INTERVIEW with Natalie Hamblin || Brisbane Fashion Festival 2026 Designer (Hancock Prospecting Next Gen Group Show)
SD: Hi, Natalie, For my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself again?
NH: Hi Suzanne, thank you so much for having me! I’m Natalie Hamblin, a Brisbane-based couture designer and passionate environmental advocate. I love transforming everyday household waste—like milk bottles, single-use plastics, and discarded clothing—into glamorous, conversation-starting couture pieces. My goal is to challenge perceptions around consumption and waste, encouraging people to think differently about what we throw away. For me, fashion is a powerful platform to highlight sustainability while creating beautiful, meaningful garments.
SD: What challenges did you face when you started up your own label, and what advice would you give young aspiring designers?
NH: Starting out was definitely a journey of being brave, stepping up, following my heart, listening to what I knew what was the right thing to do, using my voice to tell the truth and follow big dreams . The biggest challenge was turning discarded materials into high-fashion pieces. I had to believe in my skills that eco-conscious designs can be stunning and innovative. My advice to young designers is to stay true to your values, be persistent, and see obstacles as opportunities to push your creativity. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box—sometimes the most unexpected materials can become the most striking designs.
SD: Does art in all its forms play a major part in your life?
NH: Absolutely. Art is at the core of everything I do. Whether it’s sculpture, painting, or even the process of transforming waste into art, I see sustainability as a form of creative expression. Art inspires me to explore new ways of reimagining materials and to see beauty in the overlooked or discarded. It’s about turning waste into wonder and sparking conversations about our consumption habits through the language of fashion.
SD: How do you select the materials that are used in your clothes?
NH: The materials are the heart of my work. I source discarded items—plastic bottles, single-use clothing, and other household waste—that can be repurposed into something beautiful. I look for pieces that have interesting textures, colors, and shapes that lend themselves to couture design. It’s about seeing potential where others might see waste. I also consider the environmental impact, striving to use materials that are ethically sourced and reduce landfill waste.
SD: What are your plans for the future, and what can we expect in the coming years?
NH: I want to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion. My dream is to develop larger collections that not only showcase the beauty of recycled materials but also educate and inspire change. I plan to collaborate with like-minded artists and organizations to amplify the message about reducing waste. In the coming years, I hope to see more innovation in eco-fashion and more awareness about how our choices impact the planet.
SD: Without giving too much detail away, what should we expect from your collection for Brisbane Fashion Festival 2026?
NH: I’m excited to share that this year’s collection will continue to celebrate discarded materials, but with a focus on colour—bright, bold, and vibrant hues that really pop. The pieces will be glamorous, eye-catching, and designed to spark conversations about consumption and waste. It’s about showing that sustainability can be stunning and that fashion can be a catalyst for change. I want the audience to feel inspired and empowered to rethink what they consider waste.
Tickets are going fast. See Natalie Hamblin Couture on the runway. Buy your tickets HERE
Brisbane Fashion Festival Website: https://brisbanefashionfestival.com/
Brisbane Fashion Festival Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrisbaneFashionFestival
Brisbane Fashion Festival Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brisbane.fashionfestival/
Natalie Hamblin Couture’s Social Media Presence:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_hamblin_couture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.hamblin.artist/
Photo Credits:
First Photo: Model Arianne Endrizzi taken by Theresa Hall
Second Photo: Model Rula and Designer Natalie Hamblin taken by Jamie Etherington
