Artfully headstrong
- Nikole was awarded the Comité Colbert & UNESCO prize for creativity and craftsmanship
- Her work is deeply inspired by theatre
- She creates her own fabrics and all her pieces are entirely crafted by hand
“Hands have a precious spiritual life. They have their own eyes and soul. They are determined, virtuous and refined. They have an innate taste for beauty and the power to transform the ordinary into the sublime.” This is Nikole Tursi’s credo. A master milliner from Argentina, she used to work as a costume designer at the Teatro Colón Opera House. Nikole moved to London in 2019. Fascinated by various tools and crafts, she began her creative journey as a self-taught maker. Her grandmother introduced her to fashion and Cesar Orlando Nuñez, a master craftsman, taught her that “bringing to life what she imagined” was possible. Captivated by how boundaries disappear when it comes to shapes, material or volume, Nikole manipulates and prepares the majority of material she uses, employing techniques and tools from various fields.
Interview
- What do you find so intriguing about headpieces?
- It all began as a playful exploration, where I ventured into creating headpieces on my own. I designed and crafted decorations and headpieces for a monthly party held in Argentina. These pieces marked my first foray into completely handmade creations.
- What are the challenges in becoming a milliner?
- In Buenos Aires, where I was born, the lack of master artisans, haute couture training, and specialised millinery supplies posed a challenge. However, this compelled me to become a revolutionary artisan in my field. I had to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional techniques by using unconventional materials and tools.
- How did your grandmother nurture your interest in fashion?
- She started taking me with her for fabric shopping. I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder as I explored the various textures, colours, and patterns in the fabric shop. It was during those moments that I experienced a creative explosion in my mind, and I felt an overwhelming urge to bring those fabrics to life.
- Did you have other mentors?
- I had the opportunity to learn from several master craftsmen and women. I learned from Araceli Pourcel, who taught me about textile manipulation, Cesar Orlando Nuñez, who played a crucial role in teaching me craftsmanship skills, Maria Bucchieri, who imparted her expertise in haute couture, and Maria Auzmendi, who guided me in the art of millinery.
Nikole Tursi is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2015
Where
Nikole Tursi
