Trendsetters at Work NYFW Edition: Misha Nonoo

Go behind the scenes with the A-list designer

By Vanessa McDonald, Lindsey Sirera Sep 14, 2015 9:26 PMTags
Trendsetters: Misha NonooJacqueline Lee/E!

For those who follow Instagram religiously, Misha NoNoo's got a special surprise in store for you.

Instead of a traditional runway presentation to showcase her New York Fashion Week spring 2016 collection, the CFDA designer took to the fashion-forward app (which recently on boarded Eva Chen as its head of fashion partnerships) to share her new designs. Now, this is big for a few reasons—it's the first time ever that a designer's used the app as an exclusive platform to debut a collection, and serves as huge digital footstep forward in the fashion world. Plus, it means that you—yes you!—can view the collection anytime, anywhere, no RSVP required.

Dying to know more about Misha's new collection? The read on!

Jacqueline Lee/E!

What was your first job in fashion?
At 16, my first internship was in the marketing department at Selfridges where I worked closely with the visual merchandizing team. When I moved to New York City six years ago from London, I apprenticed at a local atelier in the garment district and learned the subtle thoughtful details behind tailoring and construction that can make all the difference. I believe that proper tailoring can make a woman's life easier.

What was your first New York Fashion Week like?
Crazy but incredible. No matter how much you plan in advance there are always last minute situations that arise every season.

When designing your line this season, what were you sources of inspiration?
Every season I look to contemporary art as a source of inspiration. When I'm not designing, I spend a lot of my time visiting with artists in their studios or attending galleries and fairs around the globe. Contemporary art inspires me to take risks in my design process.

This season the 1960s minimal art movement and the simultaneous spirited beginnings of the women's rights movement inspired my spring 2016 collection. The collection is a celebration of bold color and subtle modern lines, a nod to Donald Judd. The juxtaposition of influences allowed me to create a playful yet powerful wardrobe that makes life easier for women by taking them seamlessly from day to play.

Jacqueline Lee/E!

Do you have any rituals or superstitions you always follow the day of your runway show?
I always have breakfast with my husband the morning of my runway show.

When do you pick out your own outfit for your runway show? And what do you usually like to wear?
I found that having a personal uniform can save so much time when getting ready in the morning, it is one less thing to think about. I always select separates that can seamlessly take me from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., so I don't have to worry, as you never know where show day will take you. Crisp white cotton shirting is my foundation I can layer these pieces under dresses or pair with a mini skirt or a blazer.

Describe your upcoming collection in three words: Perception, identity and minimalistic yet bold.

How do you pick music for your runway shows? Is there an artist/song you've always wanted to feature?
Right now I am really into Chet Faker. It depends on the season. Last season, I collaborated with the orchestra Decoda, an affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall, to compose a piece of music for my fall-winter 2015 runway show. This idea came to mind, after hearing a song in the film "Girlhood" that inspired part of the fall-winter 2015 story.

Courtesy Misha Nonoo

What's your thought process when selecting hair and makeup for you models?
I always like to do something a little more natural that real women can pull off.

How do you celebrate after the runway show?
A glass of Sherry from the Jerez region.

Do you watch other designers' shows? If so, which ones will you see this year?
I do love the theatricality and pure spectacle of the Chanel and Marc Jacobs shows, and I enjoy seeing them flood my feed on social media each season.

What was your favorite collection that you've ever shown at fashion week? I can't pick a favorite.
They are all great. One of my favorite moments was when the contemporary artist Dustin Yellin walked in my spring 2015 runway show dressed in one of the collection looks. I think it was a shock for everyone.

What fashion-week essentials are always in your bag with you?
Hydrator from Ling's Skin Care, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Polish in Lady T, Bobbi Brown concealer and eye gel liner, Aquaphor Lip Repair and TRESemme extra-hold non-aerosol hairspray.

Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… quinoa.
My usual Starbucks order is green tea.
The snack I always have on-hand is… British Sweeties
My favorite place to visit is… Venice.
My favorite accessory is… my Aldo Rise fall 2015 shoes. They are the perfect day to play shoes.
My favorite Instagram account is… @macenzo, an account that features beautiful architecture from around the world.