Feminine, Bold, Timeless and Unique - Nieves Lavi 'Libellule' Collection

One look at Nieves Lavi Spring 2012 pieces and you will know why the brand is a favorite among celebrities, fashion editors and fashionistas all over the world! (Jessica Alba is the latest fan!)

Images via Nieves Lavi

Founded in 2003 by by Sharon Lavi and Sam Nieves Velez, Nieves Lavi has grown into a global brand available in 150 stores in the United States and globally in countries like Japan, Australia, France, England, Turkey and Dubai. Sharon and Sam draw upon their diverging cultural backgrounds (hailing from Israel and Puerto Rico, respectively) to create a line of ready-to-wear separates that showcase their love of bold prints and their talent for creating designs that are classic with a modern twist. Their unique take on timeless style of dressing makes their creation fashionable yet wearable. Feminine drapes and silhouettes, bold prints, and artistic designs take center stage in their Spring 2012 collection. 

Pieces from Nieves Lavi Spring 2012 collection - All Images via Nieves Lavi

Impressed by the success of of their custom prints and designs in the fashion world, buyers consistently requested Nieves Lavi’s creations at a lower price point. Without losing the quality of the prints and the fabric, the designers behind the brand came up with the ready to wear Nieves Lavi diffusion line Libellule (meaning Dragonfly in both French and Spanish and considered to bring good luck ) Previously available only at Anthropologie stores, Libellule collection is now available through additional distribution channels, including all stores of Neiman Marcus, for Spring 2012.  

Nieves Lavi Libellule Spring 2012 - All images via Nieves Lavi

The new collection shares Nieves Lavi’s bohemian philosophy, free spirited prints, and emphasis on fit with more accessible, of-the-moment pieces. Easy to wear and easy to carry, (the fabric won’t wrinkle) the collection is designed with the carefree, contemporary girl in mind. I love the vibrant, modern, feminine look of Libellule line that translates the brand’s signature prints and silhouettes to their ready to wear line. Sharon Lavi, art director and co founder of Nieves Lavi brand, talks to Style-Delights about the brand's philosophy, design process and her personal style inspirations.

Style-Delights: Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk about Nieves Lavi and Liebellule collection. Your brand seems to have taken the celebrities and fashion world by storm! When and how did Nieves Lavi come about?

Creative duo: Sharon Lavi and Sam Nieves Velez   

Sharon Lavi: Sam and I were working at the industry for about 10 years before we co-founded Nieves Lavi, we met at Harve Benard when we both worked as designers,  we realize we enjoy working together and both wanted to be independent and free to design for our own brand. We had similar vision, style and sense of humor, and both of us were inspired by the same things, we had the same aesthetics, we loved prints and love silk jersey, so we started with the first small collection of 5 prints and 6 silk jersey styles.

SD: What is your brand's inspiration and philosophy?

SL: Freedom is the brand inspiration, we wanted to be free and independent. We wanted to design free spirited styles and prints for free spirited people, it had to be beautiful and comfortable and modern, with a lot of respect for the past! We wanted styles and workmanship of great clothes from the past with a clear view of today's women and their ever changing roles and needs.


SD:The collection is so beautiful, feminine and artistic and the drapes, prints and styles are unique! Where are Nieves Lavi clothes made?

SL: We design the textiles here in New York, we create them ourselves and have them made in China with experts specialized in silks, weaving and printing.


SD: Where can we buy them?

SL: Its available across the US and Europe at some of our bigger distributors at Neiman Marcus, Cusp, Great Stuff, Sarca, and Fenwicks (UK)


SD: How do you define your personal style?

SL: Very personal, understated, it is very dependent on the mood and the climate and the weather. I always wear Nieves Lavi, casual and chic with a little twist for "edgy" look, My style must be comfortable.


SD: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

SL: Finish school, great for contact and paving the path, and then to work as much as possible for a designer/brand/company to learn the profession. You learn all on the job - be serious, come on time, work hard, be ready to do everything and you will learn a lot and get ahead.


SD: Who are the designers that inspired you? Any favorite brands?

SL: We both love the 50's workmanship and the 70 styles. My favorite that I consider a genius was Alexander McQueen, Albert Elbaz for Lanvin and Dries Van Noten


SD: Thank you for your time and insights Sharon, and good luck for future projects!

SL: Thank you!

You can read more about the creative duo behind Nieves Lavi and see their latest designs on www.nieveslavi.com, follow the fashionable updates at their tumblr and Facebook page and connect with them at twitter.

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