Jessie Vukoson chats about her new role at Nomis, what inspires her designs, and her love for Udon Noodle Bowls. Get to know her and look out for the new vibe of Nomis Women’s dropping spring 2010.

What brought you to Nomis full-time?

JV: I was living in So Cal when a friend gave me a call at random to tell me Nomis was looking for a women’s designer to freelance–he hooked me up, and I jumped on it (thanks Marc)! I hate to put it this way, but the opportunity kinda fell in my lap. After designing Spring 2010, they took the plunge and offered me a full-time job! I wanted to be closer to the mountains, and even though I didn’t know anyone here–it felt right. So alas, here I am in Colorado!

Who/what influences your style?

JV: Most of the time, it’s by instinct and the girls that walk past me day-to-day. Tokyo is the most inspiring place for me because the fashion scene there is unreal.

A lot of the time when I’m drawing, I put a lot of my own personal style into it, but also keep in mind what girls that skate, ride and surf want. I like to mix cute with functional when possible and add tiny unexpected details, and oh, did I mention my obsession with good quality fabrics?

When I am developing graphics, I’m influenced by what my friends and I call “art brain,” haha. When I take time for myself and ride my bike, walk in the park, day trip in the mountains, go to the beach or travel–that’s when I get a great deal of my ideas. I always carry a notebook to jot them down if I can’t sketch them easily.

Give us the rundown on your day-to-day at Nomis.

JV: Oh dear, shall I pretend it’s glamorous or just tell it like it is?

Let’s pretend it’s glamorous—every day I drive my super fancy car (Subaru station wagon) to work from my luxury (old) Denver apartment. Flash my key-card in front of the ridiculously high-tech security system and then make my way up to my phenomenal glamorous desk, where I spend the breadth of my day being fanned by snowboarders in American Apparel Briefs.

Ok, enough of the fantasy–I’m sure I had you all fooled.

It’s pretty normal. Some days I draw, some days I do graphics/art, I answer emails, the usual. I get the opportunity to travel all over the world, go trend shopping, meet tons of awesome people at trade shows and work with a truly amazing & fun group of people here at Nomis.

What’s your favorite part of designing the women’s collection?

JV: In the 6 years that I’ve been working my ass off in this industry, it’s the first time that I get to do my own thing to an extent. The team at Nomis has entrusted the image and vision of Nomis Women’s to me for the most part, sink or swim. I get so excited (and still a little nervous) when I show the line each season to the team, but so far they have been so stoked on the direction, and are genuinely proud of what we are building here– it feels amazing.

Give me a hint. What’s coming up for 2010-2011?

JV: Oh La La, wouldn’t you like to know!

Jusssst kidding, lately I’ve been kinda into weird art, so I believe you will see a bit of that, but also a lot of really bright pop colors used in some pretty sweet cut & sew pieces. I’ve been trying to incorporate at least a few pieces into the line that are a bit more tricked out than the average women’s clothing, so I hope everyone notices and buys a ton! I’m trying to keep the line lighthearted, and interesting—a lot of us are living in a very difficult time with the state of the economy, so I want the Nomis line to stand out bright & powerful with a little tongue & cheek to make everyone smile.  Also, I have a secret obsession with windbreakers…

If you could travel anywhere for free, where would you go?

JV: I’m going to give you my top 3:

1. Japan
2. Iceland
3. Anywhere Tropical

I know you are disappointed that I didn’t mention any mountains, but I have them here! But, I’m still a newbie and there’s a ton of the Rockies I have not yet explored.

Your favorite grub?

JV: I started being a vegetarian when I was 15, did the vegan thing for a while, but now I have surrendered my love for sushi, so I guess you’d call me a pesce-tarian. Within my top million favorite foods, I’d have to say a good Udon Noodle Bowl with tons of fresh veggies.

Riding apparel. What’s your poison?

JV: Hmm, on a warm spring day–or most days at Big Bear, I’m all about just wearing snowboard pants, a v-neck tee shirt and a bandanna.

On a cold day, I wear way too many layers–I go all out, tank top, tee, thermal, hoody and jacket–and last but not least I always rock Eesa long underwear and socks!

I must say, I’m a snob. There’s nothing I hate more than bad mountain style–I love to watch the skittle kids in the park. Their boldness makes me proud in some strange way…

Got any good tattoo stories?

JV: I attempted to hide the huge piece I have on my right arm from my dad in the humid heat of summer in North Carolina by wearing a sweater. I lasted about 30 minutes. I hid behind the refrigerator door just wearing a dress and hiding my arm, and I said, “Hey umm, daddddy…I have to tel–show you something, and you have to promise not to get mad.” Keep in mind, I’m 26 and this was my 15th tattoo.

One thing you couldn’t live without?

JV: Micron Pens and nice paper.

Be on the lookout for Jessie’s Spring 2010 line at: www.nomisdesign.com.