Meet Noel Nielsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noel Nielsen.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Virginia to a fairly artistic family, which nurtured my creative expression. I was never particularly talented at visual arts or music, so I spent my school years active in theatre and dance. I always enjoyed museums and galleries, so the six weeks I spent traveling in Europe was a heavenly experience. In addition to Virginia, I then spent 7 years in Hawai’i, and made the move to Texas in 2008. My grandmother was a particularly style-conscious person, and had closets full of more clothes, shoes, and accessories than she could wear. This influence probably led me to begin dressing myself at a very young age, and I was convinced that plaids and florals were totally compatible. I began styling as a professional through working at Nordstrom. I was suddenly immersed in fashion 5 days a week, and my understanding of construction, textiles, proportion, and color theory grew exponentially.

Please tell us about your art.
As a wardrobe stylist, I support photographers in the execution of their creative visions. By studying mood boards or other inspirational images provided by the photographer or creative director, I can pinpoint the key elements that the wardrobe should bring to the shots. I focus on colors, shapes, themes, and time-periods to ascertain a visual “through-line” that tells a story. Generally, I don’t focus on the specifics of what I’d like a viewer to take away from a finished shot; I prefer to create a mood, or spark a feeling that resonates on an individual level. If the photographers and models are inspired by the garments, then I feel I’ve done my job. I love experimenting and pushing myself to try things that scare me.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think that technology has had a huge influence on artists, the way we work, and the way our art is consumed. With current technology, we’re often able to produce and deliver work faster and more efficiently. However, since we can look at hundreds of images a day via social media, it’s more difficult to achieve originality and encourage a viewer to stop scrolling long enough to allow our work to resonate.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I mainly post my work on social media like Facebook and Instagram, but my collaborations have also been featured in magazines like Sheeba, BEVIE, and Elegant Magazine.

Contact Info:

• Email: jnielsen03@gmail.com
• Instagram: @NoelaBella
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noel.nielsen.3

Image Credit:
Image: Candice Ghai, Model: Chrysta Bell, Hair and Makeup: Allyson Bryce Richard, Gown: Atelier Benson, Jewelry: Sugar Gay Isber and ShalottLilly
Image: Candice Ghai, Model: Chrysta Bell, Hair and Makeup: Allyson Bryce Richard, Gown: Atelier Benson, Jewelry: Sugar Gay Isber and ShalottLilly
Image: Candice Ghai, Model: Holly Kuhn, Hair and Makeup: Allyson Bryce Richard, Jewelry: Sugar Gay Isber and ShalottLilly
Image: Alejandro Osma, Model: Billie Jean Bachmann, Hair: Emilie Litzell, Makeup: Autumn Duris
Image: Candice Ghai Photography, Model: Shayan Majd, Makeup and Tattoo: Autumn Duris, Headpiece: Noel Nielsen, Jewelry: Sugar Gay Isber, Designer: Shavanthe
Image: Greg Testerman, Model: India Stuart West, Makeup and Hair: Anna Fugate-Downs, Apparel and Jewelry: Ermine Vintage and Revival Vintage
Image: Alejandro Osma, Models: Noora Dastoornezhad and Payton Nicole Mowdy, Makeup: Bethany Renfro, Hair: Theresa Przybyla, Jewelry: Simmang Design
Image: Candice Ghai, Model: Hannah Lasure, Makeup: Bethany Renfro, Gown: Seihak Long, Jewelry: Sugar Gay Isber and Simmang Design, Co-Stylist: Melissa Prentice.

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.