Designer CIAO NINA Dishes All for Pleatherette in Pink

If you haven't heard of DC's rising milliner Mrs. Nina O'Neil of CIAO NINA, on behalf of Pleatherette, we'll go ahead and say, You're Welcome. Nina's signature fascinators are becoming a go-to for DC street fashion and have even been featured on Gossip Girl. The pastel and neon pop of Nina's designs will be the unique, stand-out accessory for you this summer (We're already assuming you'll pick up one because they are too much fun to resist - find her Etsy shop here). 

And you're in luck - Nina will make her debut as a new featured designer at Ginger Root this Saturday. The ladies over at the boutique will be having a trunk show and a sneak peek of their new space Saturday, 3 - 7pm at 1530 U Street NW (Facebook invite here). 

Now, on to the interview!

1. How did you get started in design? What lead to your decision to focus on millinery? 

I'm always the most creative testing out my designs on myself, and have been doing so since childhood. I would see things on older girls in school or in magazines that I liked. Rather than hunting down the original item, I would take a spin at making my own version. A favorite project for sure was a 7th grade ombre dip dying attempt on a pair of jeans. Messy but gratifying. 

I have always been interested in hair accessories. They are the final design element to any outfit. Lots of people worry about their shoes complimenting an outfit, but neglect to complete the look head to toe. I think hats and hair accessories bookend any well thought out ensemble. 

2. What was the inspiration driving your spring line? 

Bright season less color. When I was creating a palette for the spring line I wanted to keep the colors and styles bright, cheerful and not too season specific. A play on textures and colors to make more useful pieces. Statement pieces that are chic, not silly.

3. What's the story behind Gossip Girl contacting you to use one of your fascinators? How did you feel?

The costume designer saw my work through my Etsy shop (www.ciaonina.etsy.com) and liked it. I got the email and I was stunned, thrilled, honestly I didn't believe it at first. You always hope as a designer that by making your art available worldwide through a marketplace like Etsy, that someone chic might be looking and stumble upon your work. You never know who is shopping online and I love that mystery.

4. What's coming up next for CIAO NINA?

Lots of very exciting things, but first... a proper fall/winter collection. My previous collections have been a bit scattered - I would be inspired by something and instantly make a new item, photograph it and make it available online. Fall/Winter '12 is shaping into something very CIAO NINA that I am very proud of. It is cohesive with a stunning palette and some really chic new designs. It's hard not to share, but you'll just have to wait!