We’re always on the lookout for the next big thing when it comes to design. And the next big thing came close to home when she draped our very own Russell Simmons’ date Hana Nitsche in the emerald gown of her dreams for this weekend’s White House Correspondents Dinner.
A little more investigation led us to Emily Francis, the talented mastermind behind the billowing gown Hana wore in Pantone’s color of the year. But the real shocker isn’t just the design itself; it’s the fact that the gown was made by a 19-year-old college student… in less than a week.
Emily and Hana are no strangers though, the model and the designer are working on building a fashion label together and this dress is the very first piece that exemplifies what the pair have coming up with their new line in the near future.
Hana spoke to us exclusively about the collaboration, saying:
“The company/label is still in development. We didn’t find a name yet or anything. Everything is still in baby shoes pretty much. But this is a very exciting thing for me since this is a new chapter not only in Emily’s career, but also in my own. I’m transitioning from being a model to run my own label with a very great talented young designer on my side.”
We had the unique opportunity of catching up with the young talent to chat about her inspiration and where she sees her career in the next few years.
Check out the interview below and be sure to check back tomorrow for an exclusive interview with Hana herself about the collection.
We sense some exciting things in the future for this talented pair!
Parsons is THE NUMBER ONE elite school for design in the country. How does it feel to learn and study there and follow in the footsteps of other big designers?
Parsons has been wonderful so far. It is extremely difficult, and there are many sleepless nights spent on homework. But I feel as though I have grown so much, and expanded my design outlook. As for the other big designers, it is cool to know that they also have attended Parsons, but unsurprising considering how many opportunities the school offers. Personally, the most exciting aspect about my experience at Parsons is being able to spend time working with my peers. There are so many talented and interesting students who are currently enrolled, who inspire, challenge, and broaden my creative experience every day.
You are one of the top 15 young designers at your school right now. And been chosen to present a collection in the FUSION fashion show at your school. This very same show already brought out other top designers like Alexander Wang and it’s been their stepping stone and career maker. Many important and influential people from the industry follow this show.
Being chosen to compete in Fusion Fashion Show 2013 was a huge honor and wonderful opportunity. To be able to show my capabilities to my peers and the industry professional judges was amazing; particularly because I am only a freshman. Also being able to work with the other designers and my Fusion mentor Sam Donovan, was a priceless learning and bonding experience. It’s amazing to think that designers such as Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung, and Chris Benz jumpstarted their careers after the Fusion Shows. From my experience with Fusion, I have been able to have my work photographed for Dark Beauty Magazine, given an offer to show my work in the New York Fashion Shows Summer Series, and most importantly, be introduced to my business partner Hana.
You are still finishing up your studies at PARSONS. But doors seem to be already wide open, your work is making a buzz and your name is all out there. We’ve seen your work on the red carpet at the Obamas/White House Correspondents Dinner this weekend. German supermodel Hana Nitsche wore one of your gowns that you special designed for this big event. What does it mean for you to work with celebrities and design a dress for an international model?
Working with Hana meant the world to me. Having the opportunity to present my work on such a large scale stage as the White House Correspondents Dinner is INCREDIBLE. I can’t be grateful enough to Hana for having trust in me, and allowing me this opportunity. This is a huge step in my career and it still seems surreal.
We heard you had less than a week to finish the dress. That’s lots of work and stress. And almost impossible. How did you make this happen and did you even sleep at all?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure it was possible myself. However, there was no way I could allow an opportunity like this to pass me by. I really didn’t sleep more than 6 hours combined all week, and worked mostly on pure adrenaline.
You also met music and fashion mogul Russell Simmons this weekend, who also build his own fashion empire and is very influential in the industry. He made you a very big compliment when he predicted you a very bright future and called you “a star in the making.” How do you feel about that?
I am so honored to have met Russell this weekend. His compliments put me into a state of shock. I can’t even describe what it means to have someone so influential and successful in the industry believe in me like that. I am so humbled and grateful.
Your name in the press, meeting celebrities, dressing supermodels for red carpet events with the President. What is up next? What are you working on recently? Where do you want to take it from here?
I will continue next year with my sophomore year at Parsons. Career wise, the next step for me is very exciting. I am working with Hana to build and design a fashion label. We will be designing a womenswear line and I am so honored she decided to work with me, and can’t wait to see how the future of our business unfolds.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I honestly haven’t thought that far into the future. So far in my life, nothing seems to go according to plan. So I have the outlook to just work as hard as I can and see what comes of it. I just know that I want to be in a career that I love in the fashion field.
