Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Leave
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and grew up in a close-knit Jewish community where uniformity in dress and behavior was the norm. However, even as a young girl, I had a passion for standing out. I loved dressing up, often wearing bows bigger than my tiny head, and spent countless hours sketching dresses and suits in a journal I still treasure today. Fashion wasn’t just a hobby—it was my calling. By the age of six, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up.
But life in Venezuela became increasingly difficult due to the country’s political instability. As insecurity and fear took hold, my family made the difficult decision to move to Miami, Florida when I was just 13 years old.
Moving to Miami brought a few significant life changes. Suddenly, I was in a new country with a different language and an unfamiliar environment.I transitioned from a small private Jewish school with 52 classmates to a large public school with over 800 students in my grade from diverse backgrounds. Despite the challenges, I was able to adjust. One thing that didn’t change was my deep love for fashion and storytelling.
In high school, I had the chance to visit fashion schools in Miami, and by my sophomore year, I participated in a two-week summer program at Istituto Marangoni Miami, where I learned the fundamentals of the fashion industry. It was during this time that I realized my true passion wasn’t in designing clothes, but in styling them. Throughout the rest of my high school years, I interned at various fashion houses. However, when it was time to choose a college major, I opted for what I believed would offer a more secure future and began a career in Sustainability and the Built Environment with a double minor in Innovation and Sociology at the University of Florida, the state’s top public university.
However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I was on the wrong path. I didn’t enjoy what I was studying, nor did I like where I was living. I was truly unhappy, and I knew I needed to make a change. It was a difficult decision, but I chose to follow my lifelong dream and pursue a career in fashion. I applied to Istituto Marangoni Miami, the school I had fallen in love with years earlier, and after a series of rigorous interviews, I was accepted. I packed up my life in Gainesville and returned to Miami, ready to start anew.
My time at Istituto Marangoni was transformative. I achieved things I had never imagined. I evolved from the quiet girl in class to the president of every club, taking charge of class discussions, and winning every competition I entered. I worked alongside my professors, launched the school’s first newsletter, and volunteered at every opportunity. I also participated in masterclasses and began teaching youth courses at the university. I blossomed. During this period, I launched my fashion Instagram account, @ncl_styles, which initially started as a personal outfit diary but rapidly evolved into a dynamic platform that unlocked numerous opportunities in the fashion industry. Through this account, I forged meaningful connections with fellow creatives, prominent Latin American brands, and attracted clients, establishing myself as a leading fashion stylist in Miami and solidifying my voice and influence in the industry. My content is designed to empower and inspire others with innovative outfit ideas, delivering valuable insights, practical tips, and actionable hacks that elevate personal style and boost confidence.
In this transformative leap of faith, I constructed a path as a prominent stylist in Miami from the very beginning of my college career. Over these years, I collaborated with prestigious brands such as Diesel, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, and had my work showcased in leading local magazines such as Lifestyles South Florida and Regia Magazine. I took charge of styling music videos independently, managed runways across various countries, and developed a robust client base. These years stand out as some of the most rewarding of my life, characterized by relentless hard work, dedication, and numerous sleepless nights, all of which were spent building a name for myself and working toward the future I had always dreamed of.
The pinnacle of my college career was my final project, the *”Never Forget”* exhibition, which stands as the most remarkable work of my life so far—a deeply personal visual representation of the Jewish Holocaust. Throughout my career, I have been committed to infusing my work with meaning and purpose. I believe that every project should convey a clear message and offer an insightful explanation, as this approach not only enhances the work’s value but also ensures it resonates deeply with others. For my grand final project, I chose to tell the story of the Holocaust from a personal perspective, creating a set of 12 photographs that captured memories from a trip I took to the concentration camps in Poland at age 16. Each image represented a different emotion tied to specific moments I experienced in Auschwitz, Majdanek, and Treblinka—some of the most horrific camps in history. Using experimental styling techniques, my specialty, I crafted photographs that spoke to the viewer, telling this dark but important story in a respectful and impactful way. This representation aimed to serve as a tribute to the 6 million Jews who lost their lives.
To further honor this work and preserve its legacy, I published a book that not only documents the exhibition but provides a deeper exploration of the Holocaust through personal reflections and historical context. This book serves as an essential companion to the project, offering readers an intimate look into the powerful imagery and the profound emotions behind each photograph. Now available for purchase, the book allows a broader audience to connect with this story, ensuring that its message reaches beyond the confines of the exhibition. This groundbreaking project, the first of its kind in the fashion industry, demonstrates that fashion can transcend mere aesthetics to become a transformative form of art—one that carries stories that must be told. Both the exhibition and the published book hold unparalleled value in my work, reflecting a deeply personal connection to my heritage.
Graduating from Istituto Marangoni Miami was the realization of a journey filled with relentless hard work and personal growth. I started as a shy girl who struggled with time management, but through perseverance and dedication, I pushed myself to work harder and grow beyond my limitations. I was honored to become the first person to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Styling from the institution. By taking extra summer classes and online courses, I managed to complete a four-year degree in just two years, allowing me to start my career earlier than expected. Being named the school’s first Valedictorian and delivering the graduation speech was a humbling experience, one that reminded me how far I had come. Graduating with the highest GPA across the entire university, and walking across that stage with a portfolio of clients, achievements, and creative projects, was not just a personal milestone—it was a testament to the support, mentorship, and opportunities I received along the way.
Since graduating, I’ve been actively sharing my expertise in fashion styling through magazine features and freelance work, spanning personal styling, commercials, runway shows, videos, lifestyle shoots, experimental projects, and editorials. My portfolio continues to grow with recent collaborations with high-profile clients, including SolidCore, the Azzurri soccer team, Adidas, and Telemundo, solidifying my presence in the fashion industry. I’ve also remained closely connected to the institution that shaped me as a professional, serving as Vice President of the Istituto Marangoni Miami Alumni Circle Board and as a pre-college fashion styling professor, teaching over six courses.
My journey has been one shaped by hard work, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity that came my way. By staying true to myself and embracing change, I’ve walked a path defined by courage and resilience. Through dedication to my dreams and learning to navigate challenges without being swayed by others’ opinions, I’ve made meaningful strides toward the goals I set for myself. As I continue to face new challenges with confidence and gratitude, I hope my story serves as a reminder that with perseverance, authenticity, and an open heart, it’s possible to turn aspirations into reality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road began when I was applying for college. My entire life, I had dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. However, as I grew older, I realized how challenging this dream could be, so I decided to take a different path and study Sustainability and the Built Environment at the University of Florida.
Obstacle #1 arose when I realized I wasn’t fulfilled by the city I was living in or the career path I had initially chosen. It was a difficult moment of self-reflection, but I knew I needed to follow my true passion: fashion. Despite the uncertainty and what others might have said, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my lifelong dream. Gaining entry to what would become my new home, Istituto Marangoni Miami, was no small feat. The process involved a series of five interviews and a competitive scholarship application, but through determination and belief in my path, I was fortunate to succeed.
Obstacle #2 came soon after, as I was tasked with creating an entire portfolio and styling a set of 10 distinct photographs—all within just one week. It was an intense challenge, but I gave it everything I had, knowing this was the key to my future. I was humbled to finish in first place, receiving the largest scholarship awarded, which allowed me to officially begin my journey at Marangoni.
Obstacle #3 involved returning home and starting over, building new relationships and a new life. It wasn’t easy, but I found my way through, adjusting to my new reality. Along the way, I faced a host of additional challenges: from competitions and more than 10 photoshoots in a single semester, to internships, fashion shows, representing the school in advertising campaigns, volunteering, and maintaining high grades while meeting deadlines. I pushed myself to excel in class, participate in school contests, and build my network. The demands were constant, but with each step, I learned to manage and grow through these experiences.
Obstacle #4 was perhaps the most daunting—the challenge of being behind in my new career path after switching directions. I knew I had to make up for lost time, so I committed to an intense schedule, taking summer classes each year and, at one point, managing five in-person courses while completing another four online. Balancing this with everything else tested my limits, but it was a challenge I embraced. Against the odds, I was able to complete a four-year degree in just two years, graduating ahead of schedule and becoming the first Valedictorian at Istituto Marangoni Miami, with the highest GPA in the school’s history. It was a humbling moment that reminded me how perseverance can turn setbacks into achievements.
Obstacle #5 was my final thesis project. To graduate, every student must complete a thesis, and I was determined to create something that was not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful and innovative. As a Jewish student, I felt compelled to tell a story about the Holocaust through my own lens, based on a personal journey I had taken years earlier. This presented a significant challenge, as the subject was incredibly sensitive, and many—including my professors, my parents, and even the dean—had concerns about whether it could be done in a respectful way. Gaining approval was not easy, but I remained committed to my vision. In the end, my thesis was more impactful than I could have imagined, and those who initially had reservations ultimately congratulated me for handling the topic with care and depth. It now proudly resides on the walls of Istituto Marangoni Miami, making it the first student work to be showcased full-time at the school. It became a project that not only pushed me creatively but also resonated on a deeply personal level, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it.
Obstacle #6 was the journey of building my name and client base after graduation—a challenge many face when entering a competitive industry. Establishing myself as a fashion stylist in Miami was no small feat, and there have been many struggles along the way, some of which I am still working to overcome. However, today, I’m grateful to be collaborating with incredible clients and brands, pursuing my passion every day. The road ahead may still be filled with challenges, but I’m excited for what’s to come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Venezuelan Fashion Stylist with a background in sustainability, innovation, and sociology, holding a BFA in Fashion Styling from Istituto Marangoni Miami. As a freelance fashion stylist based in Miami, I work on diverse fashion productions, including fashion shows, music videos, and photoshoots, both locally and in other cities.
Known for my vibrant and daring approach to aesthetics, my signature style embraces a colorful, experimental, bold, and surreal sensibility. I push boundaries to create captivating visual narratives through fashion. What sets me apart is my pioneering approach in Miami, where I am the first stylist to transform fashion into art through experimental styling practices. These practices incorporate artistic aesthetics into fashion productions, each carrying an impactful narrative. I love creating fashion from everyday objects rather than relying solely on garments. For instance, I might craft an entire dress from tinfoil instead of buying one from a store, or if I do purchase a dress, I’ll reimagine it by flipping it upside down to create a completely new silhouette. Everything I include in my visual compositions has meaning, which is paramount to me. My goal is always to innovate, push boundaries, and tell stories with value, a message, and meaning. I view fashion as an art form, demonstrating that fashion stylists have the tools to create visual compositions that are striking in both aesthetics and the messages they convey.
I began my career as a professional stylist early in college, developing a deep passion for meaningful storytelling in editorials. Today, I cover all areas of styling—from personal to commercial, runways, videos, lifestyle, and editorials. My work varies depending on the project and client, but my current focus is primarily on commercial photoshoots, personal styling, and occasionally music videos.
My mission is to bring joy to the people I serve by helping them discover the beauty in the art of dressing, while also revealing the value, sacrifice, and dedication behind this art.
My career includes collaborations with prestigious brands such as Chanel, Diesel, and Louis Vuitton. I have styled for esteemed events like Miami Swim Week and Dominican Republic Fashion Week, and contributed to editorials in fashion magazines such as Lifestyles South Florida, Regia, and Acontece. In addition to these achievements, I have styled the latest campaigns for Solidcore and the Azzurri soccer team, as well as runways for Argentina Fashion Week, Costa Rica Fashion Week, and Panama Fashion Week. One of the highlights of my journey has been styling an entire editorial for Diesel while still in college. Now, as a part of my professional journey, I am a pre-college fashion styling professor at Istituto Marangoni Miami, where I teach courses in fashion styling, fashion trends, social media management and marketing, fashion show production, and editorial photoshoots.
One of my proudest projects was a personal exhibition centered around the Jewish Holocaust, one of the most sensitive topics ever imaginable. Through this project, I created a set of 12 photographs and published a book reflecting my journey to the concentration camps in Poland at the age of 16. Each photograph expressed a different emotion or moment from my experience at the camps, serving as a testament to honor the six million lives lost in this tragedy. This project was groundbreaking, as I was the first person and stylist to ever communicate this story through a personal, respectful, abstract, and artistic manner—an experimental fashion creation. This exploration defied conventions, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion. The purpose was to demonstrate that experimental fashion styling has the power to create ephemeral yet profoundly impactful moments within fashion. It proved that fashion can transcend the limits of mere dressing to narrate stories that serve as a testament to the indomitable power of storytelling through attire. This project is my proudest achievement, as I successfully transcended the boundaries of fashion in ways beyond my imagination, creating a visually stunning and deeply impactful composition—a feat many believe fashion cannot achieve.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
One of the things I love most about our city is the potential for growth. New businesses are constantly emerging, and people from diverse backgrounds are moving in, making it an ideal place for professional development. Specifically in my field, fashion, Miami is becoming a rising capital in the U.S., which allows me to build a name and brand for myself while easily connecting with other creatives in the city. The numerous annual fashion events are not only accessible but also provide excellent networking opportunities. The presence of many emerging fashion brands is fantastic for collaborations, allowing us to work together on a more personal level and become part of a brand’s journey from the very beginning.
I also appreciate the Latin American influences throughout the city. As a Venezuelan, it’s heartwarming to meet so many people with similar backgrounds and to find a “home away from home.” This blend of cultures creates a vibrant melting pot, making it exciting to meet people from different places and hear stories that are completely different from my own. Despite being a large city, it’s amusing how I often run into the same people at social events, which adds a fun dynamic to forming personal and professional relationships more quickly.
However, two aspects of the city I like the least are the constant traffic and the long distances between places. I spend about two hours in the car every day, commuting between work, various projects, and clients’ homes. Miami traffic is intense, and the distances between locations can be quite long, meaning I spend a lot of time driving. For example, when shopping for a photoshoot, I might spend an entire day driving from Hialeah to Aventura, Downtown, and Lincoln Road just to find everything I need. That said, this constant hustle keeps me on my toes and adds excitement to my job, making every day different and fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nclstyles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncl_styles/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nclstyles?_t=8p28ptdSrrH&_r=1
Image Credits
IMAGE 1: (holding book next to photo)
– Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
– Model: Faith Hartwigg
-Photography: Markos Leave
IMAGE 2: “HEARTACHE: REMAINS” (pile of ballerina shoes)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Model: Faith Hartwigg
-Photography: Markos Leave
IMAGE 3: “CHINA” (Chinese market)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Photography: Markos Leave
-Model: Fangfang Ruose
IMAGE 4: “EARTH’S CRY: THE HIGH PRICE OF FEATHERS” (birds)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Styling: Katalina Rueda
-Styling: Rafaella Dalla Vecchia
-Photography: Frederic Pinet
-Model: Faith Hartwigg
IMAGE 5: (model in box with wire)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Model: Faith Hartwigg
-Photography: Markos Leave
IMAGE 6: (red photo)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Model: Tiona Blanc
-Photography: Giano Currie
IMAGE 7: (magazine)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Stylist 2: Marissa Mercado
-Magazine: Regia Magazine
-Photography: Diego Armando Mendoza
-Editorial Feature/brand: Diesel
IMAGE 8: (black and white)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Model: Loreta Alvarez
-Model Agency: Vault
-Photography: Manuel Abreu Swanston
IMAGE 9: “THE SURFER” (surf)
-Creative Director/Stylist/Author: Nicole Leave
-Model: Shu Lin Yao
-Photography: Manuel Abreu Swanston
