Nicola Spicer, founder of Zingiber. Image supplied.
Nicola Spicer is the founder of swimwear and activewear label Zingiber which she launched in 2014, and a contestant on The Apprentice Aotearoa. While she found success with Zingiber, gaining international attention when celebrities like the Kardashians and Hailey Bieber wore her designs, Nicola sold the business to pursue other projects. Since then she’s spent time developing a business in Bali and most recently appearing on our screens sharing her fashion skills and business knowledge in The Apprentice Aotearoa.
We caught up with Nicola to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My latest collection was a Zingiber active wear collection. It was inspired by one of our first Swim collections that was featured in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. We used bold ‘ZINGIBER’ branding on our designs and this collection was quite successful (it was featured on the WGSN website), so we carried it out onto the active wear using the same branded style.
What made you become a designer?
I have a creative mind and loved style and fashion. I found a niche in the market for an edgy style of swimwear.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by fashion all around the world and worldwide current affairs which can affect the fashion industry. It’s actually an interesting connection. I love making mood boards and forecasting trends and colour palettes.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I am a black, white, grey type of girl. Love suits, edgy cuts and cohesive colour palettes – this has definitely shone through in my collections for sure. A good colour palette can make or break a collection.
Kourtney Kardashian (left) and Hailey Bieber (right) wearing swimwear by Zingiber.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Fashion-wise it would be probably a good pair of jeans. I have a grey wash Country Road jean I love and my DKNY jacket that was featured in the fashion challenge on The Apprentice Aotearoa.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A good blazer – always looks amazing and you can dress it up and down. Plus, a trendy black one-piece swimsuit.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Yes, it’s an bit random. When wearing long pants I have to wear socks that are long enough, if my ankle is visible I freak out. Especially in the cold NZ winter it’s not comfortable if I feel a breeze on my ankles. Haha!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Ohh… a few things.
Opening the Swim Show for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, attending Miami Swim Week and having Kourtney Kardashian and Hailey Bieber wear my swimwear.
What can’t you live without?
Sunglasses! I love sunnies.
Finish this sentence.. You would never catch me wearing…
Navy jeans! I don’t know why, I’ve never been into them!
Images supplied.