Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Phat Nguyen.
From an early age Nicholas had a special love of fashion, but growing up in a business family, everything in his life had revolved around business. After completing his International Business degree at the University of Houston – Downtown he decided to start his own fashion label, even without attending fashion school. He bought himself a sewing machine from Walmart, and taught himself the basics on YouTube, creating outfits for himself to wear.
He applied to Austin fashion week in 2014, without any credentials. His work impressed the selection panel who had faith in him and invited him to show. In seven days, with minimal sleep, he finished 11 pieces in order to meet the show’s deadline. He still needed to learn the technical skills, but his designs had innovation and flair.
Fortuitously, his family was able to attend this fashion week and for the first time recognized his desire, and afforded him the opportunity to pursue his dream. He went back to Vietnam, opened his own studio and hired top couturiers to assist him.
Within four months, he had finished 20 couture gowns for Dallas Fashion Week 2015. After this show, he was invited to New York Fashion Week and Austin Fashion Week of the same year to present the same collection. The following years brought intense support from both industry and friends, resulting in the addition of a menswear line, accessories and increased demand. In November, he introduced his new collection for 2018 to much acclaim and positive review.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, Nicholas’ family was not supportive of his dream. He moved to the USA alone when he was just 15 years old, leaving his conservative family behind in Vietnam. Although they were supported financially in some ways, they were against him moving into an artistic career, resulting in him acquiring a degree in business.
His first show at Fashion X Austin 2014 was his biggest obstacle to overcome, because he not only had to prove himself to himself but also to his family as well as the organization itself. Creating a fashion label on limited financial means has been a significant struggle. The reality is that fashion is expensive and Nicholas continues to look for sponsorship and investment in order to have his own show in the near future in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
Please tell us about Mysterious by N.P.N.
Mysterious by N.P.N. is custom couture women and menswear, known for its elegant, modern design, It is luxurious, handcrafted and top quality.
Nicholas is proud of the real industry connections he’s made, from photographers and models to hair and make-up artists. People from all over the States, as well as Europe, want to work with him and his garments are shipped worldwide. By being publicly true to himself, he has inspired others to follow their dreams by being their authentic selves. After spending time in South Africa, he hopes one day to have his own charity for underprivileged children.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Nicholas was lucky enough to have a family able to provide him with unique experiences that were different from the norm. His grandmother owned an aquarium park where he spent much of his youth. During this time, around 13/14 years old, he was exposed to people from other countries, other cultures and speaking other languages and this was the catalyst for his decision to leave Vietnam for the USA, where he knew he would have the freedom to be who he truly wanted to be.
(Nicholas jokingly admitted to secretly enjoying raiding his mother’s closet as a young boy, dressing up in her clothes when she wasn’t around, which made him realize how much he loved nice clothing.)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mysteriousbynpn.com
- Phone: +1 832 600 2828
- Email: mysteriousbynpn@yahoo.com
- Instagram: mysteriousbynpn
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mysteriousbynpn
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/mysteriousbynpn
Image Credit:
Jai Mayhew, Todd White, FASHION X, Treva Wygle
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