As a stylist, I’m always on the hunt — whether it’s for that look which creates that fashion moment for a client’s special event; a diamond in the rough; or the next “must haves” from emerging designers. Sometimes I’m really lucky and find all three in one. I have now. Meet Misha.
The CFDA’s (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Incubator Designers showcased their work a few weeks back at the W Hotel in San Francisco. Misha Nonoo was selected among several other emerging designers to participate in this phenomenal program — though she’s hardly a new kid on the fashion block. Among her accolades include being awarded the Fashion Group International’s Rising Star award for Women’s Ready to Wear; and a finalist for the 2013 esteemed CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, International Woolmark Prize. In 2015, Misha Nonoo was named Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the Art & Style category and Crain’s New York Business 40 under 40 Business. This March, Misha debuted her ALDO RISE collection of footwear (the grey NewHaven’s are among my favorite!) and handbags, available in ALDO stores worldwide.
I thought the privilege lie in being invited to this event — but it immediately became clear the true honor and privilege was meeting –and having the opportunity to work– this immensely talented woman.
Misha’s brilliant design aesthetic is overshadowed only by her intellect and fashion and business savvy. I was immediately drawn to her collection when she first emerged on the fashion scene (admittedly, I’ve been following her for sometime and always seek out her line at major department stores and at the now defunct Piperlime) for two reasons: (1) her designs; and (2) her why.
First, Misha’s vision and designs are “a modern throwback.” Unlike any other designer I know, she doesn’t merely resurrect designs of the past to fit whatever decade-inspired-trend has been revived that season. Instead, she takes those “vintage” elements and turns them on their head, making them feel as contemporary as they are vintage. It’s seamless — and marks the definition of timelessness.
The Valerie dress is a perfect example: stripped to its basic elements, it’s a classic mod shift dress with bell sleeves. Yet, there is nothing “basic” or inherently “60’s mod” about this dress. The the plunging V neck, the metallic coated fabric, and military inspired buttons, among other carefully crafted details make it the showstopper it is. It allows a woman to embrace all that defines her past in the most fashion forward of ways.
The best part is that these sophisticated pieces seamlessly take the modern woman in her “multifaceted li[fe] by seamlessly taking [her] from day to play, 9 am – 9 pm,” as Misha so playfully articulates.
Second, and most profoundly, Misha’s “why” mirrors mine. Our shared vision — that women are strong, and should wear beautiful clothes that empower and support them so they may be and do it all–guides and inspires all we each do separately — and now together. I’m so honored that she has asked me to represent her collection, and to introduce her gorgeous knits, dresses, separates and aesthetic into your wardrobe, world and lives. If ever I could pick the dream designer to partner with, it’s Misha.
In part, she’s taking a new approach to her collections in taking them directly to the very women she designs for in partnering with selected stylists — including me!
Starting today, for the next week, by private appointment, Best Foot Forward is honored and overjoyed to share Misha’s work and story with you! I can’t wait for you to enter into Misha Nonoo’s world, whether the past is very much the present, and where all the modern woman need do is “say YES to Nonoo.”
Shop mishanoo.com.
xx BFF Betina
