Nolcha
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Kerry Bannigan, CEO of 
in Nolita at the Nolcha retail shop (238 Mulberry Street). The space both darkly romantic and eclectic is shared with Shane & Shawn shoes. Kerry patiently walked me through each independent designer showcase, and spoke to each line like a proud mother, but also much like a studied museum curator.
Kerry’s enthusiasm was evident as she excitedly remarked on Hollywood starlets who have been spotted donning the shop’s stock. She generously presented me with a phenomenal little gem from Marijoli; a silver, rhodium plated, petite and fluid design strung on black leather. It has since found a permanent home tied to my right ankle.
Bannigan’s love and affection for independent design and her background in PR and Marketing began to intertwine. She envisioned a central resource for the emerging and independent fashion industry, the missing link between fashion and business.
Along with business partner Arthur Mandel, Nolcha’s President, the two launched Nolcha in March of 2007. Mandel's decade of experience in business and the nightlife industry pair with Kerry to make a dynamite team. They sped through the dirty groundwork rapidly making Nolcha the platform for the emerging and independent fashion savvy world.
Nolcha has become a central hub with limitless resources for both designers and consumers. The site provides retail opportunities for the underdog designer, laying down a faster track to gaining a loyal customer base. With well-executed marketing and regular in-store events sponsored by the likes of Clarins, exposure is guaranteed.
The group courageously ventured into Nolcha Fashion Week [Sept. 14-18, 2009] to fill avoid during New York Fashion Week. Nolcha Fashion Week: New York has emerged as a solid platform and a reputable outlet for showcasing top talent and award winning emerging and independent fashion designers from around the world. This five-day event includes professional fashion runway shows, networking events and fashion business seminars.
Creative Director Lynn Furge is the woman behind designer focal features like Ones to Watch, Introducing and the Designer Directory. She picks independent designers who exceed the benchmark in innovation and originality; designers destined to reap retail rewards, designers deservedly gaining exposure to thousands of new customers and contacts. Lynn reports on her conversations with fashion greats in Feature Interviews. Her recent interview with Donald J’s wife Lisa Pliner, is a must read. Lynn dishes the details of Lisa’s decision to create her own edgier though still comfy line after ten years of being surrounded by her husband’s fashionable comfort footwear.
The site can even provoke a laugh at the expense of D.C. prepsters and overweight fanny pack toters. Fashion Stylist and Nolcha Style Scout Oriana DiNella, the granddaughter of a custom tailor has a knack for finding the humor in the ghost of fashion past, and the present of fashion faux pas.
Other amazing offerings and services Nolcha and their partners dish up:
Independent Retail Week: New York City | Chicago
Sourcing and Designer Development Program
Photography Studio | Look Book Production
I have to admit though I love the support, the services and the connections that Nolcha brings to the industry, I selfishly adore how the site serves the shopper. As a consumer who leans toward trendsetting styles and away from the mass market, Nolcha offers a place to hunt for what’s ahead, for trends and styles to keep me fashion forward.
Shop.Nolcha.com is a subsidiary of the store that benefits the designers housed in the retail space. It also does your closet and jewelry box a world of good. The site shares a hot trend (currently neon) to try your hand at along with 10 stylist-selected finds every week. These items are truly unique gems that help update a look affordably or inspire a new one indulgently.
So what should you snag first?
Marielle Byworth’s jewelry line, Marijoli exudes feminine rock n’ roll sex appeal, the ideal accessories to accompany the leather and stud-laden trends out this fall. Marielle’s designs take inspiration from life; "you see what you want" says Byworth, "I try not to be to constrained with what I am looking to achieve, I will play and play with a design until it touches me... At that moment it is complete."
Marielle grew up in Switzerland and her studies took her from Lausanne and Genevato Milan, New York, and London where she collaborated with the likes of LVMH, Shiseido and Y&R agency on designing. She currently resides inTokyo, where the Marijoli brand was born.
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The jewelry works well with a variety of looks, ranging from dainty rings to large cuffs and wide dangling earrings. The piece Kerry gave me started on my wrist. I moved it because an anklet is super-sexy for summertime.
Taking it off reveals a tan line, a memory of months of fun in the sun.
I scanned Anthracite’s offerings adoringly at Nolcha’s shop. The label, developed by three young professionals from Italy, is a clever mix of industrial design and classic, customizable romance. Alessandra De Siena, the creative head behind the brand founded the company in Milan, a rather passion inspiring place. With the help of her partners Mattia Ponzone and Sebastiano Vento, Anthracite is sure to soar here in New York.
Anthracite offers clients the opportunity to be involved in the artistry. What you choose to engrave makes your jewel unique and only yours. Having recently discussed permanent, forever, skin-inked tattoos of my wedding vows, I’m opting for a rhodium plated silver cuff. Not as good with words? Anthracite offers an array of beautiful, loving and insightful stories and sayings to choose from. Say what’s on your mind and carry the thoughts with you or give them to someone close to your heart.
The JoAnn Huth handbag and accessories collection recently launched the Ritz Bag, a dynamite luxury evening bag line. Her Swarovski crystal encrusted, leather lined clutches are the perfect companion for black tie occasions, but they go way beyond one special night out. Never one for glitz, I’ve officially been converted.
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Totally rock n’ roll the trendy Abigail (featured) and Annie (as in ‘get your gun’) Bags are just the right amount of daring glam to go with skinny jeans, studded biker boots and a slinky tank. Rock on Fall 09.
Be sure to subscribe to Nolcha updates to stay ahead of the hottest trends, snag cool threads and get the inside fashion world scoop. If you’re a designer or are involved in a design/fashion related business click your way to finding the resources and assistance you’ve been looking for. With a little something for everyone, Nolcha is a network that will continue to grow and evolve into the fashion household name.
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