Debuting on the Official New York Fashion Week Schedule next month, Eritrean-born Nardos Imam is best known for her exquisite bridal collections and bespoke couture. Every creation is anchored in storytelling and infused with an old-world romanticism via meticulous embroidery and intricate embellishment.
Her silhouettes, from a wedding gown to an evening look, remain unmistakably romantic, ethereal and timeless. The designer cites inspiration by the movement of Shakespearean plays, making her dresses flow with a rhythm that communicates emotion.
“The fabric has to dance for me to buy it,” says Nardos of her philosophy. Blending Gilded Age inspiration with a contemporary twist, she crafts designs that are both nostalgic and modern, proving that fashion, in her hands, is a living performance.
Where are you from? How is your hometown or background woven into your designs?
I was born and raised in Eritrea where my love for fashion began long before I even knew it could be a career. I grew up with the gentle hum of my mother’s sewing machine, watching her draft patterns and sew beautiful dresses in soft spring colors, often finished with delicate hand appliqués. To me, it felt like magic; how she could turn fabric into something so alive and full of personality. Those early moments taught me to value craftsmanship, creativity and the way clothing can completely transform how you feel.
I am always finding ways to weave my heritage into my collections. Sometimes it is through an intricate embroidery motif inspired by the traditional patterns women wear for special occasions, or through a color palette that reflects the soft ivories and warm blush tones of the Eritrean landscape.
In the beginning stages of creating a collection, where do you search for inspiration?
For me, inspiration always starts with a feeling or a story I want to share. It is often sparked by the colors and movement of a Shakespearean play: the way the dresses flow, how the music and choreography communicate emotion without words. Or sometimes, it is as simple as the curve of a flower petal I notice on a walk.
I am deeply influenced by the textures and possibilities I discover in nature, architectural shapes and new materials. Ultimately, I am searching for elements that evoke emotion and timeless beauty. By the time I begin sketching, I can visualize the story each piece will tell; personal to me, yet able to resonate with women everywhere.
What was your first experience with NYFW and how has that shaped you as a designer?
My first New York Fashion Week was nothing short of exhilarating, a dream come true as I debuted my collection at the iconic Plaza Hotel during the spring 2024 bridal season. Seeing my designs under the bright lights was both humbling and empowering. It affirmed my voice as a designer on the world’s stage.
That moment continues to fuel my drive to innovate fearlessly. With each season shaping my creativity, I have learned to blend Gilded Age inspiration with a contemporary twist. That vision carries into my upcoming spring 2026 collection, Whisper of Renewal.
If you had to use one of your own pieces for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?
I do not think I have made that piece yet. I am still reaching for it. With every collection and every show, I am searching, shaping and hoping to get closer. I do not believe I have done my best work yet, but that is the beauty of it. The creating, the questioning, the constant evolution. That drive is what keeps me going.
