In Conversation with Nia de Fer

Casa Las Paces in conversation with Núria Costa, founder of Nia De Fer.
Her project combines craftsmanship and experimentation in textile and offers a fresh perspective on clothing and the human body that transcends the division between modernity and tradition.
 
How does a day in your life looks like?
 
 
I live in Eixample, Barcelona. I wake up early, enjoy going for a run or doing stretches, and having a breakfast.
After that, I either walk to my studio in Gracia or, I also work teaching fashion design classes, those days, I ride the bike to the University.
What excites me most about my work is its diversity; each day is different: sometimes I research new references, update the website, or search for materials...
My favorite days are those when I focus on creating new textiles and exploring innovative processes.
I feel very fortunate in my job; the most wonderful aspect is the opportunity to connect with people and collaborate with them.
Whenever I can, I escape to Empordà, where I was born, to connect with nature and enjoy long meals with family and friends.
 
 
 

What is it that you look for in your work?

 

 

In my work, I strive to create pieces that blend modernity with tradition, reinterpreting craftsmanship.

I explore new ways of dressing the female body with the goal of making women feel both comfortable and empowered.

The female figure has always been a significant source of inspiration for me, and I hope to, in some way, accompany each of their lives through my designs.

Additionally, I am fascinated by materials outside the fashion world and constantly seek innovative ways to incorporate them into my work.

For me, producing in a responsible and sustainable way is essential.

 

 
Which materials and techniques interest you and why?
 
 
Throughout my professional career, I have worked with other techniques such as 3D printing and embroidery, but I am currently very focused on knitting.
What attracts me to the knitting technique is that it allows you to create the fabric from scratch, giving you complete control over its properties.
I enjoy experimenting with the different possibilities it offers: size, density, color, and materials. The materials I work with are one of my main concerns.
I’m interested in incorporating unconventional threads and materials to achieve unique finishes, such as chains, metallic threads, recycled threads, or even paper.
 
 
 
 

Are there people, artists, books, etc. that inspire you to do what you do?

 

 

I draw deep inspiration from everyday scenes, with the women in my family being a constant source of creativity.

Another fascination of mine is furniture—chairs, lamps, and more—and how people choose them, not only for their material but because they find them beautiful or they have spiritual value.

Over time, these objects come together to define the character of a home. One book that captivated me was Paris Living Rooms by Dominique Nabokov, offering an intimate living spaces into Parisian society in the early 2000s.

This summer, I also read Personas, Cosas y Cuerpos by Roberto Esposito.

Two of my favorite books are Arranging Things: A Rhetoric of Object Placement by Leonard Koren and Nathalie Du Pasquier, and Spiral & Other Stories by Aidan Koch.

A major influence for me is Alexander Calder; although he’s best known for his mobiles, I am equally intrigued by his jewelry and headboards.
My family is from Empordà, and I love exploring the nearby French coast. Places like Arles, Château La Coste, and Fondation Vasarely are among my favorite destinations—they allow me to discover new artists and experience remarkable works.
As for film, Black Swan has always been one of my favorite visual references since childhood. I recently created a dress named Josefine (after my mother), inspired by the figure of the swan.
While horror isn't usually my genre of choice, this summer I read several books by Mariana Enríquez. My upcoming collection will include a reference to one of the stories from The Dangers of Smoking in Bed.
 
 
 
Do you think the value of handmade and sustainable products has changed over the last years?
 
 
I think that nowadays we have more and more information about how things are made.
As I mentioned, I am someone who looks for meaning in objects and clothing beyond just the material aspect. I hope people seek out clothes because they have a story, evoke emotions, or were gifted by a loved one.
Besides working in the studio, I also teach at the university, and I believe the younger generations are very aware of second-hand shopping, making their own clothes, and supporting local brands.
 
 
Is there a connection or difference between the clothes you make and the clothes you wear?
 
 
I try to buy from many local and young brands in Barcelona.
I greatly appreciate when someone takes the initiative to start a brand, and I like to support them because I feel a connection. I also love second-hand stores.
Part of my wardrobe is inherited from my mother. I also wear a lot of clothes from Nia De Fer and I love combining different types of pieces, for example: pairing sporty pants with ballet flats and a blazer.
 
 
⁠What role does clothing play in your personal routine / life?
 
 
For me, making clothing and fabrics is a tool for expression and communication.
It helps me connect with other women, and I hope it makes them feel good.
 
 
 
 

Do you own any vintage clothing and if yes, do you have a special piece that sticks out?

 

 

Yes. A vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dress that I bought to attend a Global Change Award for the H&M Foundation in Stockholm.

It was one of the most significant moments in my career, and that dress was stunning. I bought it at a vintage store in Barcelona.

 

What is your favourite piece from Casa Las Paces?

 

 

I love Casa Las Paces because, in addition to clothing, you also have objects, and the curation of both is incredible.

It's hard to pick a favorite piece, but the Marithé & François Girbaud asymmetrical blazer is my favorite.

 

 

 

In conversation with Nia de Fer by Casa Las Paces 

 

 

@niadefer

www.niadefer.com

 

 

 

- "In conversation with" is a series introducing new and old friends of Casa Las Paces, like-minded creatives and people who inspire us. -