INTERVIEW with Natalie Hamblin Designs || Brisbane Fashion Festival 2025 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: Hello, I'm Natalie Hamblin, a sustainable fashion designer. I create elegant, eye-catching, glamorous garments by upcycling and repurposing household waste and secondhand clothing. My work is deeply rooted in sustainability and reflects a commitment to reducing textile waste and is driven by a great desire to advocate for the environment.
SD: What kind of music do you like and how do you incorporate it into your fashion design?
NH: I enjoy contemporary music with meaning, particularly songs that reflect environmental and sustainable themes. The lyrics often inspire the mood and intention behind a specific garment or collection.
SD: What’s your creative routine like? Where do you start, and how do you know when something’s finished?
NH: My creative process is often highly intuitive. I work on my collection in bursts, focusing intensely on a single garment or concept until I’m satisfied. I typically start by gathering materials—reclaimed fabrics or upcycled garments—and then I visualise the overall concept in my mind. I prefer not to sketch out my designs in advance; instead, I experiment directly with the materials, allowing the design to evolve organically until I achieve the desired look and feel. While I have had to sketch plans at times—especially when working to specific deadlines—I generally prefer the creative freedom of exploring and refining my ideas through hands-on experimentation. I work towards a clear deadline, which keeps me disciplined, but I value the process of discovery and spontaneous innovation. I know a piece is finished when it aligns with my vision, embodies the aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability goals, and feels complete—it's more of a feeling than a fixed point in time.
SD: What would be your dream fashion gig right now?
NH: My dream fashion gig right now would be to design a capsule collection for a high-profile, environmentally conscious retailer or a collaboration with a sustainable lifestyle brand. This would allow me to showcase my upcycling techniques and sustainable ethos to a wider audience and potentially inspire more people to adopt sustainable fashion practices. I'd also love to host workshops or participate in events that promote sustainable fashion education and upcycling.
SD: Describe your personal style of clothing?
NH: My personal style is a blend of vintage, upcycled finds and contemporary garments. I appreciate clean lines, comfortable silhouettes, and a touch of unexpected detail. I draw inspiration from both vintage aesthetics and modern design, and always try to incorporate elements of sustainability into my personal wardrobe.
See Natalie Hamblin Designs on the runway. Buy your tickets here
Brisbane Fashion Festival Website: https://brisbanefashionfestival.com/
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Brisbane Fashion Festival Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brisbane.fashionfestival/
Natalie Hamblin Designs’ Social Media Presence:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_hamblin_designs/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.hamblin.artist/
Photo Credits:
First Photo: Model - Bella Shaw || Photography - Ramji Ambrosiussen
Second Photo: Model - Jodi Urli || Photography - Colin McLellan