This month we’re featuring Nicole Haddad for our #FirstFriday blog series! Nicole is the Co-Founder of Lobo Mau, a Philly-based fashion brand known for its innovative designs and sustainability practices. Nicole’s unique style, and blend of fashion and art, resonates with the women of Philly. We are thrilled to have Nicole share all about her inspiration and journey as a Philly fashion designer! _________________________________________________________________________________
PPRG: How did you come up with the concept for Lobo Mau?
NICOLE: Lobo Mau means Big Bad Wolf in Portuguese—we (my brother and I) are half Brazilian and the name resonated with the idea of being daring and taking risks.
                     
(Photo Credit: Lobu Mau)
PPRG: How has Philly and its fashion inspired you with your designs?
NICOLE: I am always inspired by my customers, a majority of whom live in Philadelphia! I really try to listen to what they want and especially what they don’t want out of their clothing. I design clothing for the every day, so I feel it’s an honor to make the clothing that people reach for on a daily basis. To help carry them through their day makes me feel so proud.
PPRG: Who is your biggest fashion inspiration?
NICOLE: I love the swinging 60s, so I’m very much into Boba and Mary Quant. I also love Acne Studios and Stella McCartney.
PPRG: How has sustainability influenced your design process?
NICOLE: We try to make our collections as sustainable as possible. We are always trying to push our production process to utilize as much waste as possible, and to also use fabrics that are either deadstock or all natural.
(Photo Credit: Lobu Mau)
PPRG: Who are some of your favorite Philly designers?
NICOLE: I love Ninobrand, Quality Tom from River is Wild, Forge and Finish, and Feast. Also Mathew Addonizio and Camilla Mustard, Choilin, and Supra Endura.
PPRG: What advice would you give for people wanting to shop more sustainably?
NICOLE: Shopping less often and paying a little more for a quality garment is how you shop sustainably. Or you thrift! There are so many amazing pieces out there just waiting to be discovered in a second hand or vintage shop.
PPRG: What has been your favorite thing about being a business owner?
NICOLE: I love making my own schedule. The freedom to do what I want when I want is the best. I also love that I have complete freedom to express myself aesthetically. What a gift!
PPRG: As a child of Brazilian Jazz musicians, how has music influenced your fashion designs and personal style?
NICOLE: We listen to a lot of samba in the studio—it’s the best music to put you in a good mood. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned from parents who have worked for themselves, is how to work for myself! I watched my parents get up every morning and practice their instruments and also spend time in their office booking gigs and working on their marketing. It taught me the key components of running a business. Brazil in general has influenced my personal aesthetic. Color is so important in Brazil—they love it, and so do I!
PPRG: What is the meaning behind the brand name, Lobo Mau?
(Photo Credit: Lobu Mau)
NICOLE: The brand is about being bold and confident—about breaking the rules. I make mostly what I call “secret sweatshirts” and that is a gift I give my customers: they can wear sweats to work or out to dinner and they don’t even look like they are basically in pajamas.
PPRG: What’s coming up for Lobo Mau?
NICOLE: We are working hard on growing our brand online. We are also having a big party on June 30th at our store with a free concert by our parents. Brazilian music, food, and drinks for all!
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It was so amazing getting to interview Nicole and learn all about her life as a fashion designer and business owner. If you’re a fashion lover, make sure to follow @Lobomauclothing on Instagram!
