Is your activewear toxic? This designer offers a solution
A Conversation with Designer Laura May Gibbs
Laura May Gibbs, the founder and creative director of Nagnata, is known for her unique approach to fashion. Her style is a blend of masculine and feminine elements, always emphasizing ease of movement and mixing vintage and new designs. This balance reflects her creative vision and personal journey in the world of fashion.
The Evolution of Style
When asked how she would describe her style, Laura emphasized the interplay between masculine and feminine. She also highlighted the importance of comfort and practicality in her choices. Her wardrobe includes pieces that are both functional and expressive, allowing her to move freely while making a statement.
The oldest item in her wardrobe is a pair of hot-pink slip dresses that were worn by backup dancers in a Kylie Minogue film clip. These pieces hold a special place in her heart as they remind her of her childhood and the influence of her father's work in the entertainment industry.
In contrast, the most recent addition to her collection includes iconic second-hand designer pieces from Tokyo. These items form the basis of her daily uniform, featuring a blue Prada cross-body bag, a Comme des Garçons blazer, Chanel scarves, and a Dior men’s shirt.
Fashion on Different Occasions
Laura has a clear idea of what she would wear on various occasions. On a first date, she recalls wearing a see-through silver lace Coperni dress, which led to a lasting relationship. For travel, she relies on her Nagnata travel uniform, consisting of "Romeo" track pants, "Highlighter" tee, and "Sonny" sweater paired with Acne Studios sneakers.
On the red carpet, she dreams of wearing an archival corseted piece by Vivienne Westwood, a designer she deeply admires. Her favorite fashion era is the 1990s, a time marked by fierce creativity and raw refinement. She draws inspiration from designers like Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Martine Rose, and Grace Wales Bonner.
Personal Preferences and Influences
Laura's fragrance of choice is Ayu "Souq" scented oil, and her three essential wardrobe items include vintage men’s suit pants, Eckhaus Latta knitwear, and Nagnata "R2E" denim. She also has a go-to jewelry collection, featuring an Agmes chunky silver ring and a Holly Ryan gold "Wabi Sabi" ring.
As a child, she was often seen in bodysuits, tights, mini shorts, and leg warmers, enjoying her time at Bloch buying new dance outfits. Her first fashion moment came at the age of 10 when she started designing costumes for dance performances, including a jungle-themed outfit for "The Lion King."
Reflections and Trends
Laura admits to a fashion mistake from her school days, where she wore a tiara to her year 10 formal. She doesn't have a wish list, preferring to shop when she travels and discover pieces that speak to her.
She doesn't limit herself to specific styles but has never worn a Croc. She appreciates the current trend of shifting towards natural and renewable fibers in sportswear, a concept that Nagnata has been advocating for over the past decade.
Daily Life and Inspiration
At home, Laura sleeps in shorts and a bralette made from natural fibers. Her most frequent footwear includes Prada slides, Miu Miu slides, and sustainable "Blackout" sneakers by Puraai.
Her favorite fashion icons include Christy Turlington, Patti Smith, and Kate Moss, though she now draws inspiration from other women's styles rather than relying on muses.
On a typical working day, she wears vintage denim, a men’s button-up shirt, and a knit. For casual Sundays, she enjoys being at the beach in a bikini and sarong.
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