Although a new name in the UK, Tori-Nichel is a young American designer who is quickly climbing the ladder of stylish success in New York. With her first three collections available online and in shops stateside, we will however have to wait until 2009 to see them over on these rainy shores.

Whilst Tori-Nichel clearly relishes her fabulous role in the fashion world, she also regards women’s issues and global injustice as equally important issues on her agenda. Her female role model qualities have not gone unnoticed however, earning her the accolade of one of six ‘Sisters with Style’ according to MSN, rubbing shoulders with the likes of fashionista Tyra Banks. Take a look at her collections online at www.torinichel.com

1. In your design philosophy, you declare that Tori-Nichel was created
in order to empower women. How do you feel that you have achieved this
goal?

**Tori-Nichel- I have empowered women by allowing women to feel and be sexy from day to evening. Being sexy in an understated and sophisticated way is very empowering. I am not making this up. This is the feedback I get from my customers.

2. As a self-empowered career woman, what advice would you give to
young women today who perhaps wish to forge a career in the fashion
industry?

**Tori-Nichel- I tell young women aspiring to be a designer in the fashion industry the following:
• Go to design school, learn all you can about the craft, the basic fundamentals.
• Be an apprentice for an established designer.
• Be disciplined patient, self motivated, thick skinned and persevering.

3. Your 2007 Spring/Summer collection flew down the catwalk under the name
‘Frida: A love story', and is in part a testament to the life and
works of prolific Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. What aspects of this
woman's life inspired you to create such a collection?

**Tori-Nichel- I was moved by her deep romances and love affairs which contrasted dramatically with her pain that tragically followed her all through her life. So in my collection you will notice blacks with intense pops of color which is also reflected in Frida’s work.

Fall/Holiday 2007 was inspired by another prolific woman, Bianca Jagger. I am mildly obsessed with the 70’s. To me, Bianca Jagger was the epitome of that 70‘s disco life; beauty, sex appeal and being effortlessly chic. The fall/holiday collection was designed around the glamorous city nights of the 70’s.

Spring/Summer 2008…Josephine Baker…stay tuned!

I love designing around prominent and influential women in our history.

4. What three words would you use to describe your own personal style?

**Tori-Nichel- Tailored, Eclectic and Sexy-Chic, ok so that’s four.

5. You were involved in the New York charity event 'Designs for Darfur'
in which 100 American designers took part in a catwalk show,
culminating in an auction with all proceeds going to help genocide
victims in Darfur. How important do you think it is for the Fashion
Industry to link itself to global issues ?

**Tori-Nichel- It is very important that the fashion industry links itself to current global issues, although it has to be genuine though and come from the heart. What is happening in Darfur is deeply unsettling. It is hard for us blessed ones here to close our eyes and imagine the genocide. Every effort counts, no matter how big or small the contribution.

6. What would you say has been your career high to date?

**Tori-Nichel- Being featured in WWD (women’s wear daily: fashion bible!!) has been the career high to date.

7. Can you give us one top fashion tip for the big chill of winter?

**Tori-Nichel- The most important fashion tip for the coming winter is to make your outerwear coat your statement piece of the season. Whether it be a fabulous cape, a classic trench or a timeless cashmere topper. Your winter outerwear should always be an investment piece. It’s the first thing people notice when you walk into a place.

8. What is next for you?

**Tori-Nichel- The next steps for Tori Nichel are to expand globally into the London and Japanese markets, open a swank boutique in downtown Manhattan and then simultaneously launch my cartoon series. Yes! I said cartoons, stay tuned!