ONEWAY2 w/ Esther Nash

TAKE NOTE
At 18 years of age, Esther began her studies at FIT part-time while she operated three fashion boutiques. While she tackled that she also acted as a fashion Editor for Talent in Motion Magazine. For Talent in Motion she submitted monthly articles on fashion trends, reviews of fashion events as well as practical advice.

At FIT she studied fashion design, life drawing, fashion illustration, graphic design, sewing, draping and pattern making. Esther admits she owes a lot of her perseverance and talents to her mother. Her mother was an honors graduate from Brooklyn College and holds a Masters in Fine Arts. She also worked many years as a NYC Public High School Art Teacher.

Within those 6 years she has also held the title of fashion editor for the Improper Hamptonian Magazine which has a distribution totaling 250,000 subscribers. Besides these achievements her designs have also been featured on the HBO series "Sex in the City", is presently an IKON model Celebrity designer, Fashion Host, Commentator and model, and also showcased her 2008 Fashion Collection at Eli Klien Fine Art in Soho.



Can you tell us what have been up to lately?
I am working on my new line to be presented April 12, 2009 during BK fashion weekend. I am also starting my outline for a book on fashion. Which should be exciting. In addition to that I putting together a business plan and soon traveling to South America,

How was NY fashion week?
It was a great season. The looks are definitely influenced by the recession. Less zippers more luxury fabrics and embroidery along with ethnic styles and colors. As well as a return to the 80's and women in corporate America.

What plans do you have in the near future?
Attending Fashion week in Miami in July. Presenting a new line at the St. Charles Fashion week in September. I will be a fashion host for EXO- TV and am starting a hair accessory line.

Where can people purchase your designs?
Online at www.esthernash.com or at the Allan and Suzi Boutique, 416 Amsterdam Avenue.

What kind of advice would you give to a novice in this industry?
Persevere, stay focused, learn to accept constructive criticism, be disciplined and dedicated, and do not be afraid of sacrificing in exchange for pursuing your dreams.

Hire a good publicist, like Miami Fancy girl and NY socialite Shelly Nash and you may have a chance. Not only is she a really GOOD lawyer but she is a great connector. Events are created and executed in less than half the time and with 1/4 of the budget. Of course there is a waiting list and I have her on an exclusive non-compete contract.

Do you believe it is a very difficult field to pursue?
Fashion Design is one of the hardest professions in the art world. It is not for the weak of spirit or the faint of heart. You have to have nerves of steel. If you are not talented you will not make it. A professional artist knows that it has to be a way of life not just a 9-5 job.

What kind of preparation is needed to be a success in this field?
Extensive years of training in all areas and mediums of Art education and business.

How many years have you dedicated to this business?
I have been in this business since I am five years old, so I hope that gives you an idea. I work 24/7, every conversation I have is about my craft.

What is more difficult modeling or fashion?
I would say both are difficult, as a fashion designer and a model I have double the stress and absolutely no free time. Sleeping is a treat, a luxury that I do not have at this time.

Do you believe formal training is a must?
Absolutely! To be a professional fashion designer, formal training is a must.

Lastly, how do you stay looking so gorgeous? What is your secret?
My secrets to remaining gorgeous are following a vegetarian diet, no alcohol, no illegal drugs, no smoking. Exercise daily; drink plenty of water with lemon. Always moisturize my face and body seven days a week.

Yoga helps, along with plenty of speed walking, no TV only live theater and comedy shows when possible. I like to engage in young activities like ice skating and attending the circus on my birthday, it keeps me feeling 7 years old.

I also have a big sister who always makes me feel like the baby. Shelly really helps me by filling in all the gaps, she is six professionals rolled into one and she is still skinny



Written By: Nick Christophers