As well as scoffing at fashion nonsense as a happily signed up member of the The Real Runway editorial team, I also am a maker of fashion nonsense: namely my silk scarf label, NKOYO.

It seems pretty rare right now to find a fashion writer for whom writing about fashion is the only part of the industry they are involved in. The fashion industry is hands on, and the overlaps are evident everywhere.

Nkoyo is my middle name, from the Ibibio word (Imbibo, language spoken in Southern Nigeria - I'll forgive you for not being au fait with regional West African dialects) meaning 'Beautiful One'. Obviously apart from being my name - and also being nice - the meaning of the word reflects what I want to do with the brand. With all of the overlaps that come with fashion at the moment, my work straddles fine art, fashion and illustration, and are just pieces that are beautiful.

My current A/W 2011 silk scarves collection is inspired by the contrast between nature and man. The three key influences are man, earth and water, manifesting themselves in designs that reflect the beautiful side of each of these things. For example, the way we beautify ourselves with braiding of the hair, raw amethyst and diamonds and patterns created by water. The illustrations are deeply intricate and detailed, all part and parcel in the quest to create something of beauty. All the drawing is done by myself, as well as water colour painting, printed and made into a piece of wearable art. 

My influences are very eclectic. From classic Versace and Balmain silk scarf collections; the filigree detailing, rope and pattern, to Alexander McQueen and those ubiquitous skulls. Also the newer pioneer in print Mary Katranzou, as well as tribal African prints, and botanical drawings. 

As a designer, I feel like writing aids the design process and vice versa, the critical eye, and hunger for something better, develops the designs and puts them into different contexts. For me print is something celebrated and revered by the fashion world; the all black staple get-up will forever be hard to break for the most seasoned fashionista, but the revival of print is definitely in full swing and I feel like its definitely a welcome one.

NKOYO is available to buy now. www.nkoyo.co.uk 

Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:13:18 by Alice Nyong