'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, 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..........

Beauty Shoot - Pride Magazine Dec 2011 issue

Magazine: Pride Magazine Dec 2011
Styling: Lauraine Bailey
Hair: Michelle Thompson using Sensationnel Hair and Kerracare
Model: Sabibi from Profile Models
Make Up Assistant: Keiko Nakamura and Gemma Mayhew
Hair Assistant: Aileen Francis
Gold Corset: Nicol DeNoir

M.O.C behind the scenes

I always like to capture behind the scene photo as you get to see just that little bit more detail!

Behind the scenes at Bush Hall. Models wearing a selection from Nicol DeNoir™ The Roman Goddess within.... Everything that glistens is gold, leather and matt sequins! Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Black dress by Riece Forde next to Tamar modelling Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Metallic Leather Corset with Nicol DeNoir™ Metallic Skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Tamar modelling Nicol DeNoir™ Gold Metallic Leather Corset with Nicol DeNoir™ Metallic Skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Model Katherine wears Nicol DeNoir™ Silver Metallic Leather Goddess Corset with Nicol DeNoir™ Silver Leather Hipster Pencil Skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

'Music on the Catwalk' fashion show at Bush Hall, Shepards Bush Nov 2011

Gosh it's been a while since updating my blog, but the last few months have been pretty hectic to say the least while processing orders, designing and creating, liasing with other creatives, uploading images, collaborating etc....a girl needs a break. But somehow I often work best when there's pressure to deliver the goods and somehow I always seem to land on my feet.

Last November however I decided to take part in my first Charity event to help raise funds for Sanyu Babies, one of the largest ophanage in Uganda for abandoned babies. It really was a pleasure to take part for such a worthy cause. The event was organised by Alice V Mutumba, CEO and Founder True Media INT. for more info and future events visit www.musiconthecatwalk.org

Nargiz modelling Nicol DeNoir™ Brown Patent and Metallic Silver leather corset, matched with snakeskin leather skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Model wearing Nicol DeNoir™ Bronze Metallic leather Corset and Nicol DeNoir™ Organza ruffle mini skirt. Copyright © 2011 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.

Hosts Merlin Emmanuel and Nnena Agba from America's Next Top Model

The collection was created using Gold, Bronze and Pewter metallic leathers and fabrics, all designed and produced by Nicol DeNoir™. The Goddess from within....

To see more from Nicol DeNoir, Fashion Shows, Music video's and editorials etc visit http://www.facebook.com/​NicolDeNoir, please 'Like' page to subscribe.

Copyright © 2010 Nicola Desnoes T/A Nicol DeNoir™ corsets. All Rights Reserved.