NATASHA Nicole is the vintage fashion enthusiast turned business owner who is accredited for sourcing some of the most highly sought after fits for Hollywood A-listers, gaining stylistic recognition from leading titles for reinvigorating our appreciation for archival fashion. NN Officiel Vintage is the name that Nicole operates under, and since it began in 2017, the business has become a landmark for curated coveted pieces from the ‘90s and ‘00s.
As Nicole tells us, however, her knowledge in contemporary vintage fashion began from an early age, garnering an appreciation for the history of brands when thrift shopping with her mother. This was at a time when the concept of second hand was largely frowned upon, a perception that stayed with Nicole for some time, hindering her from selling her “junk” despite its worth.
It was when Nicole sold one of her Dior saddle bags for three times the amount that she bought it for that her reservations changed and the idea behind NN Officiel became a reality. Growing up during the John Galliano for Dior era, Nicole was very impressed by the quality of his designs and fantasies created by his collections – in particular the unattainable characters they evoked.
When Nicole moved to France in 2007 and began finding these very designs in vintage shops, she was overjoyed. It was from this moment on that Nicole specialised in collecting John Galliano for Dior. “It brings me so much joy to share that same excitement with my clients,” Nicole tells Glass.
Natasha Nicole, founder of NN Officiel
How did you start your business, NN Officiel? What is the purpose behind it?
I started NN Officiel Vintage by chance in 2017. I was first introduced to vintage by my mother. I remember going to estate sales, garage sales and visiting vintage shops with her. This sparked a lasting love for beautiful clothes from another time. I’ve been living in Europe since 2007 (Italy and France). It’s an absolute heaven for vintage lovers, with thrift shops and open-air markets. My friends and family always told me I should try to sell some of my finds. But I thought it was a terrible idea and no one would want my junk. In hindsight, I think I needed some time to realise what they all already knew. Finally, in 2017, I decided to give it a try.
You note that you are a Dior archivist specialist, and John Galliano’s tenure at the French fashion house is of particular importance to NN Officiel. What is it about Galliano’s designs for Dior that are so iconic?
Personally, John Galliano’s tenure at Dior represents my youth. I was just entering adulthood and starting to really pay attention to designer clothes during that era, so for me, there is a very intimate element to it. The collections were so fun, colourful and flirty, but unfortunately far from being affordable for me. Most of the pieces I never actually saw in person. When I moved to France, I would come across these pieces while shopping and be so excited. Beyond my own experience, I think these pieces are truly iconic. Galliano is one of the grand masters of fashion and his designs are extraordinary and completely wearable at the same time. They are outlandish, but never costume-y.
Kendall Jenner wearing JEAN PAUL GAULTIER soleil eagle top and skirt from NN OFFICIEL
I sourced these matching pieces separately in France. I sent them to stylist Dani Michelle for a fitting with Kourtney Kardashian. I had no idea that she was styling Kendall as well. Originally the pieces were a top and a sarong, but we turned the sarong into a skirt for Kendall.
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS99 Venus de Milo mesh top
An iconic ‘90s Jean Paul Gaultier find that gives the illusion that you’re naked. I sourced this from France, and it’s now owned by Kourtney Kardashian.
How do you source your archive pieces? What is your process?
I do most of my sourcing directly from the original owners of the pieces. I can find the people locally at markets or online. It’s such a beautiful process to me to buy something that’s been sitting in the back of someone’s closet, never seeing the light of day, and to give it a new life. I also love to meet new people and learn about their life stories, which is all part of the process.
As one of the most coveted designers of our time, are there any Galliano for Dior pieces that are especially hard to find? Why?
I know that this isn’t generally the case, but I have managed to find so many Galliano for Dior pieces that I can’t honestly say it’s hard for me. I will say it’s random. I’m patient with my sourcing process and I appreciate what I find when it comes up. I go with the flow.
DIOR AW00 Swarovski crystal rings
The image of Alek Wek wearing these at the show has always stuck with me and when I saw these, I had to have them. The lovely Leomie Anderson now owns them and I’m so grateful because she wears them all the time.
DIOR AW03 Koi mini saddle silk evening bag
This bag is special to me because it’s the mini evening version of the super rare koi series.
Which items tend to become your most treasured and why?
I always get excited when I find a piece and there’s not another version of it being sold online. For me, it’s the rare ones.
In your opinion, what does the growing love affair with contemporary vintage fashion pieces mean for the fashion industry at large?
I think the fashion industry has really had to recognise and respect the vintage market in the past few years. I’ve noticed so many brands going back to those iconic sought-after collections and reissuing pieces. This says a lot. They’re trying to keep up with the vintage market, in my opinion.
What has been the greatest take away from building a contemporary vintage fashion business?
It’s been extremely satisfying for me. As the years pass, more and more people are wanting to wear vintage and it makes me so happy to see people embracing past collections. The sustainability of this business is so heart-warming and very important as well. People who cherish and trade vintage are making the world a better place.
DIOR AW01 couture collection umbrella
This was a rare find. It’s part of the 2001 couture collection, which got mixed reviews from fashion critics because of the use of animated characters in couture. 
DIOR SS03 crystal belt
This belt is covered in hundreds of Swarovski crystals. I sourced this piece from the original owner, a woman in Belgium, who said her mum had bought it for her as a gift, but she had never worn it. It came with the chain that attaches to the belt – making it a compete set and a rare find. It was purchased from the NN store by the director and photographer Jora Frantzis for her own collection.
You’re one of the only contemporary vintage sellers that I have seen stocking kids pieces too, what drove this decision? Is there a notable difference between collecting childrenswear and clothing for adults?
Thank you for noticing that! I’m a mum myself – I have two amazing boys – so I know how important it is to be able todress your babies well. I find the cutest kids’ pieces sometimes and I love to offer them to my clients to complement their style.
Where do you source information on the backstory of each of your pieces?
By doing a lot of digging online! I love finding my pieces on runway shows. I use Vogue archives and a lot of FashionTV on YouTube.
DIOR AW00 blue crystal sunglasses
These sunglasses were also worn by Alek Wek for her AW00 runway look. They’re in perfect condition and very special to me. 
Tom Ford for GUCCI AW01/02 Kidassia fur coat
This coat epitomises the simplistic luxury of Tom Ford’s reign at Gucci. It was worn on the runway by Marcelle Bittar. I sourced it from Rome.
If you could swap wardrobes with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
It would probably be one of my favourite clients, Kristen Noel Crawley. Her taste is next level. She has the perfect mix of girly, sexy and streetwear. Not to mention one of the best collections of vintage fashion that I’ve ever seen.
Which current designers can you see NN Officiel evolving to collect and sell?
I want to focus a little more on the Italian fashion houses, like Roberto Cavalli and Versace. I also want to focus a bit more on men’s fashion in the future. NN Officiel has dressed the likes of Kendall Jenner, Sita Abellan, Leomie Anderson, what is the most interesting/memorable interaction you have shared with a customer? I really love interacting with my clients and giving them a comfortable experience. Before Covid-19, I would do a lot of house calls, which I loved. I had a great one with Sita in particular, she tried on so many pieces and let me see how everything fit on her. It was amazing to see the clothes come to life so to speak.
What opportunities has your collecting afforded you? What have been the high points?
It has allowed me to connect and work with people who I really admire and respect. NN Official has introduced me to so many amazing women, many of whom are entrepreneurs like myself. I’ve also been blessed to create some amazing friendships. High points for me would really be people identifying with pieces that I have curated and being able to share my excitement about the finds.
by Lily Rimmer
Visit the NN Officiel store here.