Edited by Danika Daly on
Nina Cortes is the darling designer of her namesake jewelry line Nina Loren who you may recognize from the Project Runway spin-off Project Accessory. Nina was a force to be reckoned with as she made it all the way to the final two. Nina’s sparkling Swarovski designs caught the eyes of audiences and judges from day one with a gorgeous, wearable necklace crafted from recycled pieces. Needless to say, she won that challenge and continues to gain interest with her elegantly-edgy pieces. We caught up with the accessory guru to get to know her better off-screen, and she is just as sweet and funny as on the show.
What was your journey on Project Accessory like? How did it feel to make it all the way to the end?
Like everyone from the show has said, it was a total roller coaster. One second I was super happy with my design, then I would look around the room and feel intimidated and second guess myself. As far as highs and lows of the coaster ride, the first day I swore I was going home, so you can imagine how great making it to the final two felt!
Have you always wanted to create jewelry?
I was always a creative person, always inventing something to make. I played around with some jewelry, which when I see it now I can’t help but laugh, but hey, you have to start somewhere. But it wasn’t until I took a metal-smithing class in college I decided this was what I wanted to do.
What are your inspirations for your upcoming collection?
I’m really bringing it home this year. I’m always looking out to find inspiration, but my Miami girl roots are really coming through for this next line. I’m really feeling the beach but the earthy side of it. Industrial diamonds pulling the color from our sands, Apatite for our unmistakable ocean – I love it. I’m really excited for this line. It’s my favorite to date!
Danika Daly is president of her eponymous PR firm, Danika Daly PR specializing in fashion, beauty and lifestyle markets. Her focus is on emerging designers and brands breaking onto the fashion scene. She views PR as various arts combined, and started Danika Daly PR to infuse brands with creative elements to make them stand out. Danika is a guest columnist for Fashion Indie. Tweet her @DanikaDaly.