Almondant Designs, a brand rapidly capturing the hearts of luxury fashion enthusiasts worldwide, is redefining what it means to blend modern elegance with cultural richness. This year, the brand’s much-anticipated debut at New York Fashion Week marked a new chapter. In an interview with Nounouche, the brand’s founder and creative production director, Nonhlanhla Ntuli, revealed that it was more than just a fashion milestone – it was a celebration of the brand’s journey, resilience, and innovative spirit. 

From Concept To Collection

Nonhlanhla’s interest in fashion was sparked by a burning desire to create pieces that express individuality while elevating the confidence of the person wearing them. While her creative vision initially focused on creating pieces based on trends, Nonhlanhla has broadened her horizons, and her creative vision has matured and become more refined and purposeful. She has learnt the art of designing pieces inspired by stories, fabrics, and cultures that bring each collection to life. “I’ve learned to balance aesthetic beauty with functionality, ensuring each piece speaks to both style and wearability,” she says. 

The growth of Nonhlanhla’s creative vision is reflected in her designs and her collections throughout the years. As she reflects on her journey in fashion, Nonhlanhla recalls the first piece she ever designed, a dress, as a simple piece with basic lines from an exciting, straightforward concept that lacked the complexity and unique details she infuses in her work now. “My recent collections are intricate, blending fabrics like tweeds and brocade with bold silhouettes and exotic designs that tell a story,” she explains. “Now each piece has a sense of sophistication and originality, reflecting the journey and growth I’ve experienced in fashion.” 

While Nonhlanhla has loved every moment of her journey in the fashion industry, there is no doubt that she had a few challenges along the way. One major stumbling block is translating her creative ideas into wearable fashion. Striking a balance between one’s artistic vision and practicality is challenging and complex. “While I love pushing the boundaries with bold concepts, I also need to ensure the pieces are comfortable, wearable and functional for real-life settings.”

She explains that it is a process of testing, refining, and sometimes reimaging a concept to ensure it resonates with the wearer while staying true to the original vision as much as possible.

Additionally, almost every creative person can attest that creative blocks are something they’ve had to deal with, which is no different for Nonhlanhla. Her approach to combating them is simple; she embraces them, steps away for a little while and immerses herself in new experiences or surroundings. Art, travelling and conversations with other creatives often reignite her inspiration. “I try to revisit my inspirations or reflect on stories I want my pieces to tell; that always helps me reconnect with my purpose,” she explains. 

Building a Brand with Purpose

Behind every great brand is a strong team behind it. Nonhlanhla has built and continues to successfully build a fantastic brand with the help of a great and passionate team that shares her vision for Almondant Designs. This team is always open to exploring new ideas. She highlights the importance of fostering creativity and innovation within her team. “I encourage collaboration and create a space where everyone feels free to express their ideas. We have regular brainstorming sessions, and staying connected to trends helps keep our team inspired and motivated.” It was with the help of her team that Almondant Designs was able to get through the risks that the team has taken successfully. 

Nonhlanhla shares that one of the most memorable risks the brand has taken was shifting from Almondant’s usual aesthetic and introducing more intricate, unconventional designs. The risk was worth it because it attracted a new audience and solidified Almondant’s identity as a brand willing to push boundaries. Building a successful brand also consists of staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry. How does Almondant Designs do it? 

“Staying relevant requires staying agile and connected to what’s happening in both fashion and culture,” Nonhlanhla says. She explains that keeping a close eye on trends, adapting to evolving tastes, and seeking inspiration from global art helps with staying on top of trends and staying relevant. She also emphasises the importance of directly engaging with the brand’s clients and listening to their feedback and needs. “By staying grounded in our vision while continuously innovating, we’re able to create pieces that feel timely and resonant.” 

Nonhlanhla’s commitment to constantly improving the brand and all the risks she took paid off, and Almondant’s client base has expanded to the U.S., the U.K. and the Canadian markets. This turning point enhanced the brand’s global presence and helped the team prepare for the brand’s New York Fashion Week debut, which was an exhilarating and intense journey. 

New York Fashion Week and Future Plans

“We put in months of dedicated planning, from carefully curating designs to selecting fabrics and refining each look to represent the essence of Almondant Designs; we wanted each piece to capture the brand’s bold, elegant and unique style,” she says, explaining that it was an overwhelming and exciting experience. “It was a challenge but an unforgettable experience that pushed us to new heights creatively and professionally.” The hard work Nonhlanhla and her team put in paid off, and she was greatly encouraged and humbled by the incredible feedback they received. “Knowing that the fashion community values our approach has strengthened my perspective on the importance of authenticity and creativity in every piece we create.” 

The fashion landscape continues to evolve and is becoming more driven by sustainability, technology, and personalisation. Consumers are seeking eco-friendly brands that align with their values, and Almondant Designs aims to be a key partner in this evolution. By blending craftsmanship with sustainability and using technology to offer more personalised experiences for their clients, Almondant is keen on growing and evolving with the fashion industry. “Our goal is to continue pushing creative boundaries while contributing positively to the industry’s future.”

She also encourages young, upcoming and aspiring creatives who want to see their creativity manifest in the fashion world to always stay true to their vision and let their unique perspective shine. “The fashion industry can be challenging, but authenticity and resilience go a long way,” she says. “Remember that your voice has value.” 

As Almondant Designs continues its rise, Nonhlanhla’s dedication to artistry, cultural connection, and innovation is clear. Her work reflects a brand that values depth over superficiality and storytelling over fleeting trends. As she looks to the future, she remains steadfast in her vision, setting her sights on making Almondant a brand and a movement in the world of high fashion.