From the Selfridges Personal Shopping department to award-winning content creator, Natasha’s career has spanned the worlds of art, retail, education and entrepreneurship. A fine art graduate, she is now returning to her artistic practice, drawing inspiration from the colours, patterns and seasonal rhythms of the natural world. Here, she shares her passion for clothes, sustainability and living with less.
How would you describe your style in three words?
Interesting question! I’d say classic, considered and creative.
Classic, inspired by my time working for agnès b., when I learnt to appreciate timeless pieces made to last, both in style and quality. Considered, because I put a lot of thought into what I buy and choose to shop with brands I trust. I also buy pre-loved clothing whenever possible. And creative, because I love the process of putting outfits together; it gets my day off to a good start.
My love of clothes is in my genes: my grandma was a professional wedding and evening gown maker, my sister is a textile designer, and my mum has an impeccable flair for styling clothes. In the 1960s, while working in a shop on Kilburn High Street, she was approached because of an outfit she’d made herself and offered a job as a window dresser at Chelsea Girl on the King’s Road.
What are you wearing when you feel most yourself?
I prioritise comfort, so I wear only natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and wool. If I had to choose a particular outfit, it would be indigo jeans or a long, floaty skirt, paired with a pretty shirt or blouse and a comfy cardigan. Jeans, a shirt and a cardigan have been my go-to pieces for decades. I’m a creature of habit!
What makes you stop and look at something on a rail?
I spent my twenties working in retail management, including a couple of years in the Selfridges Personal Shopping department, so I’d like to think I’m experienced when it comes to scouring the rails in search of treasure! I’m drawn to heritage knitwear, prints such as plaid, check and gingham, bold and vibrant colours, especially blues and greens, as well as anything stripey. I particularly enjoy shopping for pre-loved clothes because I never know what unique pieces I might find.
What’s the oldest piece in your wardrobe, and why have you kept it?
Being mindful about what I buy and taking good care of my clothes means I get plenty of mileage out of them. The oldest piece in my wardrobe is a navy silk Toast skirt that I bought nearly 20 years ago. I also have two scarves from my days working at agnès b. on Marylebone High Street in the late 1990s. Wearing these older pieces feels like reconnecting with dear old friends.
What’s something you’ll always be tempted to buy, even if you don’t need it?
I’m always tempted by knitwear, especially pieces by the Scottish brand ERIBÉ - its signature Fair Isle pieces are gorgeous. When it comes to vintage clothes, I have a soft spot for Laura Ashley skirts and blouses with Peter Pan collars, pastel-coloured hand-knitted cardigans, Welsh tapestry coats and waistcoats, and M&S men’s knitwear. One of the first pre-loved items I bought was an M&S men’s grey jumper at a jumble sale in the Sussex village where I grew up. It probably cost me no more than 50p, but it became part of my art student uniform, along with my Dr. Martens boots.
What inspires you to sell pieces you no longer wear?
I prefer owning fewer, carefully chosen pieces. I sell, donate, repurpose or recycle clothes I no longer wear. My aim is always to let things go rather than leave unworn items taking up valuable space. I see it as a small act of kindness to myself – a weight off my mind – and to the planet, as it helps keep clothes in circulation and supports the pre-loved clothing market.
Natasha loves the simple things in life.
When she’s not painting in her home studio, she enjoys walking in nature, usually with a flask of tea, browsing her local library and returning home with a pile of books, visiting museums and galleries, and exploring antique and charity shops. She also enjoys being part of local art groups and meeting up with friends and fellow creatives.
To see her beautiful work inspired by the colours, patterns and seasonal rhythms of the natural world click here.