The Girl With The Golden........Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Collections

It's been a while since I've been doing creative photoshoots as I had other business to focus on and I don't often have the time to I fit them in, but whenever the opportunity pops up and I am available I'm very keen as I always find working with a creative team so exciting.  A few months back I was invited to Bicester to meet other creatives for a shoot.  I rarely travel that far but Bicester Village was somewhere I've always wanted to visit anyway, due to the huge selection of designer shops located in the town centre, so I was keen to make the trip.

Once I arrived (after travelling for 3 hours don't ask) there was little time to pass by the Village centre as the make up artist Gwen Reece and Hair Stylist Emmanuel Esteban was doing some really interesting work on the Model Iris Fitzgerald so I decided to stay and watch them instead, just in case they needed me sooner rather than later to dress the model and so I decided to do some behind the scenes shots in the meantime, while this great photographer called Martin Higgs was setting up and taking some fantastic shots.

Hair Stylist Emmanuel Esteban with model Iris Fitzgerald   

Corset Designer Nicol DeNoir dressing the model just before the shoot 

 Make Up Artist Gwen Reece applying the final stages

The team behind the scenes with Photographer Martin Higgs 

 Hair Stylist Emmanuel Esteban making a few adjustments

Martin Higgs Photography 2014

Model: Iris Fitzgerald

Makeup: Gwen Reece

Hair : Emmanuel Esteban

Retouch Stefka Pavlova / Retoucher

Corsets: Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Classics, Ancient and Futuristics Collections

Nicol DeNoir™ black leather futuristic corset as seen featured and published in Astound Magazine Feb 2015

Credits

Hair: Angela Plummer

Photographer: Abi Oshodi

Make UP Artist: Flora Losilo

Stylist: Crystal Deroche

Corset: Nicol DeNoir™

Nicol DeNoir™ Bridal with Angela Plummer

As well as creating fabulous hairpieces, Angela is a professional hairstylist adaptable in a variety of ways that show the best of her creations in various mediums.

Bridal Shoot for Pride Magazine featuring Nicol DeNoir™

Credits

Hair: Angela Plummer 

Photographer: Abi Oshodi

Make Up Artist: Flora Losilo

Stylist: Crystal Deroche

Corsets: Nicol DeNoir™

Nicol DeNoir - Bridal with Hair Stylist Angela Plummer

Angela Plummer is an amazing multiple award winning hairstylist.  She has a very clever technique producing hairpieces as if they were woven cloth as you can see in this bridal shoot.  Nicol DeNoir™ bridal featured in Voix Meets Mode (VMM) magazine http://www.voixmeetsmode.com/ pg 127

Hair: Angela Plummer 

Photographer: Abi Oshodi

Make Up Artist: Flora Losilo

Stylist: Crystal Deroche 

Model: Bryony Robertson

Corsets: Nicol DeNoir™ Classics & Skirt

Corsets: Nicol DeNoir™ Vintage & Skirt

Nicol DeNoir - The VoiceUK contestants featured in OK magazine

OK Magazine June issue 884, featuring Cleo from Cleopatra wearing Nicol DeNoir™ gold corset alongside the other final VoiceUk contestants during a photoshoot for the show. 

Featuring Cleo wearing Nicol DeNoir Corset

Photography: Lorna Roach

Produced: Tarkan Algin

Accessories Styling: Rachel Gold 

Hair & Makeup: Carolyn Wren

(Hair, Make & Styling @ LHA Represents)

Nicol DeNoir™ Metallic Classics - Wear it well as featured!

One thing I really do love about the work I do is that it really does caters towards women with real curves. Corsets rarely discriminate and that's one of the reasons I began designing them in the first place as they really do flatter the typical hour glass, baring this in mind, it also gives great scope for ideas to create a unique concept for any individual as we are all different and beautiful in our own special way.  Everyone gets noticed in a Nicol DeNoir™ garment as there are so many things taken into consideration during the design process, with a real brand identity of its own.

You'll rarely find two people with the same figure and sometimes shopping in today's market isn't always the easiest task.  Mass production is fine and practical, but in reality not necessarily suitable for everyone. Bespoke is special and made just for you so you can always feel fabulous and a real boost to your confidence.  So if ever you feel the need to embrace your curves book an appointment with us for a consultation and it'll be one of the best decision you'll ever make......  

Joselyn Dumas is a Ghanaian TV presenter and actress. 

Face of Range Rover Evoque 2012  

NewAfrican Woman Magazine June/July 2013

Photographer: Dami Oyetade

Fashion Stylist: Viennty

Assistant Stylist: Delores Osori

Hairstylist: Adeola Olasebikan

Makeup Artist: Imelda Ladebo

Nicol DeNoir™ Bronze Metallic Leather Corset

 Nicol DeNoir™ Black wetlook pants.

Nicol DeNoir is now reaching international status published in magazines as far as America, Europe, Asia and Africa. We are a London based company so if you plan to visit the Uk feel free to make contact and let us know your requirements, check our availability during your visit so we can make arrangements. 

Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Classics - Simple yet boldly effective

Every now and then, I do the odd shoot or two with new creatives and everyone I meet always come with a completely different style.  I was approached by a really cool fashion stylist a little earlier last year called Denise Brown who has worked with interesting celebrities such as Rihanna and Kanye West and that's just a few, as she has worked with so many.  So every now and again I often check in to see how well she is doing as I always like to see others progressing in life, succeeding and really going places or at least trying to. The interest for my gold corsets has been a blessing to say the least and the more creative and detailed the interest has been even higher.  Everyone has there own style and sometimes keeping it clean and simple can be just as effective.  The photo published below is a selection from Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Classics Collection as seen featured in Pride magazine.   

Magazine: Pride

Photographer: Nadine Ijewere 
Stylist: Denise Brown
Make up: Grace Gray 
Hair: Fola @ Profile Model Management
Assistants: Jadesola Jeboda, Maureen Taylor

I often do a behind the scenes shot in order to get a feel for the project at hand, so once I am back in the studio designing and looking back it gives more focus for new ideas for developing new products for example, so its always a great learning experience every time.  

Special Editions - Bespoke

Gosh things have been so busy bashing out orders non-stop since October 2012, so there's been no chance updating my blog.  The great thing about the work I do is that for each individual client there is such a variety of unique pieces and colours to choose from.  All designs are created with a Nicol DeNoir signature, often a statement piece waiting to be selected.  One of my favourite pieces came from a couple renewing their wedding vows after selecting one of our fabulous gold corset collection for their special day.

Laban Roomes, owner of a successful gold plating company Goldgenie, gold really was the perfect colour his wife chose for such an occasion and suited them perfectly.  Mrs Roomes has the perfect hour glass figure for corsets, lovely bubbly and very curvaceous, personally I feel that really is an ideal shape and she really did look fabulous on the day.       

You can't wear a Nicol DeNoir without standing out from the crowd and feeling fabulous, you'll certainly be the Belle of the ball and 'feel like a million dollars' and that's why I really do love my job!

Passion versus Fashion

My passion for corsetry came along after reaching a crossroad.  Once graduating from my fashion studies, I really didn't know which direction I wanted to go as there was just way too much choice, far too many options and I enjoyed everything about the industry.  I was never really a fashion victim as such but I've always had a real appreciation for designer clothing and following my own lead, almost as if it was something I was just meant to do naturally. I loved working for other fashion houses as it was like being in a candy store as there was so much going on and so much to learn, the buzz it created seeing luxurious fabrics and beautiful sketches all come to life was me me me all over!!!

I didn't want to be stuck in a company working long unsociable hours, aiming towards two collections each season for London Fashion Week, or going through the pressure of delivering a fabulous collection every time but it really was the place to be seen and you really do have to have real passion for such a profession.  I began my first experience fresh out of school way before I had any real knowledge of the fashion industry, but the experience I received, showed the real deal and all the hard work and commitment involved.  I was often discouraged by my school and career adviser to pursue a career in fashion as it was considered a difficult career to pursue so therefore I could never really find the information I needed at the time to get into the business until my art teacher sent me off to do a weekend course at my local college which then turned into a full time course the following year and I then once completed, ventured off on my own contacting designers.  I knew at that point what I needed to do and embarked on an interesting journey from there.  

So considering that I didn't want to focus on a typical fashion environment, I instead wanted a bit more variety to experience working among other fields and other industries so I could get out and see more.  For me corsetry came about by accident.  I touched on it slightly at University but never really got into it until long after graduating, once building up enough experience to then focus on my own Fashion Label.  Corsetry was always in the back of my mind, and of all the things I learnt about and researched regarding fashion, corsetry kept creeping back into the equation.  So one day I began to take it more seriously and it made perfect sense to focus on it totally.  Corsetry really is such an exquisite piece of craftsmanship.

What grabs me is the beautiful structure, the construction and the detail of each piece.  The ribcage like shell boned throughout to create this perfect masterpiece.  We sure missed out on that part of the century, but then again the health issues back then was pretty bad during the period when woman had to wear them.  I do prefer having a choice as oppose to having none.  But for everything I have ever learnt regarding fashion the corset is still my favourite item of clothing.  So this is something I decided to incorporate into my fashion label as the core base of my collection

Summertime

What a great summer we had this year with so much going on with the Queen's Jubilee, the Olympics, Paralympics, Carnival etc......So many great things to feel inspired by right here at home in the UK that I'm beginning to wish this is how our summers was every year.

In the mean time while lapping up the lovely weather, while we was fortunate to have heat waves that is.  I was busy working hard too, as I often have a sudden rush for orders, they all seem to come at once, hence why I haven't had a chance to update my blog in ages.  At present I am working with this beautiful Indian Brocade I've known of for a while from one of my suppliers.  I've always wanted to work with this fabric but the opportunity never came along until recently.  I'm still working with golds and metallics so it seamed like the appropriate fabric to use with a woven paisley style pattern, simply stunning and beautiful to work with. A sneak preview of the collection........

Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

'New African Woman' Magazine with Menaye Donkor featuring Nicol DeNoir Corsets

'New African Woman Magazine' editorial shoot and interview with Menaye Donkor, wife to footballer Sulley Muntari and former Miss Universe, featuring Nicol DeNoir corsets styled by Lauraine Bailey.  Available in WHSmith Apr/May issue 2012.

Front cover featuring Menaye Donkor

Menaye Donkor 'Who's that girl?'.....

Menaye shown on the right wearing Nicol DeNoir Gold Metallic Corset

Knitted dress, Korlekie by Beatrice K Newman is gorgeous 

Black leather corset by Nicol DeNoir

Black and Gold Leather corsets by Nicol DeNoir

Photography: Jason Venkatasamy

Styling: Lauraine Bailey www.laurainebaileystyling.​co.uk
Fashion Assistants: Natalie Wo at Fashionblag and Naomi Harrison
Hair: Bianca Scott
Make up: Claire De-Graft

Knitwear Dresses: Korlekie by Beatrice K Newman

Corsets: Nicol DeNoir (made to order)
Jewellery by Bee

I attended this shoot on the off chance, while dropping off an item that hadn't been included with the courier.  The shoot wasn't too far from where I was based, so I decided to drop off the luxury piece in person which was returned midday from another stylist.  I don't always get the chance to meet all the people involved in shooting my work, as I am often busy working on other projects and producing the goods. Unless of course I am doing my own shoots.

On this occasion is was nice to be out of the studio although I had a deadline to meet for the next day for another shoot, hectic week I know! but great to be in demand and busy at every turn.  So it was refreshing to see others working away while I just watched as the shoot progressed.

I arrived while the model Menaye was just being laced up in my gold corset by the stylist Lauraine Bailey.  She looked fabulous and at that moment I felt very proud of my creation.  It wasn't too long to go before the shoot was finished so I decided to stay a little while, rather than organise the return.  I spoke to Menaye for a little while, who at the time I didn't realise who she was.  I remember thinking what a lovely woman.  She was so humble, graceful and definitely someone to look up to in admiration with a killer figure and great cheekbones.  I was hardly surprised to learn that she was also a former Miss Universe winner representing for her native country Ghana.  Menaye currently resides in Milan with her husband AC Milan footballer Sulley Muntari.  To find out more about the Celebrity visit http://www.menaye.com/category/blog/ 

Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Nicol DeNoir - Celebrity interests

Last month the interest for my products began to increase greatly as I started generating interest from celebrity PR and stylists for TV programmes, advertising and editorials.

This was a particularly busy month, as I had previously that week also been approached by Elle Mcpherson's personal stylist Anna Bromilow, for a shoot with celebrity fashion photographer Rankin.

Anna Bromilow, source: thesartorialist.blogspot.com

The fashion stylist originally began a fashion career in Vogue and was later approached by Tatler and offered a position as fashion editor, then eventually 'appointed Fashion Director'. She has travelled around the world and has also styled Cindy Crawford, Hilary Swank, Diane Kruger, Eva Herzigova, Christy Turlington, and Keira Knightley. For more info http://annabromilow.com

Rankin, http://Rankin.co.uk
Photograph: Anthony Devlin/Press Association

Rankin started the Magazine Dazed and Confused once graduating with Jefferson Hack. In 2000 Rankin went on to set up other magazines such as RANK, Another Magazine, Another man and HUNGER. Also founded a production company called Dazed Film & TV, and has worked with many A-list Celebrities such as Britney Spears, Madonna, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, Vivienne Westwood, for more info on Rankin visit wikipedia for more details. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankin_(photographer)

Calum Best at the UK film premiere held at the Empire Leicester Square. London, UK for The Interpreter.

I was also recently contacted by Celebrity PR Erin McKee for Calum Best to shoot his new underwear line 'BEST' by Calum Best. Luckily for me I wasn't mad busy that week like I usually am and decided to drop the pieces off in person at Knightsbridge to meet Erin, Calum and the rest of the team. Calum Best, son of the late great football legend George Best, worked as an international model in his teens and early twenties for campaigns such as Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Jockey Underwear, sketches and also featured in Vogue, Cover of Evening Standard Magazine, Sunday times and many more...

As March has been such a productive and colourful month it really deserves a mention, I couldn't be happier!!! Not sure which of my products have been used but we'll soon see, but either way Nicol DeNoir really appears to be moving in the right direction, making and leaving real impressions!

Nicol DeNoir Chifon Blouse - styled by Lauraine Bailey

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

Photographer: Charl Marais www.charlmarais.com
Stylist: Lauraine Bailey www.laurainebaileystyling.​co.uk
Hair: Ryutaro www.ryutaro.co.uk
Make-up: Sam Lascelle www.samlascelle.com

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day click link

Check out Menaye Donkor's blog for International Women's Day.  We also get a mention too.  Thanks Mrs Donkor and Lauraine Bailey the fabulous 'stylist' who invited me down to the shoot (one to watch out for) and introduced to the team 'behind the scenes.

On this occasion I was very fortunate to attend the shoot with Menaye Donkor as I am often far too busy making up or designing new pieces for my collections (although I did have another shoot to prepare for the next day in Canary Wharf and pushed for time). But it wasn't too far from where I was based and as I needed the items for the next days shoot, it only made sense to hang around and save time with returns.

Lauraine Bailey has used some of my products a few times now and really deserves a mention. She has great vision and really does know her stuff, with a great eye for textures, sheers and layering. Definately one to look out for as I believe she really is starting to make her mark. I really do love her work as she is an extremely talented individual who is also very familiar working with celebrities, tv and magazine editorials.

I previously met Ms Bailey at a 'Pop up' shop in Hatton Gardens, set up and run by Jennifer Williams-Baffoe CEO of Creative Cornucopia a business development portal for creative businesses, when I first became public.

Lauraine's creativity is expressed throughout her work which she describes as an eclectic mix of old and new, textured and soft, architectural and conceptual, contemporary and classic. Specialising in Film & Television / Fashion - Commercial, Beauty & Editorial.

Visit link to view some of her fabulous work
http://ailovefashion.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/lauraine-bailey-for-deluxx-magazine/

Issue 13: 'New African Woman' Magazine teaser trailer 'behind the scenes'

Sneak preview behind the scenes shoot for 'New African Woman Magazine' with Menaye Donkor, wife to AC Milan footballer Sulley Muntari, former Miss Universe Ghana, wearing Nicol DeNoir corsets Styled by Lauraine Bailey.

Menaye Donkor, in 'New African Woman Magazine' wearing Nicol DeNoir

Menaye Donkor features as cover star of New African Woman Magazine on sale at W H Smiths and most good newsagents from Wednesday 4th April 2012.

Nicol DeNoir, why Corsetry?

I began producing corsets once hitting a cross road and deciding my next move, long after graduating from University and building up loads of experience. I wasn't 100% sure what I wanted to do once I completed my degree, accept focus on Music, Fashion & TV but funny enough looking back at my old Uni sketch books, the interest for corsetry was always there, way before I even realised it myself. It was as if it was my destiny to turn this creativity into my main profession.

Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

I learnt to do garment construction first before I knew how to design, only by accident, after my Art portfolio from school was mislaid and never found. Three years worth of some real artwork, dedication and commitment for the subject that I had achieved my highest grades, lost forever and all completely gone, never to be seen again.

I was devastated and tried every college or university for fashion that I could, to be told that without the artwork I didn't stand a chance. All I had was a few drawings, that I tried to put together, but there was no way I could compete with the work I had previously. So eventually I got into college and was offered a place in garment construction instead (to my huge disappointment) at my local college, which involved very limited artwork.

Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

This disappointment actually became a blessing in disguise years later, as I soon discovered. By learning about garment construction first, it then gave me the technical mind that I now have, to create a garment from a completely different prospective. Just because someone can produced a piece of clothing it doesn't automatically turn that person into a designer, which some people seem to think it does. Once you study the art you soon realise they are completely different skills in all areas of design and garment construction, and actually quite difficult to master. You have to have a creative mind to know how to turn something into a piece of art. Corsetry really is more than just a item of clothing, and that's why I try to produce something that is just a little bit more than what you see as a typical or traditional corset.

Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

I tend to work with bright colours; maybe this came from being a beauty consultant and applying years and years of makeup to women from all over the world, which I began two years before I decided to go back into study. I never wanted to be a makeup artist, but that too was also something I got into by accident and carried on throughout my studies. If I'm not working with colour then I use various textures as my medium.

Corsetry is a challenge but the end results are always great as it makes the wearer feel fabulous, confident and extremely feminine. It often surprises me when I receive emails from PR agents, magazines and stylist for their celebrity clients, which is something I am only just getting used to now, But when I began this business I never believed in a million years that the young teenager who was turned down by every single educational establishment, to do Btec in Art & Design, would eventually be approached, commissioned or collaborate with some of the biggest names in the public eye.

Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

These bold coloured metallic corsets were created inorder for the wearer to stand out from the crowd, to make a bold statement. I am who I am, when you spot a Nicol DeNoir corset, it's only then will you recognise it's all about the brand! Once you own one, you'll always be wondering 'when can I wear it again'.......

When I was young I was discouraged by a few people, until one day I met a tutor while studying at Central St. Martin's College of Art & Design who said I was more than ready to do a degree, although I didn't have the correct qualifications, but she was positive the level of my work was higher than average. It was so encouraging that I then became so determined to go for it, and since then I just kept going and never looked back. I persevered trying all opportunities and working my way up. The Nicol DeNoir fashion label really is only just the beginning..........

Nicol DeNoir™ Futurism

Nicol DeNoir™ Futurism is based on a collection developed through innovation, using various textures, mixed fibres and layers. Out of the various categories Nicol DeNoir™ produce are Classics, Vintage, Ancient (Mythology, Anthrapology, Egyptology etc), and Futurism this range being the most detailed and complex of them all. The philosophy of each category is based on the past, present and the future.

This range is based on a strong woman, good girl turn bad (or had no choice but to toughen up), a superhero, the rebellious female, fierce with attitude and can kick ass if she needs to, the female warrior, the survivor, the matrix.

'Futurism was an artistic and social movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. It emphasized and glorified themes associated with contemporary concepts of the future, including speed, technology,' also 'The Futurists practiced in every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, theatre, film, fashion, textiles, literature, music, architecture and even gastronomy'. Wikipedia

Aimed at women in the public eye who are likely to sing in a music video, capture an audience at a concert, or play a main role in an epic sci-fi movie. The concept is developed to create a response that will appeal to the viewing public in an effective way to captivate them towards the scene that is being played out.

As a young girl growing up my uncle loved his marvel comics and would often tell us great stories usually based on sci fi. He would tell them with so much passion that you'd be captivated everytime.

My interest developed from then and I would often be drawn in when watching films such as the matrix, terminator etc as in my eyes it showed how different the future is from what we expect it will be. 20 years ago it was rare to see someone with a mobile phone, now it's rare to find someone without one.

Patent leather and pvc is fashionable at present, so the range is developed with this in mind using various textures and finishes of black leathers, also available in other colours.

Leather corset outfit designed by Nicol DeNoir™. Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Photography: Bernard Yeoh
Hair & Makeup: Jutheanne Cruz-Wild
Model: Natalie Cutler
Corset Outfit: Nicol DeNoir™

Nicol DeNoir™ Vintage

Nicol DeNoir™ Vintage is a selection of corsets inspired by the 18th century, consisting of brocades, silks, lace and embroidery. The detail is simple, yet the silhouette can be a mixture of various shapes reduced in volume and length.

I enjoy working on photoshoots as it gives the opportunity to try out new ideas and work with new people all the time, as we are all creative's within our own right. It takes a while to find a good team that you can rely on to create great results every time. For me this shoot is my favourite as I love the way the photographer Bernard Yeoh has captured the gold detail in the outfit, and the fabulous hair & makeup created by Jutheanne Cruz-Wild. It really works well and compliments the image.

This beautifully shot image was taken by photographer Bernard Yeoh, vintage beauty for Hair and Makeup by Jutheanne Cruz-Wild and recently selected for Vogue Italia. Bernard also manages and own's his successful restaurant known as 'Kai of Mayfair', a Malaysian Chinese who is used to catering to celebrity clientele such as Mick Jagger, Penelope Cruz, it really is amazing that he has the time to fit in his passion for photography.

Photography: Bernard Yeoh
Hair & Makeup: Jutheanne Cruz-Wild
Model: Natalie Cutler
Corset & Skirt: Nicol DeNoir™

Miss London - Natalie Cutler

Model Natalie Cutler respresenting for Miss London 17th March at Cafe De Paris, wearing Nicol DeNoir™ futuristic white leather corset and black gorgette skirt. Sponsored by Make up artist Jutheanne Cruz-Wild.

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™.

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™.

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™.

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™. Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™.

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™.

The Top five girls at the event. Natalie didn't win but she did us proud!

Model Natalie wearing garments designed by Nicol DeNoir™. Copyright © 2012 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved