Profile
The Story
A classic menswear designer, Nicky has created outfits for many celebrities such as Joe Elliot, George Michael, David Bowie, Bernard King and Michael Epps amongst others. He was also one of the Designers responsible for creating the 'Miami Vice' look of the eighties.
More recently creating special designs for the wedding of England and Manchester defender, Wes Brown and his entourage.
Born and raised in Wexford Nicky grew up surrounded by old school fine tailoring. As a child he spent many hours helping out the old tailors in his fathers employ surrounded by fabric and patterns.
Studying in Leeds College of Fashion Nicky went on to win National Student Designer of the Year. Graduating with distinction in 1975 he worked with various Design Houses before returning to Ireland to work with his Father's Tailoring business. Developing his first collection in 1982 Nicky went to America where he got his first break, getting orders from department stores such as Macys, and Carson Pirie Scott of Chicago.
Following success in America, Nicky began to participate in Trade Fairs in Paris, London and Florence, thus establishing markets across Europe and Japan. He ceased his international collection in 1992 owing to business difficulty and family commitments. Nicky then began to work as a fashion consultant, spending time in London, Paris and Milan.
Opening a store in Dublin, Nicky returned to his tailoring origins and developed a specialty store concentrating on Couture Made to Measure, manufacturing all products in Italy to the highest standards with small Artigianale producers.
Nicky has evolved once again using advanced tailoring techniques to create a Niche International collection which was launched in January 2007 in New York. This was followed up in January 2008 with a successful showing during Milan Fashion Week at the Hotel Gallia in Milan which resulted in setting up and growing a successful niche business in the UK market. Nicky is has been working exclusively with Norton Barrie in the north of England since June 2009 and will be opening in the London area in early 2010.
