Some people learn to do things, others are born to do them. Miami-based Colombian designer Nazly Villamizar has been making handbags since before she knew she could turn a profit on them. Now a resident of the growing Miami Art District, Nazly is recognized not only as a resident rock-n-roll fashionista and philanthropist but also a party scene staple.
Her presence is somewhat reticent of an edgy pixie, working her Contesta Rock Hair coif, leather jacket and shades up and down the beach and Downtown no matter the time of day or season. Her good energy and smiling face have the same intoxicating and contagious effect her designs carry. From her geometric handbags to the check-holders you've been getting at your table at Domo Japones, Nazly and everything she designs ooze with positive "cool". This week I had the good fortune of soaking up some of her sunlight.
Where do you come from?
I come from Bogota, Colombia--the ultra-mega jungle.
What’s your favorite place in Miami?
I would have to say my Studio. I love it, I wish I would never have to get out of there.
What do you wish Miami had more of?
Nice, real people.
Less of?
Tourists.
What party do you miss?
Wow, man. Do you remember? This was a while ago...the Liquid side of South Beach, around 1998 - back in the day. I think that was a great time here because there were a lot of interesting people. It was absolutely crazy for me back then. Actually I was like 20-something but I thought it was amazing for me, back then. I remember there was the Monday Fat Black Pussy Cat party and then also at Crobar on Monday there was Back Door Bamby. That was really cool. I had so much fun at those parties, there were really great people there.
What’s your favorite party right now?
Honestly, people hate it - but I love to go to Space to hear a very good DJ and that's it - once every couple of months. That could be my getaway. There are those people who will say 'Oh, there are such ugly people there' but listen, I'm going to love everybody, I'm going to hear the music and I think it's the best thing ever for me.
What is your favorite vintage store in Miami?
I would say C. Madeleine's. It's a little pricey but then you find crazy treasures, if you look for something you'll find crazy treasures. I have something I got there, like oh my god, priceless. I got a pair of crazy Indian sandles that wow, I want to put them in a frame. Beautiful stuff.
How did you get started with Ecoist?
Well, they contacted me about six months ago and I seriously believe in their philosophy. I really love what they do and the whole company mentality. I hate waste. I think whatever you can do for this world in terms of recycling and saving, I'm very concerned about that. I'm against waste, so that's the main thing. If you can just take a piece of something ugly and make it beautiful that's super sexy and chic, that's the fun of being a designer.
What is your proudest possession?
Wow. I have an incredible vintage bag. It was my grandfathers and he used to travel with it. It's like 120 years old and I keep it in my studio. It's my precious possession, I think that's my treasure and it was my grandfathers and he's my mentor, the guy that taught me absolutely everything I know about design. And I'm against big brands and stuff like that so you know what, you can have a precious possession that costs $1 and if it makes you happy, it makes you happy, honey.
Who do you design for?
I absolutely design for the people that are unhappy with what they see in stores and stuff like that. Unhappy people, people that never find the right product. I design for those people, because I was a victim. That's why I started designing because I couldn't find really stuff that made me happy and wasn't that pricey. So, I design for those people, people that are never, how do you say that? Conforme?
Content?
Exactly! I also design for whoever wants something different and cool.
Did your Grandfather ever get to see your designs?
Well, he passed away a very long time ago. That was actually when I decided to go to fashion school. When I was a little girl I used to come to his house every Friday afternoon and he used to let me get the left-overs from his fabrics and whatever. The pieces were so tiny that I was like 'Wow, what can I do with this?'. So, I decided to start sewing handbags for everybody. He let me be, he was so special in my life. Think about it, when I was 5 years old I was doing little handbags...isn't that crazy? I never thought it was gonna be part of my future. He never saw what I do but that's why I decided not to name my line, I wanted to keep my name and my last name as an honor to him.
What music do you listen to when you're designing?
Rock-n-roll honey, 100%.
What is the song that epitomizes rock-n-roll for you?
"Cashmere" by Led Zeppelin. It's just such a sexy, gorgeous, nice song and it's classic. It's rock. It's ahh, it's just crazy, it's my favorite song ever.
Where might people have seen your designs and not known that it's your work?
The Domo people don't really know, but I'm so happy because sometimes I'm having dinner there and people will get the check holder, or people see the waiters and they are like 'Wow! That is so cool!" and making comments like that and I'm like "Oh! I am SO happy!". It's like one day I was walking down Lincoln Road and I saw this lady that I've never seen in my life and she was walking with one of my bags and I said "Oh my god!". It was the first time! I always see my friends and clients that I deal with them but here was this woman that I've never seen in my life and I was gonna have a heart attack! Wow, what a feeling. I guess like when you're a musician and you see people dancing to your songs. It was fantastic.
What is more important: fashion or comfort?
Fashion.
Is that why you're wearing a leather jacket every time I see you out?
(Whispers) Yes. Fashion hurts. Absolutely, I think. I see the beauty of it. We're here to play this game, this game of life - it's a comedy. You have to dress up every day, you can be someone else every day and play, have fun. So, I think it's all about fashion.
How do you feel about the arts district right now?
I feel a little bit more comfortable right now because I feel like the right kind of people are coming here. I'm very happy to know that there are smarter people around that you can have a conversation with related with art, with movies, with you know? Interesting stuff. Before, that was the reason that I was so ready to leave Miami like 5 years ago because it so empty and it was all about stupid parties. So, I'm very happy because the right kind of people are coming, everybody is accommodating with where they really belong. The District is giving us a really big example of that, all the new galleries. I know this is just the beginning. We're in the making, we need maybe another 20 years of hardcore art here to be on the map. But right now I think we're doing the right thing and Miami is gonna get very big. I'm also very happy to know that this is the corner of North America and I'm just two hours away from home so I want to be as close as possible. I love Miami, I think it's so much fun.
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