Designer Nary Manivong of DRESSED speaks with ECC

If you missed the screening of DRESSED, directed by David Swajeski, at Bethesda Row Landmark Theater in October, you missed more than a movie.  DRESSED is a dynamic documentary that takes you through the serious struggles of designer Nary Manivong.  Nary, homeless and on his own at age 14, lived his way out of a seemingly insurmountable situation with courage and optimism.  Realizing a dream while simply trying to survive on the streets, he completed high school and moved to New York City to pursue a path in designing.  Moving from one chaotic world to another Nary did whatever needed to be done to forge ahead into the fashionably unknown.  The picture follows Nary’s journey to New York Fashion Week, while flashing back to the unfortunate circumstances from his childhood that made him who he is today.  Nary graciously took some time to speak with ECC about the documentary, life lessons and future plans:

What was your first reaction when the director, David Swajeski, approached you about doing the documentary?

I was not surprised to be contacted.  I had been reached out to before, but the timing just wasn’t right.  This felt like the right time.  David seemed very genuine and we developed a relationship and mutual trust.

During the interview portion of the event at Bethesda Row the question was asked to David about what he would have done if you didn’t make the show happen for purposes of the documentary.  Did you feel that same pressure or did your focus remain on the show? 

I remained focused on the show, because that was my purpose.  The documentary wasn’t part of my life yet, I didn’t know what it would become.

While preparing for the show, did the documentary add a whole new level of stress in regards to preparation for the show (picking items up, getting around the city)?  It seems like it would be a whole other job to be followed and have to interact with a camera!

It was difficult right away and I have a good example of this.  There was a point where it all got to be too much and I said to myself what am I doing.  I was shy right away and it took some time to open up, but as time went on, I built a relationship with director and crew.   And yes, everything I had to do was more difficult with a camera following me.  It was always very stop and go.

You also mention in the documentary being very nervous to talk to people.  Has this process (interacting with the camera for the film, interviews with press, meeting fans) allowed you to overcome this fear?

I don’t get nervous anymore.  David and I were both nervous at the first screening.  At that point, we didn’t know where film was going.  Also, sharing a story on camera is one thing, but talking about it after the show is completely different.  But I’m just like everyone else.  We all share the same struggle in a different way.  I told myself I just needed to go for it.  Now I am confident and comfortable with myself and the things I’m sharing.

In the documentary it shows you returning to your hometown to de-stress following some bad news regarding the show.  How do you feel when you return home?  Is it a comfortable feeling because that is where you came from and seeing where you are now or is it a painful place because of how your life was there?  Did that visit help re-energize you to overcome this hurdle and do what you needed to do to complete the show?   

I always want to take the negative and turn into a positive, regardless of what has happened.  It is very humbling to think about my past.  It continues to make me stronger and has allowed me to move ahead.  It is good to reflect and I have become a better person because of it.  My past has also prepared me for anything.  I can handle whatever is thrown at me and continue to progress.

I thought this documentary not only showed the seriousness of a major issue like homelessness, but also showed a not so glamorous side to the fashion industry.  Do you think that if you had grown up in a different way, with things handed to you, that you may not have been willing to work as hard as you did or as you do now for what you want? 

This is a difficult question to answer.  For me, I would probably be the same person and still always work hard to achieve goals.

In regards to your partnership with Alexandria Hilfiger that created NAHM, how has your design processed changed working with a team vs. on your own?  Do you feel a team helps you enhance your designs? Do you feel your designs have grown or changed since starting the partnership?

NAHM’s focus is to take one element and build around it.  There is always a learning process and I am never going to stop learning how to become a better designer.  With a team, it is nice to have the help of others.

Your 2012 Spring collection is very light and airy.  It has a very soft feeling with the light materials and soft colors.  What did you and do you see as a strong style for Spring that led you to these fabrics/colors/designs?

The inspiration for this collection was Parisian style and fashion from the 70’s.   I’m from Laos, so we used some traditional Laos prints as well.

Do you think you will create another Nary-only collection sometime in the future?

Sometime I the future you will definitely see a new collection from me.

The end of the documentary was very movie magic like with the success of the show and the partnership of NAHM.  How has your life changed since the release of the documentary?   Have you received any other unique opportunities since the release?

With NAHM, it was definitely being in the right place at the right time.  I met Alexandria at a dinner party and we just hit it off.  Alexandria worked with me as a style consultant for my Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 collections.  This later lead to our partnership.

Meeting Anna Wintour was a great experience.  I actually fell down while trying to shake her hand!  I have been honored to meet some very talented, high-powered people in the industry that I would have never expected to meet.  Really I’m just taking it in and enjoying all of this.

You have already done so much with the documentary by helping to shine a light on such a serious and not uncommon problem we have even in the US and around the world.  Have you thought of other ways you may want to help children going through the same thing you went through or advice that you can give to others that can help those who are going through this struggle?

Being able to give back is something I enjoy doing.  Right now, I participate in a big brother program.  Also, a portion of the DVD proceeds go towards supporting efforts to end homelessness.  I’m taking it all one day at a time, but definitely want to continue to do more in the future.

ECC truly admires Nary for his determination and designs.  There is so much more to learn about Nary and his journey.  Visit DRESSED online to see if there is a screening near you and to learn more about this sensational story from struggle to success.

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