Ece Nayman, the creative force behind ACE NAYMAN, has been passionate about fashion since a tender age. Her passion for design, coupled with a keen eye for style, has propelled her to create a brand that embodies youth culture, sophistication, and comfort.
The core DNA of ACE NAYMAN is rooted in abstraction, bold colors, and a commitment to quality. The brand seamlessly blends streetwear influences with contemporary fashion, resulting in a unique aesthetic that the designer aptly terms “daytime party wear.” Sustainability is a cornerstone of ACE NAYMAN’s philosophy. The brand prioritizes the use of natural fabrics and designs pieces that can be easily mixed and matched across collections. Nayman’s ongoing upcycling project further demonstrates her commitment to ethical and eco-conscious practices.
We had a little chat with the designer to get to know her better and here’s what she told us:
What inspired you to start your own fashion label, ACE NAYMAN, and what was your vision for the brand?
The idea and passion to become a fashion designer came to me around the age of 10 and I have been studying and working towards this dream ever since. I find the fashion industry very appealing to my personality and character, so it was very important for me to be in this industry as a brand owner and tell my story through my designs and show my identity to the world. My vision for the brand is to bring joy, confidence, and happiness to the people who wear my designs.
How would you describe the core DNA of ACE NAYMAN’s aesthetic?
ACE NAYMAN is the true embodiment of a lifestyle that blends youth culture, sophistication and comfort. It is defined by abstraction, a bold color palette and a commitment to comfort and quality. We combine the fun of street style with the product quality of contemporary fashion and call our designs “daytime party wear”. The colors and prints definitely live up to the brand’s slogan.
What role does sustainability play in your design process and brand philosophy?
Since the whole world is building their businesses around sustainability, and I’m from and produce in one of the biggest textile countries in the world, sustainability has a big place at Ace Nayman. We try to use fabrics that are as natural as possible and designs that connect between collections so that our customers can combine their old collection pieces with new ones. I also have an ongoing project to create an upcycled collection from our leftover stock.
How did your education at the London College of Fashion shape your design aesthetic and approach to fashion?
My college has given me advanced research skills, which is the key to being a great designer. I don’t necessarily believe that every design has to have a meaning, but in the bigger picture as a designer, you have to have an aesthetic and a vision with a story. LCF helped me to become what I am going to be as a designer in the future. Moving to London at the age of 17 also changed me a lot. My perspective on life became so much broader. Especially as a design student, I think London is the best place to be with its multicultural structure.
As a designer with a multicultural background, how does your heritage influence your designs and brand identity?
I’m from Istanbul, grew up in Russia, and lived in London for about 8 years. I had a pretty happy and colorful upbringing where I always dreamed of being a fashion designer and having my own brand. Mixing different cultures, and seeing their fashion styles has fed me a lot over the years. I feel so full of life and I feel like I express my excitement and joy in my designs with colors and mix-and-match styles.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
The first thing that gets me excited about each collection is the part where I see our pattern designs on the fabric. It really sets the mood for the next processes like making the samples. Even when the samples are done and we are in the studio to shoot our lookbook, the satisfaction of that first shot gives you goosebumps. You get to sit back and see what you have achieved and created.
What was the inspiration behind the “Dystopian Dreams” collection, and how did you translate that concept into the designs?
For the winter collections, I tend to create darker themes. I am definitely not a winter person, so if there is no sunlight, my mood goes down. On a trip to Cologne, I went to an exhibition of Ursule Schultze who inspired me a lot with her art and personal style. I felt a dark yet insanely complex form of art in her pieces and her strong image as an artist in her time turned on a light in my head with the name “Dystopian Dreams”.
What are the key pieces in this collection that you believe will resonate with your target audience?
Our knitwear is the most popular part of our brand. So I can say that all the knitwear pieces have an important place in the collection. The metallic denim sets and the oversized button-detailed trenchcoat are also key pieces, as are the monogram tops and dresses.
How did you approach the balance between streetwear and contemporary fashion in this collection?
I create this balance by mixing fabrics and silhouettes from both styles in my own way. I can design an oversized nylon blazer or a constructed fleece corset. I like to mix and match in my personal style, and that’s what I try to reflect in my brand. But in the end, the key is to create harmony in a collection. I think that also comes from your gut as a designer.
How do you stay inspired and innovative in a fast-paced industry?
I travel a lot, keep up with contemporary art, meet new creative people, and keep an open mind.
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?
To have a wide-open perspective, always be aware of everything that’s going on around you and not be stuck in a bubble, be polite to the people you work with because this is a team effort and the sky is the limit, never be afraid to be bold and show your colors to the world.
