We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole King a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism springs from my love for giving, creating, and sharing joy! I’m lucky to be surrounded by friends, family, and an amazing artist community that fills my days with reminders of life’s abundance. There’s nothing like the sound of my four kids’ laughter to lift my spirits! Designing fun fashion pieces for my brand, ngai, keeps the inspiration flowing and adds to my happiness. Living in Monticello, NY, surrounded by nature, brings me pure joy—especially when I take long walks with my dog, Spencer. And each night, I wrap up my day by journaling, locking in that joy and optimism before I drift off to dreamland.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a fashion designer, I’m all about blending denim with sportswear to create unique, stylish pieces that feel both fresh and timeless. One of the highlights of my career was designing the inaugural 1969 collection under the incredible guidance of Adriano Goldschmied—what an experience! This year has been particularly exciting as I’ve had the honor of collaborating on a special project with The Gap through my personal brand, Ngai. I can’t wait to share these pieces with you!
What I love most about my journey is the thrill of creativity and the ability to connect with people through my designs. Fashion isn’t just about clothing; it’s about expression and joy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been my creativity, technical knowledge of design, and a deep appreciation for art history. Designing denim is like a delicious recipe that combines chemistry, fit, fabric, and finishes. I love sketching out all my ideas, and it’s amazing how the best ones just shine off the page! My background in art history has also been invaluable, helping me curate prints inspired by the likes of Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.
For those early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to make joy your full-time job. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work! And remember to embrace the “work hard, play hard” philosophy—put in the effort, but also make sure to enjoy the ride. Your passion will shine through in everything you create!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I start feeling overwhelmed, I find that taking a nature walk is my go-to strategy. It’s the perfect way to hit the reset button! Being outdoors helps me clear my mind and refocus, plus it’s a great reminder of all the blessings in my life. I take a deep breath, soak in the beauty around me, and let my thoughts flow. It’s amazing how a little fresh air and a change of scenery can work wonders for my mood and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: nngaistyle.com
- Instagram: ngai_thecollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolengaiking
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-king-burroughs-98154053/
Image Credits
All photos by Nicole King
