Fashion Designer
Natalia Naveed
Brings up WINTER TRENDS
exactly will come on way to close 2015…
A Lahore based fashion designer Natalia Naveed runs her own label, in which she specifically unleashes creativity to heights; meticulously selecting material from ethnicity for quality clothing. She introduces her brand in the prêt wear fashion, with a twist of razzle-dazzle. Here she just gave terse interview detailing what winter trends exactly will come on way to close 2015.
- When & how this inspiration of fashion designing came in you?
I’ve been into fashion since I can remember. However, there was one hitch at the start:
A hardcore tomboy as a kid (and still one), in my earlier years I wasn’t very expressive or demonstrative about my love for designing clothes, thinking that everyone would make fun of me about being so girly. So while I’d spend most of my days at school and college at the basketball court (basketball is my other passion and I’ve played at the National level many times as well), I’d take out time at home to secretly sketch clothes for all kinds of imaginary people. But after my bachelors (double majors in Economics and Finance) it hit me that I was wasting my life not doing something I love. Being a female pro basketball player in Pakistan was out of the question, so I decided to pursue my other passion which was fashion (yeah I know the two don’t mix at all). Hence, I took a risk and declined all job offers and instead applied to fashion houses. As expected nobody responded. And why would they? I had no relevant academic or professional experience in any art related field let alone fashion designing on my resume. And unfortunately I had no other way of showing them how bad I wanted this. And then Generation decided to give me a chance. I was able to convince them and they kept me on a trial basis at first. So from being somebody hired on a trial basis and being offered half the pay as opposed to a PIFD or NCA graduate, I left my home (my family lives in Islamabad) once again (the first time for college), got myself a cheap portion in Lahore and worked hard at Generation for the next five years. I was eventually promoted to Team Head of two of their most important lines: Generation Woman and Generation Basic and was leading and training designers from prestigious fashion schools.
- You are so much specialized in designing prêt line, so what kind of styles you say best to carry in light parties?
If you ask me I’d say don’t follow a fixed recipe! Wear pastels or a rich color palette; go with an androgynous look or something very feminine; wear more or even nothing at all!
- As a designer Cambric Lawn suits are so inn now a days like every year, so our readers would like to know that when are you planning to launch your one to beat the coldness?
Not any time soon. At this point in time it’s not important for me to do what the majority is doing; I want to express myself with what I create.
- Do you feel more comfortable in working with international models or our local ones?
I recently collaborated with an American brand, Victoria Road, and designed their recent winter collection. The photoshoot was done in New York with two gorgeous American models and that’s the only interaction I’ve had with international models, them wearing my collection in print and social media.
5. When you go abroad to showcase your collection, then which sort of clients you target?
It’s only been 6 months since I launched Natalia, and I’ve only been to India so far for an exhibition. I took my first collection which comprised of kimonos, blazers, crop tops with culottes and whatever was in fashion at that point in time. The response was amazing! I’m targeting the same clientele everywhere – fashion forward, confident, strong headed women.
6. What are the cuts and fabric material hits in 2016?
Variations of jackets, capes, kimonos and flowy draped silhouettes. Brocades, velvets, organza tissue and silks as far as fabrics are concerned.
- As you are Lahore based, so what difference you exactly see in other markets like of Islamabad & Karachi regarding fashion sense, buying power and etc?
I feel Karachites like basic wear more compared to Lahoris. As in they would probably prefer being under dressed as opposed to being over dressed as long they are on trend and looking fashionable. I’d love to exhibit there one day. So far I haven’t experienced differences in terms of buying power as far as other cities are concerned; I get orders from all 3 cities equally.
8. Do you consult males also or only females, and if yes then what trends are on way of casual wear for menswear?
No only females for now. But my business partner and I may venture out into menswear one day.
9. In future, except Islamabad & Lahore, where else you would like to adjust more?
As I said I’d love to exhibit in Karachi next, I think they would like the kind of western wear I’m making.
10. As you work for prêt & bridal wear, so which one line you think is more interesting to work?
Prêt for me! I love minimalism; impactful minimalism is what I like to call it.
11. How can we approach your brand?
Instagram.com/nataliabynatalianaveed
Facebook.com/nataliabynatalianaveed
Cell: +923335251950
Email: nataliabynatalianaveed@gmail.com
Our website is under construction: www.nataliaofficial.com
“I feel Karachites like basic wear more compared to Lahoris. As in they would probably prefer being under dressed as opposed to being over dressed as long they are on trend and looking fashionable.”
If you ask me I’d say don’t follow a fixed recipe! Wear pastels or a rich color palette; go with an androgynous look or something very feminine; wear more or even nothing at all!
