The 28-year-old Nanook Cools graduated as a Fashion Designer from the Stedelijke Academie Sint-Niklaas. She has already interned at Tom Van der Borght, organized her own fashion shows, and works as a stylist at NO BABES Agency. Nanook translates her vision of the world into her designs; energetic, honest, and with a playful madness.

Where did your passion for fashion originate?

It started with dance. I used to dance a lot at a young age. I wanted to become a professional ballerina no matter what. However, at the age of 13, my health intervened. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which turned my life and goals upside down for the following years. After a long process and eventual acceptance, I channeled the same passion I had for dance into fashion. I found the same fascination for the human body and movement within it.
At the beginning of my fashion studies at the conservatoire, I was told several times that I didn't belong in that world, that I didn't fit into a specific category. It's something I'm extremely glad about in hindsight and something I've turned into my strength. I am Nanook. I am a fashion designer, illustrator, print designer, and interested in anything I can creatively immerse myself in.

What is the idea behind your dress?

The story behind my design originated from an illustration where I let my imagination run wild and then translated it into the LolaLiza universe. For my chosen piece, I started with a wild western story and a "most wanted" poster with myself as the adventurous cowboy. After that initial inspiration, I continued with the formal elements. I looked at jockey elements and the LolaLiza woman as the protagonist. These elements were first translated into a print as a starting point and then further developed into the dress we have today.

Where does LolaLiza's style match yours?

My style and LolaLiza's style are fundamentally different, but that's precisely where it becomes interesting. Designing a piece and creating a world with the LolaLiza customer and the commercial aspect in mind without betraying your own style is a super interesting challenge. Creating within defined boundaries is both a challenge and an opportunity. What greatly appeals to me about LolaLiza is how the woman is at the center, every woman. I stand for individuality, for people who dare to be themselves without reservations. And I enjoy contributing to a world where everyone feels so free to be themselves. That energy is also a common thread throughout my work.

How was the collaboration with LolaLiza throughout the entire process?

It's interesting to be involved in the production process of your own design. During a fashion education, you're in a bubble of complete freedom, where you don't have to consider anything. In a production process, the rules are slightly different; you have to consider a specific budget and timeframe within which your idea must fit. Sometimes you have to let go of certain ideas and accept minor adjustments. You learn to translate your design into a marketable product.

Why did you enroll in the LolaLiza Fashion School?

I happened to come across it on my social media, and without hesitation, I enrolled. I prefer not to stand still for too long. I eagerly embrace every new experience or opportunity to learn something. That, in my opinion, is the only way to truly move forward.