Designer, Fashion Week, Paris

In a natural harmony of contrasts, the NT.03 collection by Nobi Talai balances heritage and modernity, sculptural forms and flowing silhouettes for Spring/Sum-mer 2017.

Continuing a stylistic journey that cros- ses Occident and Orient, Tehran-born and Berlin-based designer Nobieh Talaei draws inspiration from the square tent kilims of Persian nomads.

 The squa- re, however, is but an initial impulse. Employing a simple cut here, a subtle drape there, and styled in softly falling fabrics, this most fundamental of forms loses its sharp contours as it is transfor- med into ultimately fluid garments.

Nobi Talai’s gentle geometry also extends to the circle this season, with slightly puf- fed or capped sleeves and cocoon sha- pes providing a rounded softness, often juxtaposed with long, linear and/or swingy, A-shapes.

Designed for the urban nomads of today, NT.03 further develops the label’s built-in flexibility. Signature knots and ties, wrap and drape effects and free-form layering allow the wearer to alter the shape and size and individualize their look at will.

The palette soothes in soft neutral shades of white, sand, bisque, taupe, blue, plus a spark of golden turmeric. Silk shimmers in chiffon, crepe de chine, crisp organza or woven hopsack, joined by the finest goat suede and perforated nappa leather, raffia, and accents including horn buttons and rings, or removable pleated borders.

Spring/Summer stars dresses in all lengths that underscore a newly femini- ne, but always understated approach.

There are stand-out coats, blousons and ultra-long vests; palazzo pants and plea- ted city shorts; softly flared skirts, and an alluring variety of tops and blouses that remain a centerpiece of the sophistica- ted, yet effortless, Nobi Talai style.

ABOUT NOBI TALAEI

Born in Tehran in 1978, Talaei moved with her family to Berlin when she was 11. Studying fashion at Esmod in Berlin, her graduate men’s wear collection was chosen by Premium to be specially exhibited at the Berlin fashion fair in 2003. Later, she gained merchandising experience with a leading international women’s wear brand, followed by retail management positions with a luxury designer label. A short stint in interior design came next, during which she created timeless yet modern environments starring hand-chosen pieces of Bauhaus, Neue Sachlichkeit and 1950’s Scandinavian design.

These different chapters, she notes, all helped lay the conceptual and aesthetic foundations for her company NOBI TALAI, which she founded in Berlin in early 2015 with a first image collection. In July 2015, the designer made her official market debut with her Spring/Summer 2016 NOBI TALAI collection, shown in both a solo presentation and then as part of The Berliner Mode Salon at the Kronprinzenpalais during Berlin Fashion Week.

Just one day prior to that, Talaei was named one of the first two mentees in the Fashion Council Germany’s inaugural Fellowship program. Besides providing a season of professional mentorship, the Fellowship also took Talaei to Paris in September, where her creations were displayed at the German Embassy as part of the Berliner Mode Salon group exhibit. In another growth spurt, Talaei expanded her Berlin headquarters later in the year, installing a larger pattern-making and design atelier on a separate floor.