Nicole Miller is a legendary American born designer, who trained at both the Rhode Island School of Design and Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris. RISD inspired her sense of freedom and creativity, while Chambre Syndicale instilled a mastery of the classical techniques of couture. Miller skillfully drapes silhouettes to achieve a natural body consciousness that is both sensual and dynamic. Often inspired by film imagery and foreign culture, Nicole Miller sets trends with fashion’s print and color elite.
The Nicole Miller brand was launched in 1982 and became well known in the retail industry for popularizing the little black dress. Over the past 40 years, the brand has garnered a loyal following of celebrity fans, including Keke Palmer, Miley Cyrus, and Blake Lively, amongst others. Nicole is a CFDA member and has been the recipient of numerous industry awards such as the Legend of Fashion Award in 2006, Fashion Group International Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and the Visionary Woman Award in 2014.
Now celebrating its 40th year as a brand, Nicole Miller is for the Uptown girl with a Downtown attitude. The versatility of the brand comes from the inspiration — futuristic fabrics, conversational prints, contemporary art, travel, and the New York City lifestyle. This is how one brand can dress both the rebel and the modern woman. Miller’s bold femininity and universally flattering silhouettes have stood the test of time. She continues to juxtapose the whimsical and flirty with the sexy and sophisticated to create an ageless style that has empowered women for forty years.
On Saturday, August 6, Miller will receive the Fashion Icon Award at Hamptons Fashion Week for Designer of the Year. We caught up with the designer to learn more.
How did you begin your career in the fashion industry?
My first job was for a designer named Clovis Ruffin who was the leading designer in New York at the time. It was a very exciting time and he always got rave reviews for his shows. After that, I went on to design raincoats, which had always been one of my passions. That was also a great job. Then I went on to design dresses for PJ Walsh and after that started my own business.
Tell us about your involvement in Hamptons Fashion Week.
I am very excited since it is our 40th anniversary year and this really is the kickoff of the celebration.
What are you most looking forward to at Hamptons Fashion Week?
My show, of course, but I think it will be fun to see everyone else’s as well.
Tell us about your latest collection.
We are doing a retrospective and picking key items from the past 30 years. We didn’t have shows in the beginning so I am only going back thirty years and trying to pick some of the most iconic pieces.
How do you see the fashion industry changing?
It really is very overwhelming now. Before I was only competing against designers, but now everyone is a designer. Influencers, actors, socialites, etc. Everyone has a clothing line.
When you’re on the East End, what does your perfect day look like?
I am not a big shopper other than the farmers market and Serene Green. I am a big water skier and wake boarder and we spend a lot of time on the boat. Sag Harbor has some fabulous restaurants and we eat at DOPO and Le Bilboquet frequently. Also, I like to go to Sunset Beach and the newly opened Pridwin. If I am looking for a gift I usually go to Sylvester & Co, or Sage and Madison.
