Nylane Mammadova: Buyer

Nylane Mammadova's style blends elements that make for enviable personal style: ease, timelessness, a perfect balance of masculine-feminine. With years’ experience - most recently in an e-commerce buyer role, from 2015-2020, she was fashion director at Maison de mode - in an industry that is prescriptive, she relies above all on her instincts. This extends to the way she also navigates the art world. Here she provides a glimpse into her participation in the fashion industry in New York, shares the collections that are inspiring her this season and the books that have influenced her.

Interview by Joy Kaunda

How did you end up participating in the world of fashion? What drew you to fashion, your earliest memories of participating in fashion?

This might sound like a cliche, but ever since I remember I was drawing and sketching as a kid. I loved playing with fabrics at home. My grandmother had a sewing machine which I used to play around with a lot as well. Later on, I studied World Economy. Eventually my instincts brought me back to the artistic side of things.

You are based in New York. How has New York played a role in your participation in fashion?

Before coming to New York I was already involved in fashion with an editorial and styling background. In New York I entered the world of e-commerce, retail & buying, still preserving the editorial side of things by being fashion director at Maison-de-Mode, where I learned a big deal about Sustainability, sourcing brands within the dedicated sustainability components.

Can you share some of your favorite fashion-related New York memories?

The best thing is always to witness the collection right on the runway. See the clothes in motion, hear the soundtrack, observe the location and set to understand the collection and what the designers are trying to communicate. For example, The Row's SS20 show was one of the best things to experience(no music, just focus on the collection).

You also share art on your Instagram account. How does your interest in art inform or influence your approach when it comes to fashion?

I try not to overthink it. It just happens naturally.

Can you talk about artists who resonate with you at the moment?

The pebble stones that I brought from the beach are really resonating with me. :) But most recently, I loved seeing Louise Bourgeois's 'Number Seventy-Two'.

At a time when more people than ever are participating in fashion, I wish…

People have more joy. :)

What are some highlights so far in regards to your participation in fashion?

Working on a buying team of a top tier retailer and having a portfolio of my favorite designers.

Your favourite fashion designers?

It might change from time to time. But Martin Margiela will always be the one.

Collections that are inspiring you this season?

I love how I gravitate toward Alaia & Lemaire right now. Or Saint Laurent & The Row. Those duos are absolutely opposite in their nature. It is the year of contradictions if you ask me.

Books that inspire you?

"Reductionism in art and brain science" by Eric R Kandel. It does a great job of explaining art on a scientific level(impossible task if you think about it). I had quite the opposite aftertaste, I stopped overthinking the art itself and let myself navigate the art world based on my own instincts.

What advice do you have relating to navigating the fashion space now?

Just enjoy the process and trust your instincts.