Element of Fashion

An Element

of Fashion

An economics major, blogger, businesswoman, fashionista, and once upon a time – a pretty massive Britney Spears fan too – Nabeela Fadzil has achieved an impressive portfolio of personal achievements. Mainly attracted to peoples’ sense of style on social media, by the time she began her Master’s in London she was spoilt for choice as she admired innumerable shoppers and displays, while watching trends come and go. Attending beauty and fashion events opened her eyes yet further to what happens beyond the veil of one of the world’s largest industries.

Launching a fashion blog as part of her initial foray into kick-starting her LMN label, her online presence was noticed, leading to her being given offers to market brands for commissions. Playing on this to create yet more content it was not until collaboration with Sejalin Enterprise pushed her to launch her brand that things really took off. Working with Maricel Pamintuan of Maricel Couture, who served as a creative advisor for LMN, resulted in the launch of her debut Elements collection.

biG: What have you designed recently?

NF: LMNeid and Limn was launched in 2019 and 2021 respectively. They’re quite similar in terms of style and colour palette. I love my sweet pastels. I tend to make sure the pieces are diverse and flexible that you can wear them as a set or as separates with pants, skirts and jeans. I am very much inspired by emotion and wanted to create something that made others feel happy and good, content and special. LMNEid was inspired by my journey as a content creator. My mood board was filled with pictures of things, colours, designs, and structures that inspired me and caught my eye.

Limn, on the other hand, means to suffuse or highlight (something) with a bright colour or light. Like finding light at the end of the tunnel during this pandemic and through the tough year I had, I hoped Limn brings people as much joy as I had creating them. Limn was mainly inspired by Dior in the 1920s with the cinched waists. I collaborated with Rai Ranie, another local designer who bedazzles the looks under the Limn line and elevates them into statement pieces. I like the idea of offering the same design in two ways to cater for different markets. It’s an expansion of the idea of self-expression.

biG: Ergonomics or style, comfort or good looks?

NF: I’m not going to lie, when I was younger, I picked style over comfort. I’ve worn clothes that made it difficult to breathe, walk, and move my arms. I’ve worn heels for hours in the cold even though it made my feet bleed. Looking back now, I don’t regret it because it was a different kind of satisfaction. At that age, I wasn’t even thinking whether it was comfortable or not. I just wanted to feel good and clothes, to me, have the power to do that. Now, I

feel like designs are getting better that there is no tradeoff between the two, as it should be.

biG: Has Covid affected your retail?

NF: I feel like Covid has impacted sales for both social media and for the apparel business as consumption propensity falls or rather shifts to more essential goods like food and facial masks. Fashion is more of a luxury and with a lockdown it really isn’t a priority.

biG: Can you elaborate a little on fast fashion?

NF: My Master’s degree was on Urban Economic Development, and my dissertation was on the sustainability of fast fashion. It’s quite known that fashion is one of the largest polluters from making of fabrics, production of garments, and their transportation to retailers and consumers. Fashion shows are usually so elaborate as well. Fast fashion companies typically change their racks every two weeks.

There’s a lot of waste in the

industry. Brands have also been caught in controversies surrounding workers’ welfare. As a consumer, I’m more conscious when I’m making purchasing decisions. I’m so glad more and more brands have found new ways to be environmentally and socially responsible. That’s the only path for the fashion industry in the future.

biG: Any advice for up and coming designers?

NF: Think about your value-add to the industry and your consumers. Your brand and your designs should provide solutions for your buyers.

Don’t just think of your profits

only as a business but your impact on people and the planet. •• IG: @inyourlmn www.lipstickmyname.com

2022

Fashion Predictions

Nabeela Fadzil has a finely tuned and well-honed eye into what’s up with fashion on both the local scene as well as around the world, which can be affected by so many factors both large and small. So before we left her to her own devices we also asked her “What do you predict will be trending in 2022?” She cited the ongoing pandemic, how the world is approaching its 3rd year of life with Covid-19, and that we are all now taking steps to adapt to this new normal and fashion is no exception.

Unsplash

Time to Let Loose Everyone

Loose and baggy clothing: People have been stuck in lockdowns for so long that they have probably realised just how much they enjoy being in their sweats, shorts and comfy clothing. So be it hot or cold, we expect to see people parading that relaxed and chilled-out vibe.

My Eyes are Up Here

The no make up, make up look: Also, because of all these lockdowns going on for so long people have realised it feels so good to let our skins breathe again. Plus, as we’re all wearing masks now regularly, you will probably only need eye makeup like a simple eyeliner or mascara.

Bold & Bright makes it Right

Naturally, this depends entirely on peoples’ sentiment about what the future may bring. We often wear emotion on our sleeves so it stands to reason that as restrictions are lifted and more freedoms gradually returned many might showcase that fact through loud and vibrant hues. With Omicron doing the rounds the future still feels a little uncertain, leading others to embrace the rebellious spirit of colour.

Turn Up the Volume

Cause some drama, raise the volume, and define yourself strongly with statement pieces, and sequins: People basically miss being extravagant and dressing to the nines, and with a lifting of restrictions in many places, we can expect our inner glamorous selves to reassert themselves, possibly stronger than before.