nina cortes of project accessory
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Nina Cortes form Project Accessory and Miami chats with miami nice about Hotwheels, glittery thongs, the Bird Road Arts District and of course, her work and time on the show.
Are you back in Miami now?
Yes! Been back since after filming back in August.
nina on project accessory
I’m a competition show addict, and I have some questions that I’ve just been DYING to ask, so I’m going to use this opportunity to answer some of them if that’s ok with you?
Absolutely!
The stress of these competition shows is totally unreal, the challenges are meant to be ridiculously challenging, its shot in HD (seriously, that would make me nervous), and you’re surrounded by some serious “characters” 24 hours a day. What’s it really like?
It is the most intense experience I have ever been through! You had to be on point from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to bed. I was always worried for any twist around the corner, and stressing about that can take a toll!!
How did you know what to pack?
Ha!!! I invited two of my girl friends over to my house, and we planned the whole month out. It was really hard to fit all of that clothes in two suitcases! I had on 20 layers in the airport because my luggage was over the weight limit! Planning out the outfits was the best thing when had only 15 minutes to get ready!
What do you guys eat?
We cooked our own breakfast... Well actually Rich made my breakfast! He's the best! That gave me more time to get ready!
When you realized that you had to do shoes, jewelry, bags the whole shebang- did it totally freak you out or do you have experience in all accessories?
Ha! I wasn't going to audition because I've only designed jewelry.
My first shoes, bags etc firsts were all done on national television!
Which scared the ...... out of me! Haha but it was really amazing to see what I was capable of!
That moment in the first episode when you said you were wearing your favorite outfit because you thought you were going to get eliminated was so endearing, it made you my immediate favorite. Did you really think that the first challenge would be your only? Did you feel that same anxiety every challenge or where there some you knew you had in the bag (pun intended)?
After the first day I had nothing made, and I kept on looking at everyone around me and I was intimidated... Waking up runway day and not having anything was intense. But then I decided to make the most of it and just keep on working. I didn't think I did anything beautiful until I saw it on the runway, I teared up because I knew at that moment I was going to stay and get to experience more. Wow... I haven't really thought about that day since then, what a great feeling that runway was.
the result of the first challenge. a matchstick necklace.
After that I had a few moments where I wasn't sure of myself, but the further I got the stronger I felt about myself and my work. I really grew a lot while I was there.
The top two designers were from Miami, why do you think that is?
Miami is full of fresh unseen talent... Maybe because Miami isn't the first place people would think to look for fashion, so we have been brewing underground for a while... Maybe now this fresh perspective is just what the industry needs.
Where specifically are you from in Miami?
Ha! Kendall... I'm a full Hotwheels loving, ex-hungry bear employee Kendall girl.
How does Miami inspire your day-to-day personal style and your designing taste?
I was really lucky to travel when I was younger so these dreams of traveling and countries has always been my source of inspiration, but after the show I decided to take my creative mind back home. My newest line is really drawn from
Miami but from the view of a local. No colorful drinks with umbrellas, just an easy beautiful organic pieces
that remind me of the beach. It's this really great mix of rough stones and highly faceted (sparkly!) stones. This great mix and balance that Miami has.
Tell me a local place that inspires you that might surprise people.
My studio showroom is in the Bird Road Arts District and in the area that I'm in there are amazing stores that I love to walk into and soak in the beauty. If I'm ever in a design stump, I just walk around the stores and revive my brain!
Where do you like to shop locally?
I literally shop in two places. Goodwill (thrifting is my favorite thing to do!) and the clothing stores that are right by my store. Prinzzesa and Secret Vanity. I practically live at my store, so it's great to be able to walk across the way and pick up something I love....
Oh! I lied, three places... Maruchi!!! Love Maruchi! I love digging for hidden treasures!
What’s one accessory you think every Miami girl should own and wear till it breaks and then buy another one?
Bangles!!!!!!!!!!! Like a million....
I love having options and being able to create the perfect stack.
There are some serious dichotomies in Miami style. There are the super cute Miami girls, like yourself, experts in putting together complete and clean looks, well accessorized and traditionally well-dressed. Then…. There are others… and lots of them… who maybe… aren’t as nice? What are your thoughts on Miami style?
Hahahahahahahhaha!!!!!!!!! It's so true!!!! Miami style is definitely ... Colorful? Fashion is supposed to be fun... It might not be fun for some of us to watch, but
as long as you’re having fun getting ready and wearing your tie die thong and glitter shoes, then that's all that matters!!!
Lastly, we’re really bummed about your loss, but how was France? Or when are you going?!
Dun dun dun.... Yea major bummer not winning... But really I want to focus on making it to number two out of thousands, that quite the accomplishment. And that is priceless! I haven't gone yet!!! Soon I hope! I send you a postcard! ;)
check out Nina's studio space and store in BRAD at
4776 sw 72 avenue
also, you can help Nina get her line started on Kickstarter.