halie
Earlier this month, I introduced you to one of our favorite new lines, New York Nat. This adorable hair accessory line was such a hit with all of you, I decided to get the full background story on Natalie Griffith, the designer herself!
Natalie is gracious, talented, super stylish, and a fantastic designer. However, she is relatively new to the designing world. Read on and see how she got to where she is today, and next month, be sure to swing by Henri Bendel’s to pick up a headband or two!
So met Natalie Griffith, a University of Michigan graduate, and hear what she has to say about trends, bargain hunting, and her favorite fashion items…
First of all, lets get with how you ended up designing your own fashion line. Accessories excite me. After shopping for a headband and not finding exactly what I wanted, I decided to make my own Once I designed my first headbands I was hooked! People began asking me where they could buy my headbands and New York Nat was born.
A gorgeous headband from New York Nat
It sounds like you have always been influenced by fashion. I spent all of my college summers in New York City. I studied dance at the Martha Graham School, NYU, and Broadway Dance Center. I also interned at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. When I had free time I was busy exploring Manhattan and experimenting with fashion. During college, I paid close attention to my style and it was constantly evolving. After many trials, I found my own unique style that I am comfortable in. College opened my eyes to the possibilities. I learned how to shop for great jeans while at school.
A Degas painting that inspires Natalie
As a dance major, I designed the costumes for my senior thesis concert. The dancers wore the perfect little black dress with this great polka dot belt at the waist. They looked like dolls!
What were some of the biggest trends on your campus? Hard Tail black leggings paired with tunic length shirts and aviator sunglasses. It was very casual and laid back for class. My favorite trend that started in college is the skinny jean and ballet flat. My least favorite trend was the Ugg boots paired with a jean miniskirt.
Tell me, did you ever attend a lecture in sweatpants/pajamas? No, but sometimes I would have my ballet leotard on underneath my clothes if I was running to rehearsal right after.
It seems like you’ve always been stylish! How did you stay fashionable while on a college budget? I would invest in key pieces like jeans and shoes and would spend less on the trendy items by shopping at H & M and Urban Outfitters.
How would you describe the fashion scene of University of Michigan? U of M is a diverse campus with student influences from the east and west coasts. Students are often seen in Seven jeans and James Perse tees. There are some great boutiques on campus that carry Black Halo, Matt & Nat, Miss Sixty, and Hanky Panky to name a few. Urban Outfitters and American Apparel are the most popular stores on campus.
NYTimes photo of Natalie in line at Henri Bendel’s “Open-See”
Okay, so what’s a typical day for you? There is no typical day, but last Friday my day started with answering emails, making a long “To Do” list, and then I was off to meet with the accessory buyer for Henri Bendel to discuss my line and future presence in the store. After my meeting I grabbed a quick lunch and hopped on the subway heading downtown to the garment district. I stopped at Mood, MJ trimming, and Tinsel Trading for materials. By 5:00 I was back on the train uptown to get ready for a gallery opening event.
Audrey Hepburn, Natalie’s Fashion Icon
Alright, now the fun stuff… Your ultimate fashion icon Audrey Hepburn because she was elegant and graceful. Her style is timeless.
Me too! Okay, your favorite designer? Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
Favorite fashion movie Devil Wears Prada. I gasped in the movie theater at every outfit Anne Hathaway wore. I immediately went to Sephora to buy red lipstick after the movie.
Your best & worst fashion moments Best: I had the cutest Kenzie black patent peep toe heels that looked fabulous with every dress. Worst: Capri pants!
What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now? I can’t pick just one! I love my cropped black leather motorcycle jacket by Aqua and my purple belted Theory dress.
Fashion advice you’d give to current college students Take risks! College is the time to find your signature look. Follow your creative passion, you might surprise yourself!
