☆ old souls ☆
BEHIND THE NAME
Born in France, Vieilles Âmes (pronounced "vi:-eiz a:m") is the French equivalent of the expression "Old Souls.”
Originally inspired by the evolutionary process of transforming vintage clothing and giving new life to deadstock fabrics, this name serendipitously merged with our founder's desire to create a purpose-driven brand through sharing experiential wisdom with others.
True to their name, all Vieilles Âmes pieces are wise beyond their years. They embody and carry a quote embedded inside, slowly dispersing accumulated tidbits of wisdom from lived life out into the world.
Beyond clothing, Vieilles Âmes celebrates the beauty, depth, and wisdom that come with time. It connects us all in our core essence, serving as both an eternal truth and timeless symbol that links the past, present, and future.
"For me, the essence of an old soul is rich, pure and beautiful - an ultimate truth - and a reminder that we're connected to and part of something greater than ourselves"
-Nicki, Founder and Creative Director
☆ our founder ☆
NICKI COZZOLINO
After several years of working as a womenswear designer for both luxury and contemporary brands in New York City, as well as on some costume design projects for music videos and short films, Nicki launched her own advanced contemporary womenswear label. The brand was quickly picked up by several high-end boutiques and featured in numerous prestigious magazines such as Elle, InStyle, WWD, and Style.com. Shortly thereafter, the label secured investors.
Despite her early success, the unsustainable pace at which Nicki had been running for almost a decade starts to take a real toll. This eventually leads to a series of dramatic events that force her to close her company just a few years later. Depleted and unable to accept the death of her beloved brand, Nicki decides to leave New York. She books a one-way ticket to the South of France, embarking on a sort of reverse migration back to Europe where she feels at home.
Far removed from the fashion world, Nicki spent the following years studying everything from wellness to nutrition, spirituality and personal development. As a student and teacher, she became rich in transmission and cultural experiences. She learned the French language, savored local cuisine, admired breathtaking landscapes, and developed a deeper consciousness about the world and our place in it.
One day, her passion returned with full force, and she had no choice but to start again. However, this time, she was armed with a solid foundation, her newfound richesse, and a perspective shaped by the woman she had become.
" You can't unsee what you've seen. You can't close your eyes to the realities of the fashion industry, it's effects on the planet, animals, and the humans who take part in it's creation."
- Nicki on her prise de conscience and what led her to start a sustainable brand
☆ Light and Nostalgia ☆
INSPIRATION
Renowned artists from Picasso to Matisse have often cited the light and colors of the Côte d'Azur as a source of inspiration. Similarly, the region's radiance inspired Nicki to start designing again. In contrast to the strict black that characterized her previous brand, Vieilles Âmes pieces reflect the warm, bright, and colorful hues that fill her daily life.
An 80s baby and nostalgic old soul, Nicki draws inspiration from the silhouettes, prints, and music of multiple eras spanning the 70s to the 90s. She also finds inspiration in French culture and music, as well as in the concept of the masculine feminine.
"I love the fluid silhouettes and retro graphics of the 70s, the bold 80s nostalgia with its animal and abstract prints, the jeans, t-shirt and blazer minimalism of the 90s"
- Nicki on the references that inspire her
☆ NY/FRENCH TWIST ☆
STYLE + DESIGN
Today, Nicki's designs are influenced by her New York/American roots as well as her daily life in the South of France. Her style is both colorful and chic, characterized by a unique blend of femininity and masculinity, structure and fluidity, and nostalgia and modernity.
The designer's passion for fit, unique, luxurious, and comfortable fabrics, combined with a practical approach to design, results in exciting yet timeless pieces that can be endlessly mixed and matched. Interpretable by the wearer, these long-term, reliable and versatile pieces stand the test of time, and mirror her unique approach to sustainable design.
"I try to design the interesting building blocks that provide women with a versatile and rich foundation for getting dressed. While I love mixing and matching all of my pieces, their strength lies in the space they offer for personal interpretation.”
