Rozae Nichols
Born in Los Angeles, California, designer Rozae Nichols grew up near the docklands of San Pedro and the oil fields of Signal Hill. After studying graphic design in Pasadena, she worked with a denim and t-shirt line and produced all artwork and graphics. Nichols credits this job with giving her first-hand experience with the clothing and manufacturing process and a firm technical foundation. In 1986, Nichols accepted a position working with Serge Bensimon, who appreciated her understanding of authentic military tailoring and detailing. Nichols was one of the first people to reconstruct garments, by recutting and restitching them into something new. From heaping containers of authentic surplus goods, she cut into them, combined pieces from other garments, and produced unique and wearable garments.
After collaborating with other designers, Nichols was ready to explore and express her own creative vision. She launched the Rozae Nichols label in 1993 and the response was immediate. Nichols introduced elements that have since become her signature- including marrow-edged leathers, sheer silk layering pieces, fused rubber seaming and extensive hand finishing.
