Ness Isabella

How did NÜNÜ VINTAGE come about?

I grew up in Istanbul surrounded by my grandmother Nünü, my mom, and my aunt’s collection of antiques and collectibles, which instilled in me a love for vintage from a young age. As I got older, my biggest hobby became going to flea markets and scoring hidden treasures. I eventually launched NÜNÜ VINTAGE as a side passion project and at the beginning of this year, I left my full-time job as a stylist at a major luxury fashion retailer to fully pursue it.

WHEN did you FIRST DISCOVER RIXO?

I bought my first dress from RIXO back in 2017—a black velvet mini that I was absolutely obsessed with. Since then, I’ve been a huge fan and collected many RIXO dresses over the years, all of which I love for their vintage-inspired prints and rich colors. I flew to London last year for my best friend's wedding and bought the red maxi polka-dot dress in RIXO’s Marylebone store which was absolutely perfect for the English countryside celebration. I’m so happy there’s now a store in NY because it’s one of my go-to brands for finding key pieces that I know I’ll treasure and wear for years to come!

What’s your favourite vintage find?

There are so many incredible pieces! I think the frontrunner has to be this late '90s Céline coat, which features triple logo chain closures down the front. It’s incredibly chic for the colder months, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it! Another favorite is a 1988 Chanel jacket. It’s a runway piece made from black bouclé fabric with gold CC logo buttons, and it wraps around the waist, closing at the back with a gold belt. The more buttons the better, and this one has 21!

How do you bring your individual style to your wardrobe? 

Some days I go for an edgier, sportier, or more minimal look, but the one thing that remains constant is incorporating vintage into my outfits—whether it’s a piece of bold costume jewelry, a cool bag, or a timeless blazer. For me, layering in vintage is a simple way to elevate an outfit and give it character as it instantly adds a touch of individuality and stands out in a way that feels personal.

The one piece of vintage you can’t live without?

My vintage Bvlgari Serpenti watch! I grew up dreaming of it and when I came across one, I just could not resist. I wear it daily and it’s very special to me because it was the first gift I bought myself after launching my business. Also, my limited edition vintage Christian Dior Saddle Bag from 2003 with silver Dior coin embellishments—it's truly a piece of art. I promised myself I would never sell it, and I hope to one day pass it down to my future daughter!

Describe your perfect day in NYC?

I love starting my day with a Pilates class, followed by a Spa Burrito and coffee at The Golden Pear—my favorite coffee spot in Southampton, where I live. I often check out Estate Sales in the area and drive around the Hamptons, hunting for incredible furniture and fashion finds. Last time I went, I scored two stunning dresses from Paco Rabanne’s best friend’s wardrobe! For date night, my go-to spot is Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor. My ideal evening consists of spaghetti pomodoro, a glass of red wine with my husband, and then a cozy movie night at home.

What does effortless confidence mean to you?

Feeling comfortable and secure in who you are, without needing validation from others. I think personal style and confidence go hand in hand. You can really embrace your individuality through your outfits, so I think that as long as you're staying true to yourself, you will feel effortlessly confident.

What’s been your proudest career moment so far?

Taking a leap and pursuing NÜNÜ VINTAGE full-time has definitely had its ups and downs, but has been extremely rewarding. Working with RIXO, a brand that I’ve admired for many years, and having my first ever pop-up is definitely a highlight! It can get lonely working from home as a small business, so I’m especially excited to have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share a passion for vintage fashion. Another would have to be dressing Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, and Kylie Jenner in NÜNÜ VINTAGE. I’m proud that my work is being appreciated by women who have such a big influence on fashion and inspire so many others.

Follow Ness on Instagram: @nessisabella and @nunuvintage