Edgy, chic and glamorous are a few words which you could use to describe this new label which entered the fashion industry not too long ago but recently saw a new addition to its first boutique in Bangsar Baru.

Liyana Ghaus, 27, may not have majored in fashion to design her own collection, but the economics graduate was determined to take up the challenge to help women dress better.

It was a dream come true when Liyana opened her first boutique, Nana g., as she had been visualising herself as a fashion designer since she was nine years old.

Working in the retail and clothing industry in the UK during her varsity days gained her exposure and more excitement to venture into the fashion industry.

"I knew that I couldn’t just jump into the fashion line and expect to ace it. To ensure that I had adequate knowledge and skills, I took up a short course to learn sewing, pattern making and all the other basic stuff which designers need to know to be able to produce a collection besides just imagining how a collection should look like," explained Liyana.

Carrying three styles mainly, the boutique concept lies in the different characters of women. From these various and different characters, Liyana’s designs are usually produced in three different colours to represent three separate personalities.

"I believe that no matter what each woman’s personal taste is, there are some days that we feel like being in a cute tee and skinny denim to be edgy yet relaxed while some days we want to be in a nice sundress. Some days we want to be in a pencil skirt or in a glamorous cocktail or maxi dress for the night.

"Moreover, not all ladies who walk into my boutique may want to buy a black blouse and not everyone would be brave enough to wear striking colours if those are the only choices I have. Hence the three colours work to suit different moods and personalities," expressed Liyana.

All Nana g.’s designs are made locally while a small percentage of the retail items at the boutique are sourced from Korea, Hongkong, and Indonesia.

"My design inspirations come from different sources including what that is current in the fashion industry, art and pop culture but most importantly from my clientèle’s lifestyles and what they need in their wardrobe which suits them.

"At the moment, the label Nana g. comprises 60% of my own designs while the rest are imported items. I do hope to venture into a 100% self-design collection in the near future," added Liyana.

 
As a boutique owner and designer, Liyana never lets go of an opportunity to meet her customers as she values their feedback which helps her improve her designs.

"Whenever I’m at the boutique, I would either help them style a particular outfit or provide some suggestions to mix and match. I am not offering alteration services at the moment, but if customers require simple alterations I will try to accommodate them. Prices are charged as per normal alteration charges," said Liyana.

Although Liyana has successfully opened her second boutique in Bangsar Shopping Centre, she still considers herself as a learning designer and is looking forward to doing more for the industry.

"It’s the little things such as seeing the designs on paper becoming real, customers loving the boutique and participating in a fashion show that have proven to be great motivators. But I think the best feeling is seeing people wearing my designs. They include celebrities like Julia Ziegler, Hunny Madu, Maria Farida and Atilia," added Liyana.

Prices of Nana g.’s items range from RM40 to RM60 for tops, RM80 to RM120 for dresses, RM90 to RM140 for bags and RM20 and above for accessories.

"This year, I’m looking forward to start and offer online shopping. There have been suggestions and feedback on my blog but I haven’t had the time to pursue the idea. So, 2010 will be a good year to start," added Liyana.