Limpopo Informant article by Karen Venter
He only knew he would become a fashion designer the day he designed his own matric farewell outfit. Now, four years after qualifying as a fashion designer, Mr Nico Willoughby-Smith, is making a name in the fashion world in a big way.
The latest model of one of his sophisticated unique designs is an internationally-known singer, songwriter and musician. Nianell performed in Polokwane on Saturday night wearing one of Willoughby-Smith’s divine creations, a red haute couture corset decorated with feathers and Swarovski crystals. Prior to her performance, Nianell expressed her appreciation of Willoughby-Smith’s design.
How did this come about? In an exclusive interview, Willoughby-Smith, an avid music lover, freely admits to being a Nianell fan. “Nianell inspires in more ways than one. I do my best work while listening to music.” He says he attended both Nianell’s previous performances in Polokwane and when he heard she would be perfoming here again, he decided to take a chance. “I contacted her PA, who was very helpful. A few conversations later, he had Nianell’s size, her preferences regarding clothing and her courier address. A lot of research went into his design and he focussed on quality. “The corset was designed purely for her and I spent long hours agonising over whether she would like and whether she would wear it at all.” Even when the spotlight shone on her as she came on stage, Willoughby-Smith still did not know whether his gamble had paid off. “It was absolutely amazing to see her there, dressed in the corset I had spent so many hours designing and making.” The cherry on top of her publicly acknowledging his design, was after the show when she thanked him, giving him a hug and spending a few moments chatting to Willoughby-Smith. “She said she absolutely loved the corset.” Her promoter also indicated that this could be the beginning of a longer association between Willoughby-Smith and Nianell. Willoughby-Smith agrees that this could definitely mean the beginning of big things for him.
After matriculating from Capricorn High School, Willoughby-Smith studied at the Design School of Southern Africa. The school’s qualifications are validated and moderated by the London College of Arts. In 2005, he was one of 12 South African designers selected to participate in the 11th annual Vukani Fashion Awards. He has also participated in an array of bridal and other fashion shows and a matric farewell dress designed by him is a must have for any matric girl. He says this year has been his best year ever. Up until now, he has made his name by word of mouth. “This year I started participating in various expos, which is also giving my work a lot of exposure.”
As we speak, he is preparing for a matric farewell photo shoot that has been commissioned by another local newspaper. He certainly has strong ideas about who he prefers to frame his designs, which have been described as sophisticated, glamorous, elegant and unique. “One needs just the right hairdresser (Ms Marlé van den Berg from MonRo’s), make-up artist (Focus on Style), jewellery (Jenni Collections) and accessories (classic Accessories) to show off one’s designs to perfection,” he explains. He is also part of a matric farewell competition, Evoking Elegance, in which the lucky couple can win their entire matric farewell – clothes, jewellery, accessories, the use of that special vehicle and so forth. This year’s winner was Ranska Adlam.
Willoughby-Smith says he is blessed to be fully booked for the rest of the year, so be sure to make and appointment well ahead of time for next year for that special wedding, matric farewell or other formal function. Early matric farewell bookings qualify for a discount. What’s next for him? “I’ve set my sights on Celine Dion wearing one of my creations!” he says, only half joking. “The highlight of my career will definitely be to be invited to participate in SA Fashion Week.” Willoughby-Smith’s life motto, and advise to everyone, is to love like you have never been hurt, work like you will never need the money and dance like no one is watching. “Actually, there is another line to my motto but I can’t share it in a community newspaper because it’s a bit x-rated,” he says, smiling bashfully and blushing at the same time.
