The fashion world is fierce – but not nearly as fierce as the real one.
Nary Manivong has experienced both realities, as a fashion designer who battled homelessness and abandonment at age 14. Now, designer Manivong gears up for the New York Fashion Week debut of his new collection, NAHM.
Manivong tells his story in “Dressed,” a documentary that hits theatres Feb. 4.
“Living on the street, I didn’t know anything about fashion,” he says in the film. “One day I found a copy of Vogue magazine…when I opened up the magazine, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”
After high school, Manivong moved to New York from Columbus, OH with just $200 in his pocket. From there, he worked on his pieces, striving towards a NYFW debut. His goal was finally accomplished when his first collection was featured as part of the Fall 2005 season.
He returns on Feb. 11 with NAHM, a collaborative effort with Ally Hillfiger, daughter of Tommy Hillfiger, who celebrated 25 years in the fashion industry last Sept. NAHM – Nary Ally Hillfiger Manivong – is not only an anticipated collection, but also a testament that hard work and determination truly does conquer all.
Watch the “Dressed” trailer here: