Nauni J. Says #Metoo Was Not Missed At Vancouver Fashion Week.

Nauni J. Working Towards Women Empowerment Say #Metoo Was Not Missed AT Vancouver Fashion Week.

Navi is the creative director and designer behind Nauni J. at Vancouver Fashion Week. Previous to her fashion design career, she studied criminology. Fashion design, from an early age, played an important role in her life and she displayed her passion by making clothes for either herself or her dolls.

Although her ability to sketch was poor, it didn’t stop her from visualizing her designs. She compensated by showcasing her work in sketch figures with nobody shapes that included labels for clarifying her ideas.

After graduating from Visual College of Art and Design in June 2015, her dream became a reality when she showcased her first collection at the Vancouver Emerging Designers Show (VEDS) and RAW: Holiday RAWk 2015.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am Navi Johal and was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, BC. I got involved with fashion designing at a very young age making clothes for my dolls from Indian fabric that I stole from my mom and grandma. I started studying fashion design in 2011 and graduated in 2015. I started my business in January of 2017 and have never been more excited about this amazing journey I have chosen to embark on.

What is the idea behind your fashion line?
This line is to empower women with the bold colors and the free-flowing silhouettes. It was also inspired by a close loved one.

What part of the globe can be ventured for new fashion besides Paris and New York?
India and Africa have been really establishing a name for themselves in the fashion world. They are not getting enough credit for the incredible fabrics and new styles they have been creating.

Do you think the past cultural traits or forms can be incorporated into new designs?
There is definitely past cultural traits that have been incorporated in new designs and it continues. Take for example the women’s headscarves from Africa and the Middle East; it’s a continued trend. I saw a few women at Vancouver Fashion Week that accessorized their outfits with a headscarf. Also plaid from the Scottish; it is so common for Canadians. We sport flannels almost every opportunity we get so I can see it being incorporated again and again.

Are there any particular cultural or ethnical traits you follow for your designs?
There isn’t a particular cultural or ethnical trait that I follow when I create my designs, however, I am looking into creating pieces that incorporate both my eastern and western roots.

With huge names in the fashion industry bandwagon, do you find or think that new names find tough to create their niche?
There are many new names that have created a great niche for themselves and are very inspiring. Social media is the best way to go with the way technology is evolving and some names have a greater following than others and I think there are some brands that are creating that niche. With some loyal customers wanting to buy locally, that is helping new names create their niche as well.

How was your experience in Vancouver Fashion Week?
This was my first time taking part in Vancouver Fashion Week and it was such a great experience. Through VFW, I was able to make my name known and let others from around the world see what my brand is all about.

#metoo moments have been a huge part of every red carpet event recently. Do you think it was missed during this particular event?
MeToo was not missed at Vancouver Fashion Week. I, myself, created a collection to empower women based on the colors I chose and the free flow of my dresses. Even though a few brands were about empowering women, men were neglected. Some men are victims of sexual misconduct as well but stay mum due to the norm that men are supposed to be alpha males and this type of behavior could never occur.

Do you think the fashion industry is diverse or do they need to explore more cultures?
There is a lot of diversity in the fashion industry. People from all walks of life are in this industry. Some use it to share their stories and some express their cultural background whether it be in the form of color or silhouette. The best part of this industry is that you have so much freedom to express yourself and you can push all boundaries.

What is your next venture after Vancouver Fashion week?
I am currently working on extending my Nura collection and creating a menswear line.

Navi Johal With Miss J Alexander at Vancouver Fashion Week.