JBCStyle: Nicole Romano Style

Designer Nicole Romano photographed by Richard Bertone

Nicole Romano stopped by JBCStyle's New York office to give us the latest scoop on the project she's most excited about these days - "JBC gets the exclusive" the Italian beauty grins, and we can't wait to hear what she's got up her sleeves. The protégé of Nicole Miller, and a favorite of legendary Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field, the unassuming, doe-eyed designer pulls up a chair in our conference room and dishes about her latest client, Arthur Izzo. 


Nicole's client list includes Rhianna, Mary J. Blige, Jessica Simpson, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Anniston, Drew Barrymore, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Tyra Banks, Gwen Stefani, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alicia Keys (the Cadillac Key earrings Alicia wears in her video "If I Ain't Got You" are vintage Romano!) and the list goes on and on. . . but Izzo, Nicole's first male client - and first male recording artist to be signed under LL Cool J's new record label Platinum Harvest Productions - has been rocking pieces designed exclusively by Nicole. "Arthur Izzo is lyrical in every way," Nicole muses seriously. "He has an artistic approach when writing all his own material. His creativity lends an edge to this exciting new collaboration." Izzo, also a Rhode Island native, shoots back, "Nicole dares to create while others follow. Each of my pieces from her are their own eye-catching works of art. They capture the attention of on-lookers and force the question, 'Where did you get that from?'"

There are some axioms in life that you just don't argue with - that LL Cool J is a god and everything he touches is gold is one of them - and the combined superpower of Nicole's designs, LL's rap royalty endorsement, and Izzo's raw talent have the makings of a galactic explosion that may just be eclipsed by the newcomer's piercing eyes.  Um, yeah, he's hot. Crush style.

Speaking of stars, Nicole's latest collection, Cassiopeia, (we're still big fans of the Atocha Collection) is a playful nod to the vainest queen in Greek mythology. Queen Cassiopeia unapologetically boasted of her beauty despite incurring the wrath of 'ol Poseidon. Punishment for her vanity? She was hung upside down in the night sky and is amongst the oldest and most famed constellations. Is pride such a deadly sin? You tell us - centuries later look whose still a star.


Own your beauty, Cassiopeia style.


Nicole's popular pop-up store at the Plaza Hotel has now morphed into a permanent boutique, right next to famed Eloise headquarters and looks like all the pretty girls around town are feeling the Romano vibe:

Kourtney Kardashian wearing Nicole Romano's Grace Cuff

Jessica Simpson wearing Nicole Romano's Whip Wrap Chain Tassled Necklace

Mad Men's Cara Buono in Nicole Romano's green silk dress and necklace

What else is new, Nicole?

"I've just started designing belts," the designer adds, "Still working out of my studio in Harlem. Gustavo de la Zerda is my master craftsman; he has been in the industry for decades and is a true artisan. Oh, and I just participated in New York's Annual Chocolate Show - partnering with Top Chef's Zac Young. . .don't get me wrong, I love chocolate, but it's still all about the blue rasberry tape from Dylan's Candy Bar. I'm loyal," she laughs. 


Cutting edge - but in the sweetest way possible - Nicole is a designer whose style and sensibility inspires loyalty. Roll out the rasberry tape, Romano Style.