Nina Naustdal: creative couturier

Her first collection was launched in May 2011 and though it hasn’t even been two years, Nina Naustdal has come a long way, dressing stars such as Christine Bleakley, Lauren Goodger and Frankie Sandford. The London-based designer owns a stunning store which is just off the elite Sloane Street, which just emphasises the glamour of her couture designs. 

The Upcoming was invited to a private viewing of Nina’s most recent collection at Grace, Belgravia in London. The collection featured a variety of dresses, some on mannequins and some on walking models, all of which had a sharp focus on detail. Nina is known for her use of bold colours and fair use of Swarovski crystals on her designs, so it came as no surprise to see these elements in her latest collection. As the models walked around and mingled with the VIPs, the designer herself did the same, all whilst showing off pieces from the collection. 

The evening offered free drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and many of Nina’s nearest and dearest were on the guest list. A surprise guest turned out to be none other than artist Pandemonia, who was pleasant enough to devote some of her time to all of the guests. 

Half way through the evening, the models changed outfits and came out dressed in Nina’s new bridal collection. A pleasant surprise and not straying far from her usual heavy embellishing, some of the models even claimed: “I feel like I’m getting married in this dress!” 

We managed to have a catch-up with the designer, and ask her a few questions about her latest collection. When asked to sum up her latest collection, Nina replied with a simple shrug of the shoulders: “unique?” She also claimed that the period between her first launch in May 2011, to her latest collection has gone by “very fast”. 

“I started off with my couture, then I started the bridal line, and after, I started doing fine jewellery as well. Then I started my ready-to-wear collection and now I have brought out fur and leather, just in time for the winter. Yeah, I would say it has gone very fast.” 

When asked about her future, Nina replied: “In ten years’ time I would like to be an international brand, with stores all over the world and with people recognising me for my work.” Well, after an evening of guests gushing over her designs, we’ve no doubt that Nina’s name will be recognised globally; she’s an award-winning designer in the making. 

Marium Ul-Haq