Niki Collier, Felt Designer
Niki completed a doctoral degree in Computer Science before working as a researcher and university lecturer. Eventually, she got the confidence to give it all up and pursue her true passion, design. Now she works with felt to create handmade fashion accessories which are sold worldwide. From birth, Niki has had limited use in her right hand, so it’s not a coincidence that all of the garments she creates are designed to be opened and closed with only one hand. People are her inspiration. Her work is her way of creating stories, and her outlet to share her ideas and views. It is also an engine for lifelong learning, for creating and overcoming challenges. Working with wool has its own kind of magic. Wool has its own plasticity, it is both malleable and strong. It can be shaped into any form and function. A pair of humble cosy wrist warmers or an elaborate textile sculpture all start from a ball of wool and are transformed to objects of desire just with a pinch of soap and a few drops of water.
Beta Bajgart created short film about Niki, called Wild and Free.
Photo: Beta Bajgart
