Creating the Look

This range is a sneak preview of my leather collection, due for Spring/Summer 2012. The collection is based on the professional woman, who is elegant, sophisticated, and successful but with the attitude to kick ass when necessary. One who is surely not to be taken for granted a typical Linda Carter. Biff....!!!Bam....!!!Poow!!!

The influence of comics as a child is still with me as an adult. The garments I produce are developed through sci-fi, and futurism while still appearing slightly more commercial and wearable. But one does need to be pretty confident to feel inspired enough to carry it off, everything we seem to do nowadays need to be so perfect and flawless. But why, says who???

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Leather Corset Skirt
Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Creating the Look

Throughout my youth I was always told ‘you’re so skinny’, you need some meat, and now that I have ‘filled out’ we tend to feel uncomfortable being a normal average size and that the real reason behind my range. During the Corset periods, it didn’t matter what size a woman was, she was still very fashionable and that’s my point. The twiggy undernourished look doesn’t necessarily do it for me unless it’s for editorials or the catwalk, but the average woman can’t relate to that. I’ve experience being on both sides of the fence and as a woman and a designer I know what needs to be addressed, so I cater for it.

When I produce a corset for a customer they really do feel special, because I know what they want and I design to cater for this, which is more appealing to the client. Garments that are mass produced for the consumer is the same and aimed at a younger market, age/shape shouldn’t be such an issue but it is and if someone who feels young inside is left with limited choices to feel trendy and curvaceous without going 'under the knife' then what choice is there really!

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Leather Corset Skirt
Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 5

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaist Shorts

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's

Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 4

Oluebube applying makeup to Renata

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.
Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 3

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaisted Shorts
Nicol DeNoir™ Leather Waist Cincher

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Behind the Scenes - 2

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaisted Shorts

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

Developing the Range - test shoot

Obviously wearing short isn't for everyone, but the idea is to show the difference between the two without changing the range too drastically, just a matter of wearing what suits the wearer, and if you're lucky enough to have great legs then the option is there to show them off.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

Nicol DeNoir™ Satin/Chifon Blouse
Nicol DeNoir™ Highwaisted Shorts

Photos taken behind the scenes by Nicola Desnoes @ Eric Jorrin Studio's
Testing with Photographer Chris Shiels & Eric Jorrin
Mua/Hairstylist: Oluebube Ubadike
Model: Renata Trencanska
Styling: Nicol DeNoir

The 18th Century Philosophy

Photographer: Michael Bryant
Models: Renata Trencanska and Elena Chikunova
This image can only be used with the permission of Michael Bryant.
mobile:07877250702 or Email: michaelbryant777@hotmail.com

Burlesque Rose Net Mask and Burgundy Tafetta Mask www.masqueboutique.co.uk

Nicol DeNoir™ Burgundy Tafetta corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Black satin ribbon corset

Back stage at Home House

Instead of excessive use of fabric as originally used in the 18th Century, the volume was reduced from several layers, shortening the skirt, and exchanging the bustle for frills and flouncing at the back. The black corset was one I had produced previously which blended in well with the collection developed with asymmetric layers of ribbon, which was used to decorate and add detail. The burgundy Taffetta corset is designed with folds and pleating detail across the top edge of the garment All corsets shown, can be custom made. Prices will vary according to fabric, details/design and fittings.

The 18th Century Concept

Photographer: Mark Baron www.SeenThisPhotography.co.uk
Model: Renata Trencanska

Nicol DeNoir™ Black satin ribbon corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Burgundy Ruffle Taffeta/Organza skirt

The concept behind this range was to produce a mini collection for the 18th Century themed show, but without making the outfits resemble fancy dress (as that really isn't what the label is about). It would have been more elaborate, but with only a few weeks to produce the garments, it really didn't leave that much time do to the work, so I kept things simple. The whole point was to create a range of garments that are wearable for a modern wardrobe.

The 18th Century Theory

Photographer: Mark Baron www.SeenThisPhotography.co.uk
Models: Franscesca Turner and Danielle Bromley

Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Brocade corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Gold/Organza Ruffle skirt
Nicol DeNoir™ Black Satin lace trim corset
Nicol DeNoir™ Fine Beaded Lace Ruffle pants
Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Satin shorts

The new Nicol DeNoir fashion label that is now being developed consists of other items of clothing, some corseted and some without. This is a unique collection which needed to offer the wearer the option of a whole outfit rather than just a corset, making it easier to match items. The corsets are only produced as outerwear due to the rich and delicate nature of the fabics and trimmings used in each design.

18th Century Fashion Show at Home House

Photography by Alan Harbord www.ahpphoto.co.uk
Model: Francesca Turner

Gold Brocade mask created by Masque Boutique fwww.masqueboutique.co.uk
created for Nicol DeNoir™ matching gold brocade corset

Taking part in an event held at Home house. The theme was 18th century and the guests also had to attend dressed in 18th costume which appeared to be an interesting concept, something different from what I'd normally do, and yet being versatile as a designer I decided to give it a try adding a modern twist.

Kyrah 'Uh Oh' Official video

Styling by Neesha Sharma
Kyrah wearing Nicol DeNoir™ corset

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved. www.nicoldenoir.co.uk

Baby Blue - RUN feat Wretch32 / SILENT LOVER Official video

Styling by Neesha Sharma
Baby Blue wearing Nicol DeNoir™ corset.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved. www.nicoldenoir.co.uk

Spell Europe - Black Hair & Beauty Mag issue Feb/Mar 2011

Photographer: Stelanour Sani www.stelianoursani.com
Hair Stylist: Angela Plummer www.angelaplummer.com
Make-up Artist: Wai Kan www.wai-kan.co.uk
Stylist: Lauraine Bailey www.laurainebaileystyling.co.uk
Model: Zainab Balogun www.mi-agency.com

Ribbon Corset: Nicol DeNoir™ Satin ribbon Corset www.nicoldenoir.co.uk
Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Spell Europe - Black Hair & Beauty Mag issue Feb/Mar 2011

Photographer: Stelanour Sani www.stelianoursani.com
Hair Stylist: Angela Plummer www.angelaplummer.com
Make-up Artist: Wai Kan www.wai-kan.co.uk
Stylist: Lauraine Bailey www.laurainebaileystyling.co.uk
Models: Zainab Balogun & Natalie www.mi-agency.com

Ribbon Corset: Nicol DeNoir™ Satin ribbon Corset www.nicoldenoir.co.uk
Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

The FashionTV Award

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011.

When you work hard at what you do, receiving awards really is the biggest motivation. It means you're doing something right, and it really does put everything all into prospective!!!

Receiving the FashionTV Award

Extremely happy to receive this award :)

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011.

The Winning Collections

Amanda Rudin President of the panel and head of Fashion TV with the two winning collections at the event, Julie Haider and Nicol DeNoir, held 11th March 2011. Photo taken by Kin Pang

The Black Panther

Photo's taken by: Bloggess Extroadinaire

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011. Model Helga wearing Nicol DeNoir™

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved. www.nicoldenoir.co.uk

Armour, Daggers & Swords

Photo taken from www.GluttonforGrandeur.com. Independent Fashion Blogger Alexis Oladipo.

Fashion of London Design Award show, at the Hilton Hotel, Trader Vics March 2011. Model Katusha wearing Nicol DeNoir™ metallic blue corset and Silver satin skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved

Image protected by copyright © 2011 Glutton for Grandeur - Alexis Oladipo

The details in the painting

There were so many paintings to see, showing battles or biblical references, religious, ceremony’s and so on. Impressions of wealth and riches beyond belief. By the time I came back from my trip all I could see was colour, steel, metallic and everything seemed so bright and colourful and so therefore my range for the ‘Battles of Rome’ was developed with all the splendour seen with my own eyes. This really was a great starting point for my collection!

Everything that glitters appears to be Gold!

Once inside the famous buildings all you could see was paintings all along the sides and the ceiling filled with intricate detail and gold leaf. This really was one of the most inspiring, breathtaking and overwhelming things to see as it just continued throughout the whole building. It really had to be the biggest Art Gallery I’ve ever seen!

Roman Heritage, Art & Culture

One of the main things to do in Rome was to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. There were grand buildings everywhere and once approaching the grounds it was like being inside an Arena, structured with extremely high columns that appeared to continue forever.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved

Structured interiors, metal and glass

Thank goodness elevators were invented as there was so much to see, unlike the Titanic, to take the stress out of travelling up and down the stairs even though each floor wasn’t too high and each level overlapped with the other. The lifts provided an interesting view with its glass interior and glass roof top (shown in the photo looking upwards), made the view even more interesting as all the colours showed various hues of steel, mirrors and lights which was all so astonishing to witness.

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved

Conceptual Design Features

Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™. All Rights Reserved.

The very first view to catch my eye just as I entered the cruise liner was this stunning view inside the ship. It truly was a scene from the Titanic, the brass banister entwined with swirls, curves with a conceptual design that travelled up and up for 14 floors.

Travelling through the Mediterranean seas

Inspiration for the Battles of Rome

My cousin Neil and his wife Janine decided to have their wedding on a Cruise while travelling through the Mediterranean Sea. It was a couple of years since qualifying as a pilot and part of his travels, I’m guessing, meant there was no way he was going to settle for a straight forward traditional wedding. This was a trip I was not going to miss for anyone, as I knew it would be such a splendid affair.

The trip involved travelling through Barcelona, Cannes, Monaco, and Rome just to name few and it truly was one of the most astonishing events I have attended in a while. A wedding is always a joyous occasion but this really had to be one of the best for me so far. I knew I could only be inspired by the beauty I was about to experience while travelling on this journey, as I have such a soft spot for culture, tradition and heritage.

Armand Beasley @ 09Twelve Fashion of London Awards | FashionTV - FTV.com

The first video below for some unknown reason has been removed from view maybe due to some kind of infringement who knows, although I do prefer it more than the FashionTv version if I'm honest. Either way you get to see the show, my collection and recieving my first award, whoo hoo...!!!