THE FASHION IDENTITY
Interview With
NICOLE GIBSON Taken By PITANJAL DATTA
THE FASHION IDENTITY Date 3/5/15
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Nicole shows you the simplest casual look !
Nicole walking the ramp.
Stylishly Unstoppable According to you the definition for FASHION and STYLE. Ans) Fashion and style are two very different things. The ability to throw an outfit together out of what you've got and it working is something not everyone can do. That's style. Fashion just gives us a nudge in the right direction and keeps things moving and fresh. I've often heard people say "I couldn't wear that!" after they've seen something a little bit quirkie or risquĂŠ on the catwalk. You don't have to! Just wait... Someone's crazy idea will inspire another designer, it gets tweaked a little, feminised or roughed and before you know it you it a fashion trend has been created.
Tell us about your attire in your upcoming shoots. Ans) A shoot I am most excited about is with lingerie design house Sanata Rapalyte. I've walked for Sonata a couple of times, most recently at the Catwalk Edit show during London Fashion Week in Febuary. I also joined them at 'Salon International De La Lingerie' in Paris earlier this year. All of the pieces are handmade and absolutely exquisite! The attention to detail is what makes these pieces stand out from the rest. You will never look at the fastening of a bra the same way again. There's such a romantic feel to the lace pieces, I feel so confident and sexy in them. Now I just need a confident and sexy man to wear them for
Your Favorite fashion accessory that you think stands out for you? Fashion
Nicole in a white vest..Perfect for a hot afternoon
Nicole Gibson shooting for a fashion photo shoot
Nicole Gibson
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My debut made international news with the Daily Mail labelling me 'the unexpected star of London Fashion Week'
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Accessory that you think men look best in? Ans) It has to be oversized sunglasses. I don't know what it is about them but I have such a spring in my step when I wear them. They're very old Hollywood. I wear them all year round and they're great for when you are travelling with no make up on. They are a staple for me. No doubt people think I look a little pretentious wearing them on a grey day but its more important for me to feel fabulous. On a man.. Hats!!! I love men in hats. Maybe not baseball cap but a structured Fedora or Trilby turns my head every time.
Tell our readers a bit on your modelling career.....Your ups and downs during your career....And what is that,which inspired you through your struggles to become such a brilliant,fantastic professional model. Ans) My career started after I
was scouted by Models Of Diversity. An organisation campaigning for more diversity in the fashion and beauty industry.I walked in their “Catwalk 4 Change” event and my debut made
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And the messages I receive from other girls in my situation telling me I inspire them is actually what inspires me.
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international news with the Daily Mail labelling me 'the unexpected star of London Fashion Week' Only a week later I underwent full gender reassignment surgery. As soon as I'd recov-
ered I was lucky enough to shoot with renowned photographer Jeany Savage. This was a swimwear shoot and more important for me than the job it's self was it was my first time in a bikini after my surgery. And the messages I receive from other girls in my situation telling me I inspire them is actually what inspires me.My career low point has to be a catwalk I did where I had to walk the runway with unfinished hair and make-up because they'd run out of time.I can laugh about it now but trust me.. A 30 year old, transgender model needs her hair and make-up.
THE FASHION IDENTITY Date 3/5/15
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Nicole Gibson from one of her recent fashion shoots. Photographer Walterlain Papitti
5) A tip for all our male and female readers when dressing up for a hot sultry afternoon. Ans) A tip? How about top 5? Girls 1. Over-sized shades and floppy hat (very Cannes) 2. If you have to wear a heel, go with a maxi dress. Only wear denim shorts with flats!! 3. Chambray shirt tucked into just about anything looks so effortlessly chic. 4. Beachy waves or messy top knot with face framing runaways. None of this scraped back donut malarkey. 5. And definitely 'barely there make-up' my freckles only come out in the summer so I embrace them. Boys Linen, knee length shorts, canvas tennis shoes, I love a man in aviators (leave the wayfarers to the ravers) and I do love a Jean Paul Guiltier striped T.
6) Your favorite outfit of a female character from a recent film that you watched?What did you like the most about it? Your favorite outfit of a male character from a recent film that you watched?What did you like the most about it? Ans) I finally got round to watching Hunger Games Mocking Jay last night. I love Jennifer Lawrence's characters costumes. I'm a sucker for a Catsuit. Always have been. Usually a killer heel is a must with a catsuit but as she's so kick as in flat boots I'll let her off. I love a man in a suit so it has to be Christian Grey in Fifty Shades. I knew I was going to love him from the opening titles where he's getting dressed. A tailor made suit is a must for every man. It's a massive stroke of luck if a suit off the hanger looks just as good. I loved his casual attire in the movie too. I wouldn't mind him putting that leather Armani jacket over my shoulders when I'm chilly.
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I get booked for my girl next door look.A tailor made suit is a must for every man. It's a massive stroke of luck if a suit off the hanger looks just as good.I do love a Jean Paul Guiltier striped T. Big hair and natural make up seems to be my thing.
7) How is your make up and hairstyle influenced for a shoot or a show? Ans) Every shoot and show is different. I get booked for my girl next door look so they tend to keep me very feminine and natural. Big hair and natural make up seems to be my thing. I have a confession to make... I always have to go and
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The Fashion Identity
Modelling Jennifer Klein at South African Fashion Week
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If it's going to be humid, stick to cotton.I tend to keep my vests plain. Plain and cheap. I feel less guilty about expensive jeans then.
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touch up my make up myself. I ne'er understand why make up artists shy away from eyeliner in the waterline. Apparently it makes your eyes appear smaller. My argument is the definition this gives your eye colour counteracts this. No one knows your face better than you.
8) Your favorite shopping destinations for clothes and fashion accessories...Do you shop online? Which according to you is the best website for shopping online? Suggest one attire for our male readers and
Ans) Being 5'11" and living in the countryside I mostly shop online, anywhere with a tall section. These usually cater for girls of 5'9" and above. Topshop is my favourite by a mile, though River Island are hot on their heels. For basics ASOS have pretty much everything you need too. Getting your jeans right is paramount for the casual look for both sexes. Boys slim leg NOT SKINNY. And for girls it's getting the right distressed denim. There is nothing worse than obvious factory made rips and holes. Spend money on designer jeans! An expensive pair of jeans can carry even the cheapest of t-shirts.
A dress that dazzles any time of the year in any night event
9) Tell us about your daily fitness routine and skin care regimen. Ans) So I read today that cleaning your house burns more calories than sweating it out in the gym. (That's my excuse for not going to the gym and I'm sticking to it!!!) I do try and swim a couple of times a week. I think eating healthy and sticking to 'everything in moderation' is what keeps me from having to pump iron. As cliche as this sounds CLEANSE, TONE and MOISTURISE!!! And drink lots of water. I know you wanted something more exciting but it really is that simple.
10) From amongst the Fashion Designers you have worked with, whose dresses do you think stands out the best for you and why? Ans) Am I allowed to pick a designer I haven't worked with? Please!!! My red carpet go to designer is Gomez Gracia. I love their creations. They've dressed the likes of Carrie Underwood and the Kardashians. I love that there's an element of rock chic to their collections so even when you're wearing the most glamourous of dresses and should be completely poised and composed, your dress is kind of telling you to misbehave a little.
Nicole Gibson our Fashion Inspiration Here goes an exclusive click from Nicole’s recent shoots only for YOU ALL
11) Your favorite make up brand.? Make up products that should be used by ladies quite often? Ans) I'm a drug store girl. I find everything I need from brands like Rimmel and Bourjois.Rimmel foundations are
Nicole (left) With Holby City's David Ades and burlesque star Sukki Singapora
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So I read today that cleaning your house burns more calories than sweating it out in the gym. (That's my excuse for not going to the gym and I'm sticking to it!!!)
great and affordable. Hidration and moisture keeps things looking fresh and
younger so my makeup 'must have' is a glossy lip.
Nicole decodes the party look!
OUR FASHION INSPIRATION
Take an inspiration from Nicole on how to carry off party looks in a dignified style.
12) How would you dress up for a party on a hot humid night?Also tell us about the make up and fashion accessories that you would love to keep? A common mistake that most make when dressing up for a party? An important advice to all our readers when dressing up for a party. Ans) Less is more. Now I'm in my 30s I am all about being comfortable. If it's going to be humid, stick to cotton. I think common mistakes people make are fabrics. Just cos it's short doesn't mean your ski can breathe through it. I'm a huge fan of a jersey maxi dress, they are great for day and night. Keep your hair off your neck and back in a messy up do, stick to wedges or a block heel and watch the other girls sweat it out whilst you're comfortable and cool. My must have holiday accessories are turquoise stones, be them on a chunky bracelet or necklace. They just scream holiday to me.
13) Which vest do you love wearing more....The one with an animal print or the one with a floral print? How about having a fusion between these two prints? Ans) I tend to keep my vests plain. Plain and cheap. I feel less guilty about expensive jeans then.
If we were talking dresses not vests, then I'd go Leopard print. There's definitely a bit of Scary Spice in me.
14) Tell us the different aspects that one needs to keep in mind to carry out each outfit with dignity and in an eccentric style.
Ans) Simple... Legs or boobs. NOT BOTH!!!
15) Nail art that you are currently sporting?
Tell us the regimen about the regular care that you need to take for the nails...... Ans) I love a natural nail. I have relatively large hands so tend not to draw attention to them with bold colours. I swear by Shellac, it lasts weeks on me and if I do a show that requires a different
colour they paint over the top.Removing normal polish doesn't affect the Shellac underneath. Winner. New models should always have unpol-
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I'm a huge fan of a jersey maxi dress, they are great for day and night.Loose and floaty. You don't want to be ristricted and uncomfortable when it's hot and clammy. That's the worst feeling ever.
ished nails when they arrive for a casting or job. I only get away with it because I'm a bit of a madam.
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16) Give a solution to our male readers when they find completely lost when it comes to going casual.....How can one bring about that look of eccentricity that would make him stand apart from the average ones? Ans) Don't be afraid to let your girlfriend dress you. We rarely get it wrong and it makes us happy :) I do like when a guy has a particular style be it rocky or preppy.If in doubt just turn to Pintrest.Type in the pieces you have or want and the rest will appear.
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17) While shopping what is the feature that sets the reputation of an attire in the first glimpse ? What are the aspects that you look into before buying any attire for your wardrobe? Ans) I always have to look for items suitable for a tall girl. So I tend to be drawn to less bold colours or designs. Looking like Big Bird from Sesame Street is not top of my list of priorities.
Show your personality. Find your light A look I love to sport is a ladies tuxedo. So chic but so effortless at the same time.
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18) An important change you would love to bring in the Fashion Industry? Ans) DIVERSITY. DIVERSITY. DIVERSITY.
19) An important modelling tip to all future generation models....
DIGNIFIED ECCENTRI
Ans) Show your personality. Find your light. I want to say 'be on time' but that would be so hypercritical of me.
20) Guide us on the fittings that ladies should keep for their clothes during summers.... Ans) Loose and floaty. You don't want to be restricted and uncomfortable when it's hot and clammy. That's the worst feeling ever.
21) A classic formal wear for ladies would be......? A common mistake which ladies make while dressing up formal? Ans) A look I love to sport is a ladies tuxedo. So chic but
so effortless at the same time. I think a big mistake women make is 'going all out'. Leave prom in the past! You need to find an even balance. If it's a black or white tie event wear the big head turning dress but keep everything else simple. If I'm wearing a ballgown i don't like to look too polished. I keep jewels to a minimum. I'd prefer my skin to catch the eye as opposed to borrowed jewels.
22) Please guide our female readers about the different hairstyles that they can sport while going formals.....What are the different hairstyles according to you that ladies can opt for when going formals... Ans) I love a messy high ponytail, a messy side chignon, a messy top knot. Or just down and tussled. I'm not a fan of slick, tight hair that doesn't move.
CITY & VERSATALITY It does all depend on face shape though. If I look like I've had a good romp before I’ve left the house, I know I'm ready.
23) How big a role does body type for ladies play in the way they dress up? Tell us about the different body types suitable for different attires.....If someone does not meet have the correct body type how can she wear that outfit? Ans) Gosh there are so many different body types. But I don't think there is necessarily a correct one. It's all about balance. I have broad shoulders so for me it's about not looking top heavy to do this I have to use the same guidelines a big busted woman would. Everyone should know what their body type is and it's so easy to work out. There's column, apple, pear, inverted triangle, hourglass (which I think is the one we all try and create) these are to name but a few. Here's how to create hourglass with what you've got. Column give yourself boobs and a bum. Perhaps a floaty tunic, cinched in at the waist. Over skinny jeans looks great. Apple - the same principle applies but over a flared Jean. Pear - bring eyes away from your hips with a heavy pattern or detail in the bust area or shoulders. Inverted triangle - a boot cut Jean as opposed to a skinny. And hourglass - just serve them those curves!!!
24) Often we find people wearing mutual prints and dresses in a public place...What would your advice be to people who wants to avoid ending up wearing the same attire as another person in a public place and stand out eccentric? Ans) God that's every girls worst nightmare!!! It's all about injecting your own personality into your outfit. Don't just buy a dress, stick it on and go out thinking it works because it's a good brand. Find your own individual style and bring it to every outfit. Be it Boho, Retro, Sloaney, Califirnia girl. I'm a high street girl so this has happened a few times believe me. You just got to look like YOU in it and your fine. If in doubt... Get a photo with them and laugh it off.
25) An important question on ladies fashion wear during summers we missed asking you?Please give us the answer to the question as well.... Ans) What fashion item would you wear to compliment your summer tan? Firstly... An overly intense tan is never a good look! But if you want to accentuate what tan you have then go white, just don't spill!!!
26) Men's attire that you think men look the best in for i) a casual day outing ii) formals?
VERSATALITY In Style 26) Men's attire that you think men look the best in for i) a casual day outing ii) formals? Ans) I) I'm a fan of men in converse, always have been. All other trainers should be worn in the gym only!!! II) A tux of course. I seem to end up with men that hate going formal. We compromise... The bow tie can be undone aand neck of shirt unbuttoned at the first opportunity. The names Bond...
27) The first thing that comes to your mind about Fashion when it comes to men.? Ans) Beards! I'm not opposed to them. In fact I'm a fan, but they really are only for men that don't have a strong jaw line.
Nicole clicked by photographer JamesB If you have a jaw like Buzz Lightyear I want to see it! Our entire relationship could be based on that alone.
Ans) IRON YOUR CLOTHES!!!!
30) What are the other qualities you consider that men should have to carry an outfit with dignity and smartness Ans) I like a man with individual style, not necessarily a fashion follower. So whatever your style wear it with pride and your head held high. Confidence it the best quality.
28) For men what are the different body types necessary for wearing different attires...If one is not eligible how can he wear
Ans) I think broad shoulders are important for every man. I appreciate skinny, muscly, rugby built but shoulders are a must. So if you can highlight or create some then you're onto a winner. Simply tie a jumper around them in a preppy style.Adding more to an area will always
(Top) Nicole with mother Jan at a summer BBQ
make it appear thicker.
29) A tip that you would like to give to all our male readers who wants to dress well and look good....?
31) A word of motivation to all those who are non fashion enthusiasts? Ans) You don't have to be a fashion ethusiast to enjoy clothes. Pick a style you like and what works for you and have fun with it. And don't forget, fashions come back around so don't forget to shop vintage. This will always help you stand out from the rest.
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ISSUE 27 Month May
THE FASHION IDENTITY FROM THE EDITOR Acknoledgement We owe in gratitude to Suzy Decaux for introducing us and helping us contact Nicole Gibson for the interview. Photographers Chris Chapman Walterlain Papitti Lowell Mason Jeany Savage Chris Mansfield JamesB PIC Accompany Holby City's David Ades and burlesque star Sukki Singapora Chris Chapman Jan Paul Winstone James Alexander Lyons Eva Jacobs Jennifer Klein Sonata Rapalyte Special THANKS London Fashion Week South African Fashion Week
Contact us for any queries/feedback at thefashionidentity@gmail.com
BE JOYFUL,MAKE OTHERS JOYFUL We all love feeling good....love feeling happy,joyful....Most of us can achieve this feeling of well being only if our surroundings are happy and joyful.Well circumstances do change...their are happy times , sad moments...time flies by...but nothing cherishes us more, than putting a wonderful smile on other’s face through our efforts,even if its for a short duration of time....we would love to see our environment smiling ,laughing, in a joyful frame of mind...Well here is an edition which features one of such famous fashion world personalities who brings joy and happiness to uncountable thousands through her distinctive psyche in FASHION n STYLE Life. Yes, my readers...she is none other than the one and only Nicole Gibson.....Its through her alluring,charismatic,elegant personality in the Fashion World that aggrandizes everybody who comes across or gets an aroma of her personality in the fashion world. Proudly I would love to say it was a life time vivid and illustrious conversant for me to get this inestimable golden opportunity to interview Nicole....Not only did my fashion knowledge get enriched but it was truly an enlightening and inspiring experience for me to get to know so much about Nicole’s wonderful ,successful and incentivizing career... I am sure it was a glorious and fascinating experience for you too....to know and get erudited about fashion from Nicole herself...
/PitanjalDatta /TheFashionIdentity
Well I only would like to end by quoting “Knowledge and experience is mere information or mere enriching experience unless one makes use of it.” We would love to have a look and publish some of your pics on your fashion,highlighting the mistakes you have overcome after learning from this edition from Nicole(Kindly send them at thefashionidentity001@gmail.com).....We are sure you guys would be eyeing a perfectionist when it comes to how much matured you got about fashion after reading this edition.....This would surely bring sounds of joyous laughter among others who see you dressed and attired as a brilliant fashion personality,just like Nicole,who has told you the way how to
Pitanjal Datta