Nancy Herkul Appointed Official Ambassador of the Isis Fashion Awards

In the ever-evolving tapestry of global fashion, few figures possess the multifaceted brilliance and relentless drive of Nancy Herkul. A woman whose life story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic vision, Herkul has officially taken on a transformative role as the Ambassador of the Isis Fashion Awards (IFA). This appointment marks a pivotal moment for both the individual and the institution, as Herkul sets her sights on elevating accessory designers—the long-overlooked "underdogs" of the industry—to the global center stage.

A Legacy of Resilience and Style

Nancy Herkul’s journey into the upper echelons of fashion did not begin in a corporate boardroom, but in the fires of personal experience and entrepreneurial spirit. Born in the Caribbean and later establishing her roots in the Netherlands, she demonstrated an innate business acumen from the age of thirteen. However, it was her foray into the fashion world that truly showcased her heart for advocacy.

Faced with a lack of stylish options for fuller-figured women after a personal injury, Herkul didn't just complain; she created. She launched Curvezz, a clothing line designed specifically to empower women with curves, proving that high fashion and inclusivity were never mutually exclusive. Her work with Curvezz took her to the prestigious Full Figured Fashion Week in New York, establishing her as a trailblazer who understands the struggles of designers who don't fit the "standard" mold.

Beyond design, Herkul is a registered behavioral expert and mindset coach. This unique background allows her to look at fashion through the lens of psychology and empowerment, making her more than just a figurehead—she is a mentor to the next generation of creative minds.

The Isis Fashion Awards: A Global Digital Powerhouse

The Isis Fashion Awards, founded by Dutch media producer Jan-Willem Breure, was born out of a specific necessity. For decades, traditional fashion weeks have been dominated by garments, leaving accessory designers—those who craft the jewelry, handbags, headpieces, and footwear—to function as mere background noise.

The IFA changed that narrative. Based in Amsterdam, the awards ceremony is the first major international platform dedicated exclusively to accessory design. The event’s unique format involves:

The Focused Catwalk: Models often wear minimalist attire so that the audience’s gaze is fixed solely on the craftsmanship of the accessories.

Interactive Jury Reviews: Unlike the silent judgment of traditional shows, IFA judges engage in dialogue with designers, asking about their materials, inspirations, and the technical artistry behind their work.

A Global Platform: From its home at the De Koning Event Center, the IFA has grown into a televised and digital powerhouse, attracting talent from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The show's digital impact is unprecedented. In 2024, the Isis Fashion Awards officially became the most-watched fashion show on YouTube, amassing millions of views and outperforming traditional high-fashion broadcasts. This digital dominance has turned the IFA into the premier destination for designers looking to reach a massive, global audience of enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Herkul’s Vision: Elevating Global Talent

As the newly minted Ambassador, Nancy Herkul is not merely maintaining the status quo; she is architecting a future where the Isis Fashion Awards serves as a bridge between the "underdogs" and the global elite. Her goal is twofold: to professionalize the platforms available to emerging talent and to ensure that designers from every corner of the globe—particularly from her beloved Africa and the Caribbean—have a seat at the table.

She brings this philosophy to the IFA by focusing on strategic transformation. Her role involves more than just red-carpet appearances; she is also the "Backstage & Press Coordinator," a position that allows her to manage the narrative of the designers. She ensures that when a designer walks onto the IFA stage, they aren't just showing a product—they are telling a story that the international press can amplify.

The Future of the Runway

Under Herkul’s ambassadorship, the future seasons of the Isis Fashion Awards promise to be the most inclusive and innovative yet. She is passionate about integrating sustainability into the show—a theme already gaining traction through the IFA’s collaboration with the Green Carpet Awards. Herkul envisions a world where an accessory designer from a small village in Ghana or a boutique in Suriname can stand on an Amsterdam runway and be recognized as a master of their craft.

By combining her deep understanding of human behavior with her extensive network in international events (including her work with the Septimius Awards), Nancy Herkul is turning the Isis Fashion Awards into a beacon of hope. For the dreamers, the makers, and the "underdogs" of fashion, Herkul’s ambassadorship is a signal that their time has finally arrived.