Celebrating 25 years of creating fashion dreams

Designer Nadine Pillay is driven by the desire to inspire others

KNOWN for her style and grace, Chatsworth fashion designer Nadine Zahava Pillay has been creating beautiful clothing for 25 years.

Pillay and her husband Ravi, who started Nadine Designs, celebrate their silver business anniversary this year. They have been making young women’s dreams come true by designing timeless outfits for special occasions like matric farewells, beauty pageants and weddings.

Pillay, 48, grew up in Prince Edward Street in Durban, and briefly studied at the Linear Academy of Fashion Design, but says she is mostly self-taught.

Pillay and Ravi live in Havenside, Chatsworth, with their two children, Maleesha, 26, and Tiashlan,18.

“I always knew I wanted to be a fashion designer,” said Pillay. “I grew up in my family’s clothing business. My mom loved fashion and it rubbed off on me. I spent most of my spare time with her dressmaker.

“I was intrigued by the world of fashion from the time I was 4. I used to make my dolls dresses from the off-cut fabric the seamstress gave me. I spent hours on my designs, while other little girls my age were playing.”

Pillay said she found her soulmate and “perfect business partner” in her husband. They have been working together making magic with their designs.

She said she was blessed to have a partner who understood the business of fashion – with his constant support everything was made possible.

The couple have dressed some big names,including businesswoman Vaneshree Singh and former Miss South Africa Claudia Henkel.

Pillay said her clients were usually women who were fashion conscious and wanted to make a statement with elegance. She said there were others who wanted the “wow factor” for occasions like weddings and beauty pageants.

“I take into consideration creating garments that work with my clients’ personalities and figures,” she said. “I always advise my clients about versatility and comfort so their overall look is attained. I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings and nature.

“I draw inspiration from old movies, art and architecture – this is what helps me make their dream dresses come to life. Enhancing their beauty is my ultimate goal. The dress must suit them in every way – they feel confident and look amazing.”

Pillay has her fans and followers and it is their words of appreciation that prompt her to do better.

She said being associated with pageants was a passion because she loved to guide young women.

“Fashion shows are a true reflection of my vision so they won’t always be everyone’s cup of tea.

“Staying true to my aesthetic is key – being a good designer is hard work and takes dedication, patience and the ability to reinvent your vision.

“In the next few years I would like to launch five different labels and this means a tough, long road ahead of me. But I trust my passion for the craft will be my driving force.”

When Pillay is not making beautiful clothing she is involved in the Reaching Women charity organisation. This works to empower women as well as assisting and uplifting various communities.

She said some of the women with whom her organisation worked were victims of abuse and required assistance or guidance with various skills to become more independent.

Over the years Pillay has won many awards and received acknowledgement for her work. She has won the NWJ Bridal Awards for four consecutive years and was appointed the official designer of the Miss India International pageant. She has been invited to showcase her work in fashion shows around the world.

Pillay was recently presented with a Women of Wonder Award at Sibaya Casino.

“I work with many people and try to give them what they want in a garment that would make their special day more memorable,” said Pillay.

“But beyond the fancy dresses and finery, I want people to feel my positivity. I want to inspire them – this is something I want them to remember about me.”