussia Mall and of course, benefit financially from the venture.

The 6,000 sq. ft. space resides in between DSW Shoes and Urban Outfitters, and below H&M in The Pavilion. The beautiful space will transform into a fabulous art bazaar each and every day through the holiday season. Nestology wants the artist/craftsmen to take ownership of the project and stay engaged in the process of marketing and raising public awareness, utilizing all forms of the social media to naturally create markets for like-minded people in the art and craft community. We recognize there is gap between what is happening in our inner cities and the major suburban shopping centers. Nestology serves to close this gap by having it's venue in the heart of the largest shopping center on the east coast to draw a contrast in culture and mission.

Stacey Wilson, critically acclaimed artist and promoter, serves as Nestology's Artistic Director. Her experience, talent and vision lends, style and cohesiveness to the endeavor and establishes Nestology as a cultural force in the city of Philadelphia.

NIC*FISH featured on UWISHUNU Philly

Wednesdays with Rakia: Make it a Star-Studded Affair

Posted by Rakia Reynolds

Filed in: Shopping

These days I am all about trans-formable, trans-wearable, trans-seasonal pieces to extend the life of my clothes and keep me fabulously fashionable.

Local designer Nic Fish has mastered the art of transformative clothing with her popular transformable jumpers, dresses and tops.....

Read full article here: http://www.uwishunu.com/2009/11/wednesdays-with-rakia-make-it-a-star-studded-affair/

NIC*FISH in LOU LOU Magazine

NIC*FISH STUDDED FLIP CROP TOP - Featured on FLYGIRLS Blog

Check out the NIC*FISH studded flip crop top (bottom left image) featured on www.flygirls.typepad.com. The article is all about the amazing fall finds at Topstitch boutique, where the crop top can be found, along with a select assortment of NIC*FISH pieces.

Shop the full NIC*FISH collection at www.nicfish.etsy.com

TANSEY COETZEE - MISS SOUTH AFRICA

LIEZEL VAN DER WESTHUIZEN - HOST OF SOUTH AFRICAN IDOL

Wayna in NIC*FISH - "New Scenery" Music Video

New Scenery by Wayna from Karmalux on Vimeo.

Check out Wayna wearing NIC*FISH - "New Scenery" Music video. The video was produced & directed by the beautiful Black Lily Girls Workshop! Go girls!!! They did an amazing job!! ;)

NIC*FISH Contemporary Womenswear

Res in NIC*FISH - Reflection Eternal Music Video, "Back Again"

Talib Kweli + Hi Tek-Reflection Eternal -Back Again-Vid Premiere