At age 23, designer Darren Nesbitt has only been in the fashion game for two years, but he speaks with the intention and purpose of a fashion empire’s most iconic designer.
“I’m inspired by ornate regalia,” Nesbitt said. “Whether it’s medieval, old English, African or Japanese – it’s something that has flash, spice and catches attention. My design is never a demure type of fashion.”
Through his line, Maison Parvenu (translation: House of New Money), Nesbitt hopes to create the perfect intersection of class and flash.
The term was once used as a derogatory term by the French to denote an individual who had to work for their wealth.
“It denotes people who have become rich in their lifetime,” Nesbitt said. “Their style was a bit different – kind of gaudy and extra.”
These days there is as much pride in being self-made as being gaudy and extra (when done tastefully, of course).
And through his success in fashion, Nesbitt – who serves as fashion director for Delux Magazine and works as a freelance stylist – hopes to become an illustration of both.
Next Saturday, he will present his first full-length show at the Ambassador to display his unique take on fashion.
“I think of clothes more as wearable art,” Nesbitt said. “Not in the sense of being avant guard, but you make your personal attitude known through clothes and present what you want to show visually. Your clothes make a big impact on people’s perception of you.”
The show will also feature A Skye by Melissa Thompson and Beeombi by Derron Cherry of Chicago as a compliment to his own creative vision.
“They denote class, and we hit different notes,” Nesbitt said. “A Skye has a feminine look and makes a woman’s body look amazing, while Beeombi has phenomenal looks that include creating drama with draping.”
For his segment, Nesbitt plans to reflect balance via Maison Parvenu.
Ornate details, clean lines, bold colors, structure and prints will be mixed to match. “When I make clothes, I want them to speak,” Nesbitt said. “To be a balance between clean and detail. While I’m into royalty and regalia, I also like to mix different time periods – from retro-futuristic to 1950s women’s wear with slim waists and flared hemlines.”
Maison Parvenu’s runway will include mostly women’s wear with the bold prints and bright colors symbolic of spring fashion.
Beyond the extra of the self-made spirit, Nesbitt hopes that his clothing exudes a spirit of power and influence.
“Those are two things you can wear anywhere,” Nesbitt said. “No matter where you are going – to teach at a school, to a club or a wedding – there are very few instances when you don’t want to look powerful and important.”
Dissecting the ensemble
As he worked to develop designs for his line, Nesbitt couldn’t help but notice a need for a new state of mind – in St. Louis, in particular – for women looking to add a provocative edge to their personal style.
“Their idea of sexy is outdated,” Nesbitt said. “Leather, studs and lace are played out. You can be sexy outside of wearing black, leather and being overly revealing.”
He seemed to be especially peeved by the “nude fashion offenders.”
“If you’re going short, cover the top. If the neckline is plunging, go long,” Nesbitt said. “If you’re wearing your full back out, opt for a crew neck. Don’t throw all of the assets out at once.”
Through his line he hopes to show women alternatives to showcasing their femininity, but warns women to keep personal taste in mind as they keep an eye out for the must-haves of the season.
“Don’t ever thing you should wear things off the runway from head to toe,” Nesbitt said. “You have to dissect the ensemble and add items to your own wardrobe. Pick apart the look and say, ‘I like those pants or that skirt.’ Make it fit your own sense of style – take my fashion and make it into your style.”
Maison Parvenu’s The Debut will take place next at 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. doors) next Saturday (Feb. 26) at the Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information, e-mail: Darren@MadeMonarchs.com.
