INTERVIEW with Natalie Hamblin Designs || Designer for Ravishing Fashionistas 2025
SD: Hi Natalie Hamblin Designs, for my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?
NH: Hi, I'm Natalie Hamblin, and my brand is Natalie Hamblin Designs. For readers who don’t know me yet, I am a multidisciplinary artist with a Bachelor of Visual Arts. I started making wearable art and fashion design in 2021, dedicated to upcycling household waste and discarded clothing, particularly single-use plastics and garments like wedding dresses. My work merges creativity with sustainability, aiming to transform materials that are often overlooked into beautiful, functional pieces. As an environmental art activist, my goal is to inspire others to think sustainably and challenge the fast fashion narrative.
SD: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers who are just starting their journey?
NH: My main piece of advice for aspiring designers is to stay true to your values and passions. In a world where trends constantly change, finding your unique voice is crucial. Embrace experimentation and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they often lead to your most innovative ideas. Additionally, develop a strong understanding of sustainable practices early on. There is a growing demand for eco-conscious design, and incorporating these principles from the start will help you stand out in the industry.
SD: How do you approach sustainability and ethical practices in your designs and production processes?
NH: Sustainability is at the core of my design philosophy. I prioritize upcycling materials, like turning discarded plastic into fashion pieces or reimagining wedding dresses to give them a new life. I carefully source my materials, ensuring that they are either repurposed or ethically produced. I aim to minimize waste at every stage of the production process, using techniques that maximize the potential of each fabric. Furthermore, I engage in transparent practices and collaborate with local artisans to support ethical labor within the community.
SD: What is your favourite part of being a designer?
NH: My favourite part of being a designer is the transformative power of art and fashion. It’s incredibly rewarding to take something that others might see as trash and turn it into a stunning piece of wearable art. I love hearing how my designs resonate with people and spark conversations about sustainability. Connecting with my community, whether through workshops or collaborations, and witnessing others embrace sustainable practices is truly fulfilling.
SD: What challenges have you faced as an emerging fashion designer, and how have you overcome them?
NH: As an emerging designer, I’ve faced several challenges, especially in gaining visibility and recognition in a saturated market. Sourcing sustainable materials can be tough as well. The work life balance with being a self funded designer while juggling, work and raising a family is not only exhausting but makes it harder to focus purely on my design practice.
SD: Without giving too much detail away, what should we expect from your collection for Ravishing Fashionistas 2025?
NH: For my collection debuting at Ravishing Fashionistas 2025, you can expect a stunning selection of pieces that powerfully showcase the beauty of upcycling household waste and discarded clothing. The collection will highlight creative uses of materials that might otherwise be seen as useless, transforming them into striking and unique garments. It will carry a deeper narrative about awareness and responsibility in fashion, illustrating how we can celebrate sustainable practices while making bold style statements. Stay tuned for designs that challenge perceptions and inspire a more mindful approach to fashion!
See Natalie Hamblin Designs on the runway. Buy your tickets here.
Ravishing Fashionistas Website: https://ravishingfashionistas.com/
Ravishing Fashionistas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravishing_fashionistas/
Ravishing Fashionistas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravishingfashionistas
Ravishing Fashionistas Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnWLvRrzzdNLg2naY5rdJJg
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: Photography by Colin McLennan - Modelled by Jodi Urli
Second Photo: Photography by Stephen Heath