Today we’d like to introduce you to MOLLY x NIKO.
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself and the brand
MOLLY x NIKO is where the eccentric minimalist can find relaxed silhouettes, clean lines, and one-of-a-kind wardrobe staples.
Before launching MOLLY x NIKO—pronounced Molly ‘and’ Niko—I worked as a freelance wardrobe stylist and costume designer. When productions stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, I needed a creative outlet to continue designing.
Simply born out of my love for clothing and a sense of style others can relate to, I put pen to paper in 2021 to produce my first fashion show in Fall 2022 at Reeves Art + Design in Houston: https://www.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Pursuing a dream of this magnitude in a market that is saturated with countless designers and fast-fashion brands has proven to be an eventful and humbling journey. But luckily and most importantly, it’s been an enjoyable journey thanks to friends, family, and a growing a community that continues to motivate my commitment to design unique, quality pieces.
MOLLY x NIKO does not compromise its vision or bend to trends. The more people get to know the brand, the more people we meet who want to express their personalities, creativity, and lifestyle in the same way.
MOLLY x NIKO has been blessed to connect with other talented designers and apparel agencies in Houston. It’s taken a team–notably fellow local designer Clarence Lee and Lane Ellis Apparel Agency. I am committed to collaborating and designing locally to ensure our Made-in-Texas mantra rings true from concept to production.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about MOLLY x NIKO?
MOLLY x NIKO designs ready-to-wear clothing for men and women. All of our pieces are designed and made in Texas.
We sell to stores wholesale, as well as direct to consumer online and in person.
We believe fashion is an art form we are all entitled to enjoy and feel comfortable doing so. The art of our approach will never be compromised in order to appeal to the masses. Other “High-fashion” brands/stores can often feel unapproachable–as if you need to be part of exclusive social groups, maintain a certain lifestyle, or live in places like Los Angeles or New York. That is not the case at MOLLY x NIKO. We meet the eccentric and stylish wherever they are.
In addition, our trajectory is different from most brands as we aim to build a community first and sell clothes second. Because of that, I’ve also been able to design for film, art galleries, and more, simply by sharing a love for the arts first.
I am drawn to interesting, textured fabrics that can easily be dressed up or down with each customer’s unique styling and accessory choices. I don’t design clothes that reinforce one sense of style. My customers recognize the versatility of each piece in the collection and are encouraged to simplify – or maximize from there.
Our clientele find pieces they can wear and style for the rest of their lives. Quality-made so it withstands the sands of time, versatile enough to style differently, and timeless to pass down for generations.
MOLLY x NIKO has done well locally and throughout Texas. Today, we are successfully pursuing other markets in the States and abroad. We recently launched our e-commerce store to make shopping easy and efficient for our online shoppers. Everyone is encouraged to reach out and ask questions in regard to styling advice, collaborations, wholesale inquiries, color/size options, custom designs, etc. If you’re in Houston or Texas, don’t hesitate to reach out for one-on-one appointments.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking is the only way to keep life (and, in this case, art) interesting and new. I didn’t get into fashion to mimic clothes I know people are already buying. I am creating clothes that I can’t find for myself. Usually, designs that are different and not easy to come by. By committing to designs I love first, it’s 1000x more rewarding when I meet people who relate to my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mollyxniko.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyxniko/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollyxniko
- Other: https://www.mollyxniko.com/s/MOLLY-x-NIKO-Lookbook_WS.pdf
Image Credits
Nick Shamblott
Dx2 Modeling agency
