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Thursday, May 24, 2012

FASHION

Two's a Charm: Meet the Design Duo Behind NAHM

Nahm Spring Collection

NAHM Spring 2012 Collection

In Ally Hilfiger (daughter to Tommy) and Nary Manivong's case, two heads make for one chic fashion collection. The friends turned design partners had been pursuing their own individual fashion forays before coming together last year to launch their contemporary line, NAHM, (named for a mix-up of their initials).

Manivong, a Laotian-American now based in Manhattan, was working on an eponymous fashion brand when he met Hilfiger, who was trying her hand at styling at the time. Coming together to launch NAHM for fall 2011, they fused their combined international experiences into one city-savvy line: think a burnt orange shirtdress with asymmetrical hem or black maxi dress with a shorter underskirt and long, sheer overlay.

With their line already stocked in top shops NYC, Dubai and London, the duo talks with The Inside Source about their sophomore collection for spring 2012, how they came together and what clothing pieces they're looking to stock up on this winter.


Nary Manivong & Ally HilfigerThe Inside Source: What are you two up to lately?

Nary Manivong: We have been in market for the last few weeks [selling our spring 2012 collection to retailers]. It's been a very exciting season for us. We are currently working on our Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

left: Nary Manivong & Ally Hilfiger of NAHM


The Inside Source: You've had a lot of positive on your collaboration. Do you think it's easier working as a duo rather than doing a line on your own?

Ally Hilfiger: It depends on the chemistry. It may or may not work for everyone. We were just very lucky with our relationship.


The Inside Source: How did you two originally meet? 

Nary Manivong: We met at a dinner party Ally was throwing in 2008 through a mutual friend. We definitely hit it off. 

Ally Hilfiger: At the time Nary was working on his fashion show and invited me. I came and supported him there and on the other few shows he did. He later hired me to work as a stylist for his collection for two seasons.

 

Nahm Spring Collection

NAHM Spring 2012 Collection

The Inside Source: Let's chat about your recent spring 2012 collection. What was the inspiration behind the line? 

Nary Manivong: Our spring 2012 collection was really about all the Parisians going to Laos in the 1970s. We used some Laotian traditional prints and a vintage scarf print we found.

 

The Inside Source: Ally, what's your favorite piece from the collection and how would you wear it? 

Ally Hilfiger: This is a tough one. I really like the sleeveless printed "cool girl" dress [below at left]. I would wear it with a heeled sandal from work to a fun rooftop event. The way it swings on the body and flows is so laid back and romantic. I would accessorize it with a fun colored bra since the armhole is dropped—maybe a Lake and the Stars piece.


 

Nahm Spring Collection

NAHM Spring 2012 Collection, including Hilfiger's favorite "cool girl dress" at left

The Inside Source: In the broader world of fashion, what other designers do you admire? 

Nary Manivong: Thakoon, Phoebe Philo and Proenza Schouler.   

Ally Hilfiger: Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney.

 

The Inside Source: Any travel plans for the upcoming holidays?

Nary Manivong: Columbus, Ohio for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is still up in the air.

Ally Hilfiger: Mississippi and Mustique!

 

The Inside Source: With colder weather around the bend, where you do shop for winter clothes?

Nary Manivong: Anything I can find on the street.  

Ally Hilfiger: My mother's closet! And I covet anything from Opening Ceremony.

Nahm Spring Collection

NAHM Spring 2012 Collection

The Inside Source: What are some specific items you'll be looking for this season? 

Nary Manivong: A new shoe, a new shirt and a very cool sweater.

Ally Hilfiger: Shoes that I can be comfortable and warm in during the day, but that still have character. I'm also looking for colorful knits and silk long underwear for the cold season ahead.

 

The Inside Source: Have you ever shopped eBay? 

Nary Manivong: No, but I have browsed on the site.

Ally Hilfiger: Totally, I used to have a vintage accessories company called All the Tea in China, and I used to find a few things on eBay. 

(images courtesy by NAHM)

We took the fall fashion wish list of NAHM's Nary Manivong and Ally Hilfiger and applied it to eBay.

Roll over items for details
Celine Black Suede Wedges
(buy it now price, $249)
Thermasilk Ladies Long Underwear
(buy it now price, $38)
Vintage L.L. Bean Men's Sweater
(buy it now price, $21.99)
Thakoon Gray Paneled Dress
(buy it now price, $149)
Vintage Men's Red Wing Boots
(buy it now price, $320)
Vintage Brown and Gold Clutch
(buy it now price, $32)
Magaschoni Blue Cashmere Sweater
(buy it now price, $34.95)
Opening Ceremony High-Waisted Zipper Skirt
(buy it now price, $109.99)
Men's Dress Shirt
(buy it now price, $129.99)
Two's a Charm: Meet the Design Duo Behind NAHM


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Comments

9bc0e718-2b9a-4d94-8974-59a411e5a2c2 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:11:30 PST Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:11:30 PST
Boden Coupon
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At the first sight, I nearly thought these pairs of two are just the same. Having looked at it more carefully, I noticed the fabulous yet obvious difference between them. Yes, they are different from each other, but they share the beauty. Well done!

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