All Ze Details: IN THE NEON

Designer, Nicole Bell is new to the scene in Houston. Her collection boasts of pattern-mixing and fashion-forward designs, I was incredibly happy to see the designs under construction in her makeshift studio during her move from California to Texas in which she was studying at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a BFA in Fashion Design. She was creating a new collection for runway-ready looks during my visit, for two upcoming runways she had shortly after our meeting.

The newest collection is monochromatic with a pop of neon, and the vibe is futuristic and fashion-forward. I got to catch up a little more in depth with Nicole Bell on what inspires her most while designing, what kind of woman she sees wearing her collection, and the playlist she's listening to now. Meet Nicole Bell, the newest, and one of the youngest fashion designer's in Houston.

“I design for woman who stand out in a crowd,” says Bell. “A strong, confident woman,” she ends with after being asked what type of woman she designs for. “I envision anyone from Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, Sophia Bush, Taylor Swift, and Nicole Richie. Seeing my designs on Lady Gaga would be a dream.”

Bell gushes of what she’s listening to now, “I am currently playing a mixture of artist – Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Maroon Five, Banks, NONONO, Wynter Gordon Jorde, MØ, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and Icona Pop are just a few on my eclectic playlist.”

Inspiration for her latest collection “Came from photographs I took from Yosemite National Park. I literally transformed the images, for the textile on the fabric, into my collection. My fabric has a unique feel because of that and is solely mine because I digitally printed it, making it unique for my customers.” The current color palette for the latest collection “Is black, white, grey and neon lime – which adds a pop of color,” says Bell. “I am also very picky on what fabrics I select, and I only work with the best fabrics so my customer gets top quality in their garment.”

What inspires Bell most before she starts creating a new collection? “I sketch a lot. I create at least 60+ sketches when I am starting a new collection. Photography also inspires me, my photos are where I get my inspiration, and during this collection I wanted to portray the photos on the garments.”

The ideal space to work in for Bell, “Just a clean white space with inspiring artist and designers I aspire to be like. Almost like an art gala – with my sewing machine and working table in it.”

The ultimate dream for the new designer? “I strive to be carried in various stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies, and Nordstrom.”

Nicole Bell will be a Texan designer to watch.

-All Ze Details-

Apparel Nicole Bell Designs | Shoes Elaine Turner |Clutch Elaine Turner | Earrings Kendra Scott

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