pini

Bird of Paradise Playsuit in ivory with light Montana Swarovski Crystals / PINI

Born in 2013, womenswear label PINI is designer Nicholas Pini’s celebration of the new age California girl. To be youthful, sun-kissed and fanned by the cool California breeze is to be in the world of PINI. 

Intricately hand-sewn embellishments layered on über feminine silhouettes are a PINI signature. And its Spring/Summer 2015 collection is no exception. Nicholas Pini’s admiration for the Californian Dream is an ever-present influence, and the collection plays on the concept of Beverly Hills luxury by taking inspiration from its idyllic scenery: the pastel colours of sunrise, the fan of palm leaves, alongside the classic pairing of black and white. Aside from the collection’s lush botanical influences, the designer’s Ocean upbringing takes centre stage. Relaxed fitting playsuits and tunic mini dresses perfectly suit summertime lounging, whilst more extravagant, fitted silhouettes compliment special occasions. With its youthfully laid-back spirit, PINI is an embodiment of the West coast, whilst its Rhode Island base lends a hint of East Coast in its audacious approach to style. Flirtatiously playful in spirit, Nicholas Pini’s dedication to simplicity and beauty is prominent throughout. Here’s what he has to tell Schön! about his latest collection. 

What’s your favourite piece from this season’s collection?

My favourite piece from the upcoming collection is called the Bird of Paradise Playsuit in light pink. It’s the first piece I designed for this collection and it definitely has the PINI girl essence. The fanning of the pleated panels mimics the texture of a palm leaf and the intricate beading at the waistband is something that I have come to love putting in my garments. I started embellishing my clothing to cover up imperfections in construction with something beautiful, but it has now become something that is particular to each design and connects the wearer with me. I love that each piece is a little unique and has soul. 

How much has nature had to play in the creation of the Spring/Summer collection?

This collection was very inspired by nature. I am infatuated with palm trees, unusual plants and animals. The silhouettes in this collection were designed to be leaf-like or bird-like. 

Bellini Playsuit in chalk white with clear Swarovski Crystal / PINI

Bird of Paradise Playsuit in ivory
with light Montana Swarovski Crystals / PINI

 California is a major influence on this collection. What do you feel is so special about Cali style?

What I find so special about California is that it can become somewhat of a dreamland, a place of happiness. When I think California, I think happy memories and happy dreams.  

Who, or what, inspires your image of the quintessentially PINI woman?

I think the quintessential PINI girl would be the modern day Cher Horowitz (from the movie, Clueless). A good-natured, funny girl with places to go and people to see! Over the years, I have designed with women like Hanaleï Reponty, Paris Hilton and Valeria Sokolova in mind. I have always catered my design to what socialites would find fun to wear.  

How has being based on the East Coast reflected in the collection? 

Being from the East Coast makes me want to design for warmer places, I find a lot of inspiration in the places that I travel to. New England is great, but its what I’m used to seeing every day. 

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Bellini Playsuit in chalk white with clear Swarovski Crystal / PINI

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