Allison Berger is the brainchild behind Allison Nicole Designs. She grew up in Laurel, Maryland in America and attended St. Vincent Pallotti High School while interning at a design and sewing studio. Berger then attended Marymount University in Arlington, VA, studying Fashion Design and working at a design and sewing studio. Later she transferred to Colorado State University where she received her BA in Apparel and Merchandising, and Apparel Design and Production.
Now twenty-five-years-old, Berger works with a team of four to create every piece in-house. Berger is the sole design and prefers to design. “I am working with a few team members teaching them the style I prefer to produce the quality masterpieces,” explained Berger. “I am currently in the process of finding the right manufacturer that would be a good fit with my brand.”
Fashion has always been Berger’s passion; she loves to create beautiful pieces that others can enjoy. She recalls her grandmothers' sewing, embroidering, drawing, and painting. The first thing Berger ever made herself was a couch pillow with hand-embroidery. She was around nine years old. “Both of my grandmothers taught me when I was young. I learned more hand-sewing and hand-embroidery from one grandmother, while I learned more about the sewing machine from the other,” she mentioned. “When I was a teenager and interning at a sewing and design studio, I learned a lot about tailoring and alterations from the head designer.”
Allison Nicole Designs is now 11 months old and started when Berger graduated college. The first collection that launched her brand was her senior collection from college paired with a few additional pieces. Her brand values are fair trading, traditional tailoring, customisation, and impeccable customer service.
Berger is working on moving her brand into boutiques and retailers. She is also working on completing the online store and securing a commercial building for their workroom and store. Social media has been a crucial element to growing her brand with followers, potential clients and other opportunities. “I would absolutely love for the brand to be a globally known one. Other plans and goals consist of helping women feel gorgeous and growing the brand. I want all women to feel special and important when wearing these pieces.”
Berger was drawn to Vancouver Fashion Week because there are so many designers from all over the world that showcase their designs. “I am looking forward to being part of Vancouver Fashion Week,” she added. “Because of the exposure and potential clients we would gain.” The intricate and delicate floral detailing will be a highlight of Berger’s show at Vancouver Fashion Week this season.
