Today we’d like to introduce you to Nessa Apostol.
Nessa, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was a formal professional ballroom dancer in Las Vegas that lived for performance and competition. I found myself most looking forward to creating my costumes with my seamstress and becoming that character that I believe the costume brought the most out. In November 2014 I left my dance company to pursue my new-found dream of being a fashion designer. I made one gown for myself and attended a celebrity-charity poker tournament, and it got immediate attention. On Thanksgiving, I got hired as an intern at Michael Costello Couture with intention to learn more and gain experience. I learned how to operate the machines, work fast, some basic patterning and most of all, and I got PRACTICE. An attendee of the poker tournament linked me up with a Miss Universe contestant, the gown I made her was televised, and I started getting consistent work with pageant girls, brides, and celebrities. From there I became a full-time, self-employed designer. I moved to downtown San Diego, and in the first year of working I did eight fashion shows, I designed for multiple pageants & got published at least ten times in national magazines.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I make very feminine and sensually inspired formal gowns which I specialize in Bridal and pageant wear. I currently make everything myself but in the midst of building the right team. I’m most inspired by the atmosphere and overall energy of an event. I create pieces, so the WOMAN is the centerpiece of that event. Whenever I am in creation mode, I always look up the location and ask what the vibe is so I can make the wearer be the highlight. Sometimes I get inspired by just seeing and touching a new fabric. Some of my best pieces I’ve ever made have not been planned but created through a random draping process, and it happens right in front of me.
I want people to look at these women like they are fine, rare art pieces. Every dress I make is to stop people in their tracks, make jaws drop and hearts skip.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
Social media for sure was what helped me the most. I think I started when celebs were starting, and people were getting influenced by them and buying whatever they bought. Nowadays, I feel it’s a little bit harder but still very influential. I think overall, and we are at an advantage because we are all connected through the web. It’s a very social world out there which makes the possibilities a lot closer than we imagine.
The hardest is probably that we are ALL on social media. So, it’s competitive. The secret is to find your core niche to your craft and stay true to it. Also, keep learning, and ASK for help. Yes, it is competitive, but true artists inspire, not keep to themselves. We cannot thrive without inspiring each other and using each other’s strengths to create a win-win.
Contact Info:
- Website: napostollabel.com
- Phone: 760.563.8677
- Email: ordernapostol@gmail.com
- Instagram: @napostol_couture
- Facebook: facebook.com/Napostolgowns
Image Credit:
Manny Canseco
Miss Nevada United States
Oscar Picazo
Ms Philippines Earth
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
