Taking charge of her own destiny, homegrown shoe designer Nelissa Hilman plows through obstacles armed with innovative designs and insatiable ambition.
A good pair of shoes – one that’s chic, high quality, comfortable and, dare I say, reasonably priced – is becoming increasingly elusive. The quest to find the perfect fit is a constant struggle for wide-footed individuals, with squeezing into impossibly narrow but irresistibly beautiful shoes now a norm.
It’s this very predicament that fuelled Nelissa Hilman’s eponymous shoe brand. Nelissa Hilman (NH) flats, ankle sandals, and block heeled mules – inspired by la dolce vita – quickly found their way into the wardrobes of fashion insiders.
An unassuming beginning
“Back then, it was really a lot of Project Runway influences,” says Nelissa, who initially tried her hand at making clothes. The then chemical engineer decided the craft wasn’t for her, and as fate would have it, stumbled upon a shoe making course in Florence, Italy, whilst looking for courses to pursue her second degree. “I took a leap of faith and told myself that if it didn’t work out, there would always be corporate life to fall back on.”
She enrolled at Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing and came to love the architecture of shoe making, which she found rather different from making clothes. Not to mention, being in Florence was a fun experience in its own. “I like shoes when I’m making it… I was into making things,” she expresses. Not particularly well-informed in fashion back then, as she readily admits, Nelissa revelled in the process more than anything else. After half a year in Florence, she came home and got a job in a small shoe factory. There, she perfected her artistry and came to understand the differences between Malaysian and Italian craftsmanship. About a year later, she made the decision to launch her own brand.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2017 من Her World Malaysia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2017 من Her World Malaysia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Beauty The Natural Way
With climate change rapidly threatening the future of Mother Earth, we urgently need to curb further acts of destruction. We speak to Law Hong Mei, founder of The Olive Tree, about building a beauty brand that is sustainable from the core.
Even Pets Need Tummy Care?
For many, keeping a pet is more than just caring for an animal; pets are family members, too. We speak to veterinary surgeon, Dr Wafaa Abdul Washefffrom Pets Corner Sdn Bhd, to find out how your pets can stay healthy with a suitable diet
The Healing Power Of Unconditional Love
There’s a saying that goes, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” For one woman, these words resonated deeply. An unlikely companion came into her life at her lowest point and changed everything.
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
“More than half of my time is spent with animals, but I enjoy it,” enthuses animal rescuer, Aileen Lee. The story of this selfless lady’s dedication and love for the fur kids she has saved will warm your heart.
MISSION: Catification
We discover why pet proofing your home ensures harmony and safety for both the owner and the cat.
THE ONE WHO'S TAKING ACTION
Best known for her extensively waitlisted Nina bag, Gabriela Hearst walks the talk when it comes to sustainable luxury. The New York-based designer shares her inspirations, dreams and resolutions for herself and her eponymous label.
BORN TO ENTERTAIN
YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE HER AS THE GENTLE AND LOVING MOTHER IN LEE CHONG WEI, THE BIOPIC OF THE BADMINTON LEGEND, OR THE VULNERABLE YET RESILIENT TEACHER IN WET SEASON, WHICH HIT THE CINEMAS IN MARCH. SOME OF US MAY HAVE SEEN YEO YANN YANN ON THE BIG SCREEN PLAYING VARIOUS CHARACTERS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. STILL, SHE NEVER FAILS LEAVE HER AUDIENCE IN AWE OF HER ACTING PROWESS.
THE TRUTH BEHIND FAUX FUR
Is imitation fur still a feasible alternative in this modern, fashion-forward world? Nadhirah Othman uncovers how the fur industry – both real and fake – brings a detrimental impact to the well-being of our planet.
Surprising reasons WHY YOUR KID is under performing in school
You’re understandably frustrated that your child isn’t living up to her potential. But before you blame her attitude, check if these conditions are hindering her academically.
A PAWSITIVE' Life
Like in many parts of the world, pet culture has seen exponential growth in Malaysia. In this issue, Lorraine Chai discusses pet therapy, a method of treatment that is gaining traction, and also some of the pet trends you don’t want to miss out on.
