Sew It Goes: Nia Thomas And How She reinvented sustainable fashion
Discover how Nia Thomas redefines sustainable fashion with her unique, handcrafted designs and unwavering passion for authenticity and creativity.
Nia Thomas's journey into fashion began at a young age, fueled by a vivid imagination and a natural inclination toward creativity. At 13, her aunt taught her how to sew, sparking a deep passion for design. This early experience was complemented by four years of fashion design classes in high school, where she honed her skills and prepared for a future in the industry. Determined to pursue her dream, Nia applied exclusively to the Fashion Institute of Technology and was thrilled to be accepted.
After graduating, Nia found herself disillusioned with the mainstream approach to sustainable fashion. This dissatisfaction led her to launch her own brand, Nia Thomas, a year later. Her goal was to create wearable art that authentically represented her vision and commitment to sustainability. Now, six years into her journey, Nia remains as passionate as ever about her work, continuously driven by the excitement that first inspired her to embark on this creative path.
Nią Thomas, via Teen Vogue
Q: What led you to begin your work as a designer and eventually create Nia Thomas?
A: My journey into design began in childhood, fueled by a vibrant imagination and a burst of creativity. At 13, my aunt recognized my passion and taught me how to sew, which opened up a new world for me. I also enrolled in fashion design classes at my high school, spending four years refining my skills and preparing to pursue a college arts degree. When I was 18, I applied exclusively to the Fashion Institute of Technology and was thrilled to be accepted.
After graduating, I found myself unfulfilled by the direction sustainable fashion was taking in the industry. This boredom sparked the idea for my own brand, Nia Thomas. I launched it about a year later, driven by a desire to express my vision through wearable art authentically. Six years on, I still feel that same excitement.
Q: What does a typical day in the life look like for you?
A: A typical day in my life is anything but typical, which I really enjoy—it keeps things fresh and engaging. My routine varies widely. One moment, I might be on a Zoom call with our PR team and a fashion publication editor discussing an upcoming feature on our brand. The next, I’m in the studio fitting with Regina, our fit model, and collaborating with my artisans to review samples for the next collection. Production is always on my mind, and I’m actively involved in sourcing trims—most recently some beautiful mother of pearl shells—and creating tech packs and fit correction notes.
I find myself answering emails and Instagram DM’s almost non-stop! However, my favorite days are when we’re shooting content for our campaign lookbooks or packaging wholesale orders for our partners. It’s rewarding to see an idea evolve into a tangible product, marking a full-circle moment for all the hard work we’ve put in.
Q: How do you find the inspiration behind each collection or piece?
A: My inspiration truly stems from the natural world around us. Whether it's the vibrant hues of a sunset, the intricate patterns of a seashell, or the soft texture of a hibiscus flower petal, I find beauty in nature's imperfections. This motivates me to incorporate natural fibers and materials into our designs, as I believe they reflect that same authenticity.
We steer clear of polyester in our clothing, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Each piece we create prompts me to consider its entire life cycle. I think about how, after serving its purpose, it can eventually return to the earth—much like a banana peel decomposition. It’s this connection to nature and the environment that drives my creative process and shapes each collection.
Q: How has the work / product shifted since moving to Mexico City?
A: Since relocating to Mexico City, the way I run my business has evolved significantly. My hands-on approach has always been a core part of my work philosophy, but moving production to Mexico opened up new possibilities. After an inspiring art residency in Oaxaca, I was drawn to the idea of collaborating directly with local artisans. The ability to engage with them on a daily basis has transformed my creative process.
When I was working with overseas factories in Asia, the back-and-forth with samples often felt like a logistical puzzle—expensive and frustrating, with communication delays exacerbated by time zone differences. Now, I can address issues in real time, fostering a much more dynamic and responsive workflow.
Balancing my time between New York and Mexico City has been a refreshing change. I’ve found the sweet spot between work and personal life, allowing me to recharge while still staying deeply involved in my projects. It’s been a wonderful blend of collaboration and connection that has truly enriched my work.
Q: When did you decide this was the best next step for your brand?
A: The turning point happened in the spring of 2021 during an art residency in Oaxaca. While there, I encountered talented artisans who expertly practiced crochet, and I felt an incredible spark of inspiration. The intricate designs they created opened my eyes to possibilities that far exceeded what I could produce back in New York. By September 2021, I made the leap to move to Mexico City, where I began collaborating with my primary artisan, and I'm proud to say we’re still working together today. This journey has not only enriched my brand but has also deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity that can emerge from collaboration.
Q: How do you want your customers to feel when they are wearing Nia Thomas pieces?
A: When customers wear Nia Thomas pieces, I want them to feel empowered and confident, ready to live their best lives. There’s nothing quite like witnessing someone’s transformation when they try on our clothing; the way they light up as they catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror is truly magical. That moment of joy not only fuels my passion but also reminds me why I embarked on this journey in the first place. It's those genuine reactions that make all the challenges of entrepreneurship worthwhile.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration as a black designer?
A: I find inspiration from a multitude of incredible figures, so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. My mom stands out as a profound influence, embodying strength and resilience in everything she does. Additionally, Bethann Hardison and Eartha Kitt are two remarkable women who have fearlessly leveraged their voices and creativity to challenge injustices. Their unwavering commitment to their craft and their ability to inspire others deeply resonates with me. Each of them represents a unique facet of strength and creativity that continues to motivate my own journey as a designer.
Q: Which piece made you the most excited to complete / see in its final form? Why ?
A: I’m really excited to share that our Cala Tee is set to drop on our website and select retailers next month! This charming little t-shirt, made of soft cotton jersey, features a hand-crocheted panel at its center, which adds a lovely touch. We've been working on this piece for over a year, and there were plenty of challenges along the way—like figuring out the best way to construct the crocheted doily and designing it for production. Since it’s a unisex style, we had to ensure it fit well on both female and male models, which was a fun yet intricate process.
Finding the perfect weight for the cotton fabric was equally fascinating; we wanted the tee to feel just right. And of course, we aimed for the inside of the shirt to be as beautifully finished as the outside, creating a quality garment inside and out. I can’t wait to see it available in classic white and black, and my team and I are already brainstorming new color options for an exclusive launch on our website. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m thrilled for everyone to finally see it!
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