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Urusei Yatsura, Nanako, Atsuko, Usagi Tsukino, Ai Kisugi… The manga-stars are generally young, pretty… keepers of a secret: for the most, more or less diligent students; for few, courageous heroines ready to race in defense of the weaker.

Na DiDina’s code-name – is a bit like them. Chinese by birth but English by adoption, she moves to London in 2008 to study Fashion at Central Saint Martins and attend a master  in Menswear at London College of Fashion. Her graduate collection receives outstanding reviews and is selected to appear on the runway during Graduate Fashion Week as well as exhibit at the Royal Victoria House during London Fashion Week in February 2013.

Shy and reserved, Na Di doesn’t like being at the focus of attention. Maybe, it is for this reason that the same year she creates her exuberant alter ego: NA DI STUDIO. Fresh, over the top, interest-catalyser. NA DI STUDIO comprises elements of exquisite production, details features within the lining, luxury materials and textiles. It is a carousel of color and print that entertains through visual stories presented on everyday clothing. Within a year of launching it, Na Di is awarded the PREMIUM Young Designers Award for her AW14 collection: a tribute to the biggest obsession you could have as a child, the Barbie.

Instead, the  SS15 tells the tale of vacations in the sun, a break from the day-to-day grind and a departure from the shackles of responsibility. With her, on this trip, the accessories’ designer Larissa Hadjio. The collaboration includes multifunctional hand crafted leather key ring straps with beautiful gold hardware hooks and necklace straps.

Na Di and Larissa form a winning team together. They are two ineffable Maho-shōjo ready to conquer the hearts and the wardrobes of all fashion-otaku.

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Fucking Young! – Welcome! Who is Na Di and what NA DI STUDIO instead?

Na Di – Na Di is a quite girl who doesn’t like to be in the spotlight. NA DI STUDIO is my alter ego that is super expressive and wants everyone to see.

FY! – After studying at Central Saint Martins, you attain a Master in Menswear at London College of Fashion. But, when was this passion for fashion, the real one, born?

ND – Actually before I attended either, I found my love for fashion when I was 15. Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion were both equally important for my development and reassured me that this is what I wanted to do.

FY! – Why menswear?

ND – There’s more room to play.

FY! – Joyful and distinct characterize your work. Who is NA DI STUDIO for? Who better than others could embody the spirit of the brand?

ND – NA DI STUDIO is for people who are driven but who will laugh at themselves when they tumble and then get back up.

FY! – Both your BA and MA graduate collections received outstanding reviews and were selected to appear on the runway during Graduate Fashion Week as well as exhibit at the Royal Victoria House during London Fashion Week in February 2013. In the same year you found your brand. Since then, the it gathers a following that has seen it be picked up by several of the most distinguished retailers across the globe. Which do you think the feature that has made you a winner is?

ND – There all very important for me because each of them took me to the next step.

FY! – Today, what does to be an emerging designer in London, in Europe, in the world mean?

ND – I think it’s hard to be an emerging designer because there are so many but at the same time it’s easier now than in the past because people are interested in emerging designers.

FY! – Let’s come to the SS15 Collection. For this season you tell the tale of vacations in the sun, a break from the day-to-day grind and a departure from the shackles of responsibility. Would you want to tell us about?

ND – It’s a reminder to be happy, take holidays and be relaxed.

FY! – What is the most representative item in the Collection?

ND – The Double-Layer Blazers.

FY! – You collaborated with German born, British accessories label, Larissa Hadjio. This collaboration includes multifunctional hand crafted leather key ring straps with beautiful gold hardware hooks, necklace straps, leather cuffs, leather wallets and clutch bags, all sculpted in the shape of tennis rackets and tennis balls. When and how was the idea to join your forces for the SS15 born?Will we see you together in the future too?

ND – Larissa is part of Bloody Gray, our agency in London. I love Larissa’s pieces and I do see us collaborating in the future.

FY! – What could not you ever give up?

ND – Pipi & Dotdot, my cats.

FY! – As usual, the last question… According to Na Di, what is really FUCKING YOUNG!?

ND – A man in his 80’s making shoes his whole life because that’s what he loves and wants to do is FUCKING YOUNG!.

Take a look below at NA DI STUDIO’s SS15 Collection:

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