This month’s interview features a dynamic duo: Nana Aganovich and Brooke Taylor, the creative minds behind the fashion label Aganovich. Since I first covered their debut collection on my blog, I’ve been captivated by their innovative, architectural designs and distinctive personal style. They’ve recently relocated to Paris from London.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Nana: I was born in Belgrade and grew up in former Yugoslavia and Denmark.
Brooke: I was born in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, and grew up in various places including Monaco, Florida, England, and New Hampshire.
When and why did you move to Paris?
Brooke: We moved to Paris in June of this year to further develop our business here.
How and when did you meet each other, and how did you decide to start your fashion line?
Brooke: We met on February 14, 2002, at a West London pub called The Cow, owned by Tom Conran. The decision to start a fashion line was a process of elimination. We knew we wanted to work together for the long term and needed a project that could sustain that. I had experience in DJ-ing and party promotion, but we realized it wasn’t a viable long-term career. Nana had a background in stencil graffiti, but that also lacked sustainability. Although Nana had recently completed the Saint Martins MA fashion course and clothing was central to our courtship, we thought fashion could be a long-term pursuit without requiring constant appearance maintenance, unlike acting. Despite our aspirations, we’re still far from affording a Bentley.
You lived in London before moving to Paris. What are some differences between working and living in London versus Paris?
Nana: Paris suits me perfectly as it’s cozier and more beautiful, fitting my constant work schedule.
Brooke: London definitely has the edge right now. The East End has seen a resurgence due to significant investment, creating a vibrant environment. In contrast, Paris feels somewhat stifled by its historical status, almost like a museum. While Paris remains a major fashion hub with elegance and poise, it often feels like a holodeck, and I wonder where it will go from here.
Can you tell us about your past careers before starting your company?
Nana: After Saint Martins, I wanted to gain practical experience in clothing manufacture, so I went to China to start a production facility, which later became a small factory. I sold my stake in the facility to my former partner.
Brooke: My career path was quite unconventional. After my father’s death, I abandoned my tennis ambitions and hoped for a life of leisure that didn’t materialize. Instead, I spent years immersed in raves and alternative lifestyles, with brief periods of literary activity.
What was the inspiration behind your Spring 2013 collection?
Brooke: Our inspiration was gypsies. We explore the concept of ‘middle-of-nowhere’ and the idea of the gypsy, rather than its reality, as a rich source for this theme.
What has been the most surprising reaction to your collections?
Nana: Rei Kawakubo visited our showroom and told me, “You are on the right path.”
Brooke: Anger.
If you could design a garment for anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Nana: Romy Schneider.
Brooke: My grandmother. She was a beautiful product of a minor Chicago dynasty, and we have a large portrait of her in her debutante dress by Abram Poole, painted in the late 20s.
Who are some of your style icons?
Nana: Giulietta Masina in La Strada, Joan Burstein (Mrs. B) of the London boutique Browns, Amanda Harlech, muse and consultant at Chanel.
Brooke: Leigh Bowery, Ernie K-Doe (New Orleans blues musician), Robert LaSardo (American actor), and Justin Smith, a hat designer we collaborate with.
If money and other obstacles were no object, where would you stage your fantasy fashion show?
Nana: The Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris.
Brooke: Ideally, I’d stage a show in one of Luis Borges’ short stories, like the ‘Library of Babel,’ or with the late artist Juan Muñoz. Realistically, Venice is a close second.
What do you prefer about Paris?
Nana: The ability to smoke outside with heaters on café terraces—London is less accommodating to smokers.
Brooke: The poetic simplicity of how Paris cleans its streets, letting water run down through gutters towards the Seine, guided by rolled-up carpet swatches. It gives me an incredible sense of well-being.
