Daily Inspiration: Meet Noa Fineout

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noa Fineout

Hi Noa , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Noa Fineout’s fashion career began in adolescence when she was gifted her late grandmother’s antique Singer sewing machine, today a centerpiece of her studio.

Self-taught lessons in sewing fundamentals progressed to enrollment in industry workshops and university studios, and later to her leadership and production of fashion shows highlighting emerging talent, for which she developed, and presented, her first collections. In 2017, after achieving a degree in Neuroscience from Carnegie Mellon University, she finally took the plunge, moving to Paris to pursue a post-graduate degree in Fashion Design.

Within the Ateliers of ESMOD Paris she received a rigorous education in technical craft, refining her expertise in the areas of draping, pattern making and construction, hallmarks of the French Methodology. After one year she left the program, having received the opportunity to intern at her favorite fashion House, Oliver Theyskens, for whom she later became Assistant of Collection Development.

Noa’s time at Theyskens, which began February 2020, embodies a purity of artistry surreal in the absence of its context. With the streets of Paris desolate, international suppliers shuttered, and nearly every House withdrawn from the fashion calendar, Theyskens’ small team of six resolved to present, and independently realize, an exquisite couture collection. Noa cherishes these memories: late nights where she worked directly beside Theyskens, observing and internalizing his unique creative process, where she was challenged to further develop and perfect her technique by the Premier Atelier, and where she studied corsetry under a visiting couturier from Jean Paul Gauthier. Ultimately, while at Theyskens, Noa was entrusted with the start-to-finish realization of numerous runway looks, including an extravagant finale gown, and contributed to the development of pieces later acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

These experiences made Noa realize the inherent reward and value of independent creation, and crystalized her desire to launch her own brand, where she would be challenged to design and construct one-of-a-kind pieces for private clients. Since launching her namesake label in 2022 she has created bespoke garments for brides and VIP clients in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris and more. She looks forward to continue adding to this story, as she has found her true passion in working one-on-one with her clients to realize their dream garments.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working in the arts is at once extremely challenging and extremely rewarding, as often this pursuit is not just a job, but instead represents a deeply personal dream; therefore, successes bring far greater highs, and failures far greater lows. While I’ve certainly faced obstacles inherent to being a designer and small business owner, I am presently focused on how grateful I am to be designing and constructing every day, entrusted by my clients to create garments they will wear on the most special day of their lives.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a fashion design and couturier, my designs reconceptualize romanticism, marrying ethereal silhouettes with refined tailoring and corsetry, evoking a complex femininity that while nostalgic and delicate, is also raw and structural.

I have always approached fashion design as a form of artistic expression, deriving greatest fulfillment from its process; as the creator of my bespoke label, I am responsible for all stages of my designs’ realization, from abstract sketching, to sculptural draping, to mathematical pattern-making, to couture construction.

After years of experience working in an esteemed Parisian couture house alongside some of the industry’s greatest talents, I bring a unique artistic perspective and invaluable technical expertise to each of my projects. My work aims to revitalize couture for the modern bride; each of of garments are one-of-a-kind, designed in fluid collaboration with her client.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Working in the arts, it has been really important for me to take big risks and deconstruct the meaning of success. I am so grateful that throughout my academic career my parents always reminded me of my passion for design and the dreams I had fostered since I was quite young. Leaving my degree in Neuroscience to pursue fashion design was extremely scary and in doing so I sacrificed stability and a charted trajectory. However, looking back, I am so grateful that I took this tremendous risk; my experiences living in Paris, working alongside some of the most influential figures in the industry, and now creating my own brand, have made my life so rich. I have now realize that the devotion of my time to something I love and that challenges and inspires me, is exponentially more valuable than any lifestyle I may have achieved otherwise.

Pricing:

• Custom Wedding gown beginning at 7,000
• Custom Corset beginning at 2,000
• Existing designs beginning at 5,000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.noafineout.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noafineout/
• Other: https://thelane.com/directory/noa-fineout/

Image Credits
Sleeve image: Haute Weddings
Pink skirt: Ori Paul Levi

Remaining images, shot in studio by myself