Meet Nino Sanaya | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nino Sanaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nino, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My vision for Nino Liani Atelier was inspired by my passion for haute couture, fashion history, and a deep commitment to slow fashion, sustainability, and creating unique garments for each customer. With fast fashion dominating the industry, I strongly believe that there is a growing demand for slower, more sustainable options. The bespoke tailoring and design process is truly interactive, allowing customers to fully understand the art of fashion and become invested in the garment they are buying. By reducing waste and offering a more personalized experience, I strive to provide a unique and memorable shopping experience for each customer. To achieve this, I made the strategic decision to focus on a made-to-order business model, rather than maintaining a large inventory of unsold garments.
With nearly a decade of experience tailoring high-end garments for fashion shows, red carpet events, and celebrities in New York City, I am passionate about bringing the luxury experience of haute couture to women looking for a one-of-a-kind garment or bridal gown. Through my business, I hope to share my passion and expertise with others, and to contribute to a more sustainable and conscious fashion industry.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from some other fashion designers is the ability to not only create an idea and design, but also make a professional sketch, pattern, choose fabrics that will work the best with chosen design and sew and tailor it to perfectly fit the body. I had a very old fashioned approach when I was thinking about my own career in the fashion industry and I was absolutely convinced that without not knowing how to properly construct clothes and learning numerous techniques of sewing you would never become a professional fashion designer. It took me years to get where I am today. Achieving success often requires a lot of hard work and dedication, and that was certainly the case for me. My journey began with a deep passion for the arts, history of arts, and fashion, which drove me to pursue self-education in these areas. I also took various courses and attended a fashion school to gain further knowledge and expertise in design.
Of course, this journey wasn’t always easy. I faced many challenges along the way, but my passion for the craft kept me motivated and determined to overcome any obstacles that came my way. Alongside my studies, I sought out mentors and worked tirelessly to gain hands-on experience in the field.

My story of becoming a successful entrepreneur and artist has been anything but straightforward. The only thing that was constant for me is being a big dreamer.
I was born in Sukhumi, Georgia in 1988, my family had to move out of our home country,I lived for sometime in Russia, Saint Petersburg and my first education was in economics, and then I moved by myself to New York and along the challenges of getting into fashion, I had to overcome challenges as an immigrant too.
Despite the obstacles I faced along the way, I never lost sight of my goal. From a young age, I’ve always been a dreamer, and that passion has driven me to pursue my artistic vision and turn my ideas into reality. Whether through my art or my business, I strive to continue making dreams come to life and inspire others to do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live by the beach(north beach) and first thing we do when my friends come to visit – is going to the beach. For brunch or lunch I usually take my friends to Coffee Break Enjoy – place on a Bay Harbor Island.
For dinner – Uchi or Macchialina or Call me Gaby or Mandolin.
Drinks – Rosa Sky, Mama Tried, Black Bird
Best pizza slices – Joe’s Pizza or Miami Slice.
I also usually take them around Wynwood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I first moved to New York I was lucky to find Erin Hogan-Braker – owner and founder of 7th Bone Tailoring Agency. She became my mentor and friend and I learned a lot from her as well as from other talented tailors in the agency that till this day remain my good friends and I will be forever grateful to them. Mary Carney (founder of TOWEL -size inclusive towels), Dominique Jernigan, Jenny Barone and Brandy Godsil (creator @atelier_godsil)

Website: NinoLiani.Com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninoliani/ https://www.instagram.com/ninotailors/

Image Credits
All images are mine or my artwork and designs.