We always look forward to hearing from Yara Flinn of NOMIA, a sincere and thoughtful designer whose pieces have the sophistication of architecture with a hint of feminine delicacy. Founded in 2009 and based in New York City, NOMIA is an essential brand for the complex (and modern) woman of today. We hope you enjoy the following interview with Yara and feel just as inspired as we are.

What book are you currently reading?
I just finished the Elena Ferrante series. I loved the story of these two women's friendship juxtaposed with the historical and political context of Italy in the 1950s-90s. I think there is something in the story we can all relate to, that all-consuming friendship when you are a young child, and how formative those experiences can be.

What keeps you stable during the chaos of your work?
 I recently moved the studio to Williamsburg where we have a garden. I find working a bit in the garden before work to be so therapeutic, especially learning about trimming the flowers. There is something so satisfying about keeping and growing plants/flowers. There is a balance of growing and having to trim/prune, which I think is a good philosophy to have about life/work. There are sometimes difficult moments, but you can still maintain, and in fact benefit from, the overall longevity of your plants.

Where is your favorite place to pass the time, or take a break? 
The Met Museum is my favorite place in New York. No matter how many times I've been there I always discover something new.

What people/places/things do you find yourself consistently going back to for inspiration? 
I am always inspired by the late minimalism in the 1990s in New York CIty, I suppose because I grew up here! I think utilitarian/workwear details always play into my designs in some way and I'm also obsessed with fabric. I can't design a single thing until I have the fabric for it, so that's usually how I begin each season. I'm as inspired by fashion as furniture design, or people I see on the street. I think for me the key is let all the images/ideas marinate in my mind until it's unclear where exactly the inspiration came from.

How much do you think about your audience or “customer” during the designing process?
I think about my customer muse a lot while I design. My intention is always fill a niche that I don't think is provided in the market elsewhere, however it's also really important for the clothes to be wearable, comfortable and timeless. I think striking the right balance between all those is where you can really come up with some interesting pieces.

> See the NOMIA Collection at Idun right here.

PROVOKE

verb

To stir up purposely; provide a needed stimulus

/ Bridge to Nowhere / “The decay is so slow it is imperceptible.” Aesop: The Fabulist.

/ An (Oft-Copied) Still-Life Photographer Shows Us How It’s Done / “Abstractly subjective, employing everyday materials into thought-provoking scenarios.” Sight Unseen.

/ Jesse Kamm’s Laid-Back Approach to Life — and Looks / “My uniform doesn’t only involve what I wear. It involves these philosophies I have about how to live a good life. For me, freedom is wealth. That’s my success: Being free to pick up and go away for the summer and be in a place where I can completely shut down.” The New York Times.

/ Endurance Test: Johanna / “There is no place for fear, no place for panic, no place for mistakes. Under the ice you need total control of the place, the time and to trust yourself completely.” Nowness.

/ Casa Rosario by depA+Margarida Leitão Architects Celebrates Portuguese Contemporary Cosmopolitanism / “A comfortable scale, an appealing compositional structure, and a captivating atmosphere.” This Is Paper.

Image.

CB I Hate Perfume launched in 2004 by Christopher Brosius, headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 100% alcohol free, each scent has an uncanny ability to smell both mystical and natural. The product’s name gives way to it’s origins. Brosius’ distaste for most perfumes was his reason for creating CB I Hate Perfume, and its essence can be captured in the manifesto written by Brosius himself.

*CB I Hate Perfume is only offered in store.

Shop CB I Hate Perfume here.

Idun had the pleasure to interview NYC-based designer and founder, Szeki Chan. 7115 By Szeki’s collections incorporate the perfect balance of quality, attainability, and aesthetic. Szeki’s own background, passion, and aesthetic is what makes 7115 so special. We hope you enjoy getting to know the designer behind one of our favorite brands on Selby Ave.

What is your background? Is it specifically in fashion design?
It isn't actually! Apparel design was never the initial plan. My background is in design and technology. That's what I studied in college. I think that definitely influences why I approach apparel design with such a problem-solving mentality. All my decisions are made from a utilitarian angle but that's what I love most about 7115.

What people/places/things do you find yourself consistently going back to for inspiration?
I would have to say the city of New York is my biggest inspiration. It's where we're based. It's where I live. As much as I love complaining about it (like every other New Yorker) I'm constantly inspired and learning from the city itself. The way of life here has always dictated the designs of our garments - the pace, the diversity, the kindness of complete strangers, the community I live in...everything. I've met so many unique and interesting characters who have walked through the 7115 doors over the years. They've become my source of inspiration. These are the people who I want to help. My inspiration has always been the idea of answering that question of how to make life easier for people in New York. Over the years that's evolved to: how do we make life easier for people everywhere?

How much do you think about your audience or "customer" during the design process? 
They are all I think about. I think about how the pieces are going to work for the customer, which gap we'll need to fill in their wardrobe, what their reasoning behind every purchase might be. These are the questions I constantly ask myself throughout the design process.

If you weren't a designer -- what other occupation could you see yourself in?
I would love to open a soup kitchen! Or go back to being a singer - that would've been sweet too.

Where is your favorite place to pass the time, or take a break? 
There's a park on Hester Street in Chinatown that I love to visit. It's almost become a weekly ritual now for me to grab a bagel and head there to watch the Sunday amateur volleyball match.

> See the 7115 By Szeki Collection at Idun right here.