San Francisco knitwear designer Nikki Stewart is a girl on the go. From the age of 13 she knew that she wanted to design clothes. Nikki also has a unique sense of style, scouting out the hottest retail destinations in search of unique, authentic neighborhoods. She is drawn to edgy, whimsical and colorful designers with a graphical twist. She is fond of Twinkle by Wenlan. Missoni is another influence because of the graphical and technical boundries they have crossed while creating luxurious unique icons of style. Nikki follows in the Missoni tradition of craftsmanship and quality materials. Each pattern is individually knit, fashioning tailored and form fitted looks.

By using various knit stitches and yarns, Nikki is able to generate unique textures which accentuate and flatter the feminine form. Only the hightest quality yarns are used and all of the designs are hand loomed and individually finished allowing for the perfect combination of form and function.

Nikk knitwear is available at TG170 in New York, Ooma and Ver Unica in San Francisco and Xin in Los Angeles.

When and why did you start Nikk?
I started my company two years ago in Fall 2002. After freelancing for another designer, I was encouraged to start my own collection. So I just went for it.

What is your inspiration for the latest collection?
My inspiration for the latest collection is the 1950's sexy secretary. I love slim pencil skirts and sexy form fitting sweaters, they're so perfect for fall.

Were there any major challenges in the beginning?
Money has definitely been the biggest obstacle. The other challenge is just overcoming your own fears and just going for it and doing it. The insecurities that come over rejection of a collection is pretty tough for a designer to accept.

Where did you grow up? Did this influence your design vision?
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. I definitely felt that the fashion there was lacking. It always seemed to me that everyone was wearing the exact same thing. I wished there was more variety. I wanted to have more people represent their own personalities through their clothing.

Did you have an early interest in design and fashion?
Yes, when I was 13 I started dreaming up new ideas. I knew that I wanted to design clothes after that.

Favorite designers, places, stores, people, things that were formative to your current creative vision?
My favorite designers that are influential to me are Missoni, Twinkle by Wenlan, and Marc Jacobs. Places that inspire me are New York, Tokyo, and London. Stores that I love are tg-170 in New York, American Rag, Metier in San Francisco, Top Shop in London, Jelly and Butter in Brooklyn, Oou in Los Angeles, and White Trash Charms in L.A.

What is your vision for your brand and collection?
My vision is to create knits that can be worn as a statement on their own, not just as sweaters to pull over when it is cold outside. Knits are very sexy, add texture and can transform an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary look.

What cities, neighborhoods inspire you?
I love Los Feliz in L.A., I love Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and I love Hayes Valley in San Francisco.

What about them appeals to you?
It is an overall appeal. The like comfortable feeling of the streets and sidewalks. For me there are plenty of stores and places to go and hang out with friends. I love the authentic sense of neighborhood.

Any unique non-fashion stores that you love?
I love Nest on Fillmore in San Francisco. I also love Alla Prima in North Beach.

Favorite stores for clothes, accessories, beauty?

For clothes I love American Rag. It is my one-stop-shop. New, old, shoes, accessories. It is really great!

I love Minnie Wilde in Hayes Valley for accessories.

For beauty I love Sephora.

Favorite shoe, denim, tee, or fashion labels?

Shoes: I love the Office London, and Marc Jacobs.
Denim: I love Paper Denim and Cloth and The Angel Jean.
Tees: I love American Apparel the Sweatshop-Free manufacturer. that my friends screenprint their own designs on.

I am currently assessing my business so that I can accommodate larger production orders.

I will be at the Feria Urbana sale on Dec. 9th for the Holiday sale at the Canvas Gallery in San Francisco, please stop by and visit.

Visit the Nikk website
www.nikknit.com