Each week we will be highlighting one of the fabulous emerging designers from Phoenix Fashion Week 2016. This week, meet fashion designers Nune and Mariam Hov, the creative duo behind MXN Clothing, which is a clothing line that empowers the modern activist with high end womenswear.
Who are the designers? Nune Hov is a Fashion Designer, Account Manager for Ipsos, singer, dancer and fine artist. She also directs fashion shows and models/acts and teaches. Mariam Hov is a Fashion Designer and a Manager at Sellen, she also teaches bellydance and performs as a professional soloist. She is also a fine artist as well.
A word from the designers themselves: Our names are Nune and Mariam Hovhannisyan, and we are the sister team behind MXN. We have both studied business management and administration as well as design. Our most recent joint venture was the creation of the Northwest Networking Umbrella in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. This group premiered as an annual fashion, performing arts and music show. Currently NNU boasts over 7,700 members and continues to grow as a fashion and arts incubator. Nune, who has been active in the fashion scene in Seattle for over 7 years has been recognized as one of the 12 most influential women in Seattle’s fashion industry. While Nune worked primarily as a custom couturier and focused on event production, a push by her more business-minded partner Mariam, who has spent the majority of her professional career in construction management, has initiated the launch of this ready to wear brand.
This brand represents great fit, ethical production, Eco-conscious design & a drive to change the world; it is a brand that provides outerwear and denims for bold, independent & fashion forward women.
In short, it is a brand that represents who we are.
Hometown: We were born in Armenia, Yerevan and also lived in Prague were we danced ballet together.
First fashion job: Nune Hov has worked in custom couture and costuming and also in Alterations when she first started in fashion.
When did you know you had a passion for fashion: Nune Hov: I have always had a passion for fashion and for art. I have been a performing artist since I was a child and I would sing, dance and act on stages and in front of cameras. My love for the fine arts and fashion only grew with time and with my involvement in the modeling and fashion production industries.
Person who has impacted your life the most: Nune Hov: in relation to the fashion industry Alexander McQueen has been the biggest impact on my fashion career. We are of like mind and he was truly a revolutionary and a talented story teller.
Your biggest fashion accomplishment in your eyes:
1st place designer of the year at Vera Project – RAW productions
1st place best inspiration/concept of the year at Vera Project – RAW productions
1st place people’s choice designer of the year at IMAGINE Fashion Show
People’s Choice nominee for DLIST Style Awards
1st Place Fashion Night Out at Bellevue, WA
Printed in Valerie Magazine, Redmond Reporter, West Seattle Herald, The Jibsheet, Youtube, Interviewed in “Waste of Time” a documentary about consumerism and many many others
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: myself.
Favorite quote: Make yourself proud.
Advice to someone pursuing a career in fashion as a designer: Write a business plan, do your research, go to school! Get a degree in business, because that is what you will be doing.
Favorite piece you have ever designed: It changes all the time! But we both agree that we love our golden cruelty free look the most right now. Can’t wait to make some SS17 pieces!
For more information about MXN Clothing, visit mxnfashion.com.
If you would like to attend Phoenix Fashion Week 2016, you can purchase tickets here: bit.ly/PHXFWFABAZ. Use promo code FABAZ for $20 gift card good towards any seat (not applicable towards standing room tickets).
