Young designer has eye on international icons

Polokwane Observer article by Yolande Nel

Until he created his own matric farewell outfit years ago, Polokwane designer Nico Willoughby-Smith never touched a sewing machine. That moment was the turning point for the young talent who by now is heading for dressing international icons. Through his attention-grabbing design for his farewell party he won a bursary with the Design School of Southern Africa, which is validated and moderated by the London College of the Arts.

Since graduating in 2005, he has wowed clients and audiences alike with his haute couture ideal for weddings and matric farewells during the past four years in Polokwane. The last such event occurred this past weekend when popular singer Nianell wore a lace-up corset enhanced by Swarovski crystals and splashes of feathers carrying the Willoughby-Smith label during a stage performance in Polokwane. Apparently further future collaboration with the artist is on the cards.

After having been involved in Miss Limpopo pageants before and now dressing a South African artist, Willoughby-Smith intends presenting Celine Dion with one of his creations. “Her music represents my style, which is very romantic. One’s creativity is inspired by the things you love and I absolutely love music.” Willoughby-Smith has a fresh approach to fashion design and produces vibrant, statement-making outfits based on the individuality of his respective clients. By extensively researching colour and fabric, he uniquely depicts character and features while capturing glamour, sophistication and elegance. His clients, he stresses, all know that he ensures them once-off creations that can never be repeated. Willoughby-Smith prides himself in professionalism.

This young talent is inspired by the style of international designers Alexander McQueen and Vera Wang while he admires local Gerhard Heymans. In this regard he explains that there is no such thing as competitiveness if one is in a class of one’s own. Having done it his way over the past few years, he realises it takes time to live a burning passion while remaining humbled by experiences. Nico Willoughby-Smith. Indeed a label to watch as he skyrockets into a different orbit.