Nicole Petrie photographed by Moriah Ziman wearing Madalyn Joy Designs, hair by Taylor Fredrick, flower crown by La Tulipe, and assistance by Claire Bromley. 2017.
Q: Did you always want to be a fashion designer?
A: No, I did not always want to be a fashion designer! When I was in grade school my dream was to get into Harvard, attend medical school, and become a cardiologist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. I even went on a college visit to Harvard when I was in the eighth grade because I was that determined to make my dream become a reality!
Needless to say, I did not always want to be a fashion designer. My life took a complete 180 degree turn when I realized at age 16 that fashion could be more than just a hobby. I was taking private sewing lessons and it was my sewing instructor who informed me that having a career in fashion was a reality, not just a dream. After all, the fashion industry is a multi billion dollar international industry and everyone wears clothes so there are most definitely job opportunities!
Q: How did you get into the lingerie niche?
A: It was a happy accident! During my Junior year of college, I purchased a delicate black lace to make an evening gown. Once I received the lace I thought it would look better as a floor length robe. The feedback I received in my critique was that lingerie is what I should do-it was my niche! Once I realized that lingerie fit all my design interests and desires, I decided to do my Senior Thesis on lingerie and have obviously continued with it ever since!
Nicole Petrie and Samantha Krusic photographed by Moriah Ziman wearing Madalyn Joy Designs, hair by Taylor Fredrick, flower crowns by La Tulipe, and assistance by Claire Bromley. 2017.
Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of starting your own fashion business at 23?
A: The most challenging aspect has been generating a profit. The small amounts of money the business does make goes right back into the business. I don’t even get a paycheck right now even though I am working 24/7. So I am hoping to start generating an income through different business tactics and opportunities.
Q: Do you design and sew all your garments?
A: Yes! Many people think that I have my designs manufactured in a factory but I currently design and sew every garment myself with the help of my interns.
Nicole Petrie and Samantha Krusic photographed by Moriah Ziman wearing Madalyn Joy Designs, hair by Taylor Fredrick, and assistance by Claire Bromley. 2017.
Q: Do you wear your own designs on a daily basis?
A: No! I always say I am too busy making garments for everyone else that I don’t have time to make my own clothes. The only garment that I will make for myself is my wedding dress someday.
Q: Where do you get your fabrics and materials?
A: A variety of places! I like to shop at Joann’s for basics, Mood fabrics, Etsy shops, and various other online retailers.
Nicole Petrie photographed by Moriah Ziman wearing Madalyn Joy Designs, hair by Taylor Fredrick, flower crown by La Tulipe, and assistance by Claire Bromley. 2017.
Q: For what occasions are your designs meant to be worn?
A: Essentially I am trying to create a new genre with my designs. I want to bridge the gap between haute couture, lingerie, and ready to wear and create embellished lingerie pieces that can be worn as ready to wear. I am embracing the idea of innerwear as outerwear!
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
A: I have two main sources of inspiration: haute couture and women.
I am really inspired by haute couture techniques, materials, and finishings. I really like incorporating those delicate details, such as hand sewn appliques, into my lingerie designs to really add that “wow” factor.
Women are a constant source of inspiration for me, especially all of the women in my life including both family and friends. I am creating garments for the female figure so I am always inspired by the female body.
Nicole Petrie photographed by Moriah Ziman wearing Madalyn Joy Designs, hair by Taylor Fredrick, flower crown by La Tulipe, and assistance by Claire Bromley. 2017.