In the ever-evolving world of fashion, few designers manage to stand out with both their artistic depth and avant-garde approach. Nikole Tursi is one such creative force, known for blending fashion with art in a way that transcends mere trends. We had the privilege of interviewing this visionary to delve into the inspirations, process, and goals that define her work.

The early call to creation

For many, the road to fashion is winding, but for Nikole Tursi the path was clear from a very young age: “From a very young age, I had a strong intuition that I would dedicate myself to fashion and art. I used to design my own clothes and my grandmother would take me to buy fabrics for my designs. It wasn’t until much later that I realized I was more inclined towards haute couture and millinery. What fascinates me the most is the act of creation itself - crafting with my own hands, playing and experimenting with materials, dimensions, and textures, and creating unique, one-of- a-kind pieces.”

The intuitive art of creation

Inspiration is a curious force, often revealing itself in unexpected ways. When asked about the driving forces behind their collections, Nikole says: “My main source of inspiration is materials, combined with tools and techniques - their capacity for transformation and moldability, to the point where you can't always tell how the results were achieved. Interestingly, the inspiration for my latest piece was unconscious. It wasn’t until I saw the finished piece that I remembered the dream in which I had a character that was exactly like the one I had created. This realization connected deeply with the final result of my work.”

As with many great artists, intuition plays a central role in Nikole's creative process. Her  studio is a treasure trove of materials, tools, and objects, each waiting for its moment to be transformed: “I have a large collection of materials and tools. When I come across materials, objects, or tools that catch my eye because of their potential, I immediately feel the need to add them to my collection, even if I don't yet know their final purpose or destination. There is always a perfect moment when it feels as if everything has been planned in advance.

I'm very intuitive in my creative process; I let the materials guide me and love to play and experiment, transforming them with different techniques and mixing tools from various fields. So when I have a project or idea, I often lay out all the materials to find the right one for each occasion. I must mention that music is my constant companion.”

Embracing experimentation

In a world increasingly driven by commercial pressures, Nikole Tursi remains focused on artistic expression over market demands: “I don't have a very commercial vision; my pieces are not created with commercial considerations in mind, but are based on an artistic vision. Some of my creations are custom made for clients, tailored to specific projects or events. Whilst my focus is on artistic expression, I am mindful of the client's needs and preferences, ensuring that each piece resonates with their vision, whilst maintaining my own creative integrity. This balance allows me to stay true to my artistic principles while still addressing the practical aspects of each project.”

Ambitions, the next generation and the right vibes

Looking ahead, Nikole has bold aspirations for her brand: “My goals for the future of my brand are to have at least one major exhibition a year and to continue to collaborate with artists in different fields. I want to grow within the art world and achieve significant milestones such as showing my work at the Met Gala and dressing Björk”.

As someone who has successfully navigated the often-challenging fashion industry, Nikole offers sage advice for emerging designers: “My advice to designers trying to break into the fashion industry is to avoid comparisons and trust your intuition and your mistakes. Never stop dreaming. Be authentic, have faith, patience, and consistency in your journey.”

In a realm where fashion often becomes formulaic, Nikole Tursi is a breath of fresh air, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Her work is more than just fashion; it’s an artistic journey, one that promises to leave a lasting impact on both fashion and the world of contemporary design. 

Nikole shares a piece of her creative world with us by leaving us with this song, which she finds particularly inspiring. It's a glimpse into the vibes that fuel her artistic process, offering a deeper connection to the emotions and energy behind her stunning designs.

Follow Tursi’s Journey

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