Ron Dadon is a name that resonates with creativity, passion, and artistic flair. From her roots in Scottsdale, Arizona, to her evolution as a multifaceted artist, Dadon’s journey weaves together nostalgia, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Her brand, Nuvonu, bridges eras, creating wearable art that captures the essence of both past and present.
Born on June 30, 1998, Dadon’s family immigrated to the United States from Israel when she was two years old. Describing her roots as beautifully colorful, her parents have always encouraged her to express her creativity since the moment she took her first breath.
“I've always been entrepreneurial and have always loved making art.”
Dadon’s brand, Nuvonu, has undergone an evolution. Initially focused on curating vintage pieces, she later transitioned to creating original designs. Balancing the nostalgia of vintage aesthetics with the demands of contemporary fashion is no small feat. However, Dadon achieves this by infusing each Nuvonu piece with the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail found in vintage items. When customers receive a Nuvonu creation, they experience a timeless work of art that bridges the past and the present.
FORM: Your brand Nuvonu has evolved from curating vintage pieces to creating original designs. How do you balance the nostalgia of vintage aesthetics with the innovation required for contemporary fashion?
DADON: Vintage pieces carry a unique romance and nostalgia that’s hard to match. There’s something magical about holding a handcrafted item from over 100 years ago. In every design I create, I ensure that the same level of craftsmanship and detail are present. When a customer receives a Nuvonu piece, they're getting a timeless work of art with the same practices, precision, and attention to detail as pieces made in the early 20th century.
Dadon’s background as a film photographer significantly impacts her design process. Her visual thinking and keen eye for aesthetics translate seamlessly into her fashion creations. Sometimes, she combines vintage details into entirely new pieces, breathing fresh life into classic elements. Other times, her photo shoot concepts inspire the outfits she designs. Ron’s ability to think visually allows her to create unique and captivating fashion that resonates with a wide audience.
FORM: What inspired you to take the leap from vintage curation to design, and how has your photographic background influenced your design process?
DADON: After three years of collecting and selling vintage, I found myself longing to create the perfect combination of the pieces I loved. I wanted a dress with a specific neckline, but with different pleats, and this ribbon, but not that lace. I enjoy combining vintage details into pieces that haven’t been created before. Other times, I dream up a photo shoot concept and design the outfits after the concept is laid out. I love thinking visually, and that translates throughout all of my art forms.
As a film photographer, Dadon appreciates the tangibility of physical objects. Vintage pieces, with their history and craftsmanship, hold a special allure. In her designs, she aims to capture that same magic, ensuring that Nuvonu pieces are not only fashionable but also enduring works of art. Whether it’s a dress with a specific neckline or a carefully chosen ribbon, Ron’s commitment to quality and creativity shines through.
FORM: As a film photographer, how do you feel the tangibility of film enhances the storytelling of your fashion narratives? Why do you choose to shoot on a physical medium like film while the world shifts to digital? Does it inform your creative process?
DADON: Film photography naturally feels cinematic. It allows me to capture the genuine essence of a moment without needing to enhance it. That’s what is so great about film—it feels real, gritty, and romantic. Everything I make has a romantic undertone. Digital feels a bit too sterile for me. With film, I can shoot more intuitively, releasing the need for control, and letting the moment breathe through the image.
FORM: Your creations are made to order by skilled artisans in New York. Why is it important to you to establish an intimate human relationship with each garment?
DADON: Finding the right partners in New York took a long time, but it was worth it. The seamstresses who create Nuvonu pieces are incredibly dedicated and talented. By crafting each piece meticulously, one at a time, each garment tells its own story. Each piece is a work of art, made with love and precision by some of the most skilled hands in the world.
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, Ron Dadon’s Nuvonu stands out as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and creativity. From her Scottsdale beginnings to her current role as a visionary designer, Dadon’s story is one of passion and innovation. Her ability to merge vintage aesthetics with modern demands results in garments that are both nostalgic and fresh, each piece telling its own story. Through her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Ron ensures that every Nuvonu creation is a timeless work of art. As she continues to inspire and captivate with her unique vision, Ron Dadon reminds us that true artistry in fashion is about honoring the past while boldly stepping into the future.
