Photo by Mali Azima

Nikki Nye and Amy Flurry co-founded Paper-Cut-Project in 2010, a collaboration based on the transformation of simple sheets of paper into dramatic silhouettes. The Atlanta-based duo forged a unique linkage of fine art and fashion that has garnered commissions by several of the world’s top fashion houses and galleries including, Hermès, Cartier, Kate Spade and Valentino. At home on the theatre of runway, in site-specific installations and editorial, the paper sculptures work across many disciplines, including their recent collaboration with the Victoria & Albert museum, a 16-piece collection of paper wigs for their "Hollywood Costume" exhibit. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, Selvedge, Numero, and Italian Vogue.

What is your training? 

AMY – I was a freelancer writer and fashion editor for over 15 years and in that time I also had the chance to produce articles and work on sets. I’ve seen so many collections and followed the development of designers and this has certainly informed what I bring to Paper-Cut-Project. I’ve made things with my hands as long as I can remember.

NIKKI – I have a BFA (Interior Design) from The Illinois Institute of Art and have been a practicing artist for ten years.

 

   What inspires you and your designs?

AMY – Nature always, architecture and architectural details, travel and time away or distance from everything to allow for your imagination to have a chance to do something with what you know.

NIKKI – Everything! Nature is always and will always be the number one source, though. All of it is just too amazing to ignore.

 

  What is your favorite piece? 

AMY – There was this wig we did for Valentino, covered in butterflies and flowers. It was just otherworldly.

NIKKI – The Great Ram mask, done for Hermes.

 

 How has the south influenced your work? 

AMY – Living in the South, storytelling is a way to communicate and is almost second nature and I feel that it has shaped my visual thinking as well.

NIKKI – In the south, the world of interior design is pretty influential, and that is always a world worth exploring when it comes to one-of-a-kind pieces.

 

What is your favorite restaurant in (your city)?

via

 AMY – The National (I live in Athens, Georgia. Their pimientos de padron are a great starter and then even though I love their meat dishes I almost always go for the vegi plate. It’s THAT good.  

NIKKI – Holeman & Finch in Atlanta

 

 What is your favorite cocktail?

AMY – Maker’s with Blenheims spicy ginger ale.

NIKKI – Cuba Libre

 

How do you balance personal life and work?

AMY – I’m not looking to strike balance, rather I approach my personal life and professional with an intensity that lets those I’m with know they’re loved or that I love what I do.

NIKKI – You naturally just learn when things need to be taken care of in each realm of life and just make sure that everything gets taken care of when it needs to. And always, always make time for those who are important to you!

 

Dream trip?

AMY – Just returned from one. Port de Andratx on Mallorca.

NIKKI – New Zealand

 

Dream commission?

AMY – To be a part of a Bergdorf Goodman holiday window.

NIKKI – Barneys Windows

 

 Your favorite hostess gift? 

AMY – Good chocolate for after everyone leaves!

NIKKI – Nothing beats a good bottle of wine.

 

Who is your style icon?

AMY – Giovanna Battaglia

NIKKI – Mary Kate Olsen

 

Your favorite up and coming artist/designer/ jewelry designer?

AMY – Katharine Kidd. She’s an LA-based designer but her work has a ready-to-wear appeal while being a contemporary line. It’s super structured and the prints are her own.

NIKKI – Workhorse Jewelry. They have been around for about a year, so are still pretty new. I love how they take their cues from the Victorian era.

 

 What is your most treasured possession?

AMY – One of them is a ring that Nikki gave me by iosselliani. We have matching rings. 

NIKKI – My dog and my wedding rings.

 

What are you reading?

AMY – I just wrapped up my second read with Cansville by Alan Flurry (full disclosure, he’s my husband!) It’s one of my favorites of his many novels.  

And now I’m reading The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope by first time novelist Rhonda Riley, and I can’t put it down.

NIKKI – Fireblood by Jeff Wheeler. I am a fantasy freak.

 

What are you listening to?

AMY – New music from Dave Marr, T. Hardy Morris, Don Chambers and Thayer Sarrano, all Athens musicians I love.

 

NIKKI – Coheed & Cambria, 10 Years, Volbeat

 

Favorite Fashion / Design Blogs?

AMY – Le Catch.com

NIKKI – Designsponge

Here are a few of my favorite works.  I cannot get over the beauty and creativity of these items. I may never look at paper the same way again…