Nancy Daniele Berman was trying to find a matching tie for her 17-year-old son when inspiration struck.
It was all too short for him, but it looked good on him.
“I didn’t like the styles, but the fit was great (for me),” Berman said. “I started thinking about all the ties I wore in the 90s. I started doing research and I couldn’t find a company that made women’s ties.”
That’s when the Huntington Woods resident decided to launch her own brand, Nandanie, a play on her first and middle names. And this week, her company is getting a big boost by appearing in two shows during New York Fashion Week.
Berman, 48, has developed a dating line specifically for women and gender-queer individuals. The ties come in six styles, including “The Grace,” named after Berman’s daughter. Accessories come in tweed, cotton, leather, metallic leather and vegan leather. Nandanie has more than 20 connections currently in production, Berman said in an email. Ties are smaller and thinner than traditional ties.
“Famous women have been wearing (ties) for years,” said Berman, who attended college in New York and planned to start a fashion career in the city. “They have designers who tie them and remake them for a better fit. Any woman who talks about the ties she had in the past usually said she loved them. (Women’s ties) just weren’t available. We wear jackets and other forms of “men’s wear.” Now Nandanie ties will be available to all.”
The pre-tied ties, made in New York City, will be available online through the Nandanie website. The pieces will also be available at retailer Flying Solo in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. Locally, Nandanie links can be found at Birmingham Found Objects. Berman, 48, is working on deals with other retailers, she said.
