I think that a lovely hairpiece - whether it's a simple ribbon, flower, scarf... OR an elaborate headband, hat or tiara - adds a lovely finishing touch to an outfit. Subtle or eye catching, a piece that blends well with your ensemble brings a level of class and elegance to your dress. Nine times out of ten, it's a winner. Wouldn't you agree? :)
Let me introduce you to New York Nat, created by a talented young woman who produces some of the prettiest "hair jewels" that I have ever seen. I absolutely love the beautiful, vintage designs - truly the ultimate in feminine, romantic and glamorous hair accents!I was lucky enough to be able to interview the designer, Natalie Ann Griffith, and she shared some great thoughts as well as the inspirations behind her line. I found it quite fascinating - read on to get the whole scoop...
AmandaBeth - Can you share a little bit about yourself and your business with us?
Natalie - I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2007 with a major in Dance. I have always been interested in fashion and designed costumes in college. After a couple years living in New York City, I decided to pursue my design dreams and created the New York Nat hair accessory collection. New York Nat is a whimsical line inspired by vintage Hollywood glamour featuring headbands, barrettes and hair combs. I have also recently expanded my line to include Bridal pieces. My hair accessories are sold on my site www.newyorknat.com, at Henri Bendel, and coming soon to Plaza Too www.plazatoo.com.
AB - How did you first become involved in fashion and style?
Natalie - I've been involved in fashion since I was a little girl. I was a competitive figure skater and would sit and watch my mom sew and bead my intricate costumes. I loved playing dress-up and some things haven't changed!
AB - What were some of your early fashion influences? What inspires you now?
Natalie - As and girl growing up in the 90's I was in love with the Jem and the Holograms cartoon. Jem was a rock-star and fashionista who wore fabulous neons. I wore a lot of hot pink back then! Now I am inspired by classic beauty, ballet, Edgar Degas paintings, and I love anything Chanel.
AB - When did you decided to create a line of "Hair Jewels"? How did it all come about?
Natalie - I started making hair jewels this past winter after being inspired from a day of holiday shopping. I created my collection and showed my pieces at Henri Bendel's "Open See" at the end of March. The buyer loved my designs and offered me a trunk show at the store and placed an order right away. It was a whirlwind experience.
AB - Can you share a little bit about your process of generating ideas and bringing your designs to life?
Natalie - My ideas are drawn from all aspects of my life. I am inspired by interesting materials and fabrics and the pieces start to come together with some imagination. When I sit down to make a new design, I play around with ideas and let my mood lead the way.
AB - As a designer, what do you consider some of your biggest accomplishments or proudest moments?
Natalie - My proudest moment was leaving the "Open See" at Henri Bendel knowing I had created a successful collection. There were approximately 500 hopefuls wrapped around the Fifth Avenue store and I was honored to be chosen.
AB - What are you ultimate fashion ambitions? Do you have any big future plans for New York Nat?
Natalie - Ultimately, I would love to have a complete line of accessories including handbags, shoes, belts, and jewelry. In the near future I am starting to work on a few belts that I am very excited about!
AB - What advice do you have for young women who are interested in becoming designers?
Natalie - Don't give up and always stay true to your vision and inspirations. Letting your personality shine through your work is very important.
AB - What are the most important lessons you have learned while being involved in fashion and design?
Natalie - I've learned not to be timid and to trust my instincts.
AmandaBeth - Can you share a little bit about yourself and your business with us?
Natalie - I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2007 with a major in Dance. I have always been interested in fashion and designed costumes in college. After a couple years living in New York City, I decided to pursue my design dreams and created the New York Nat hair accessory collection. New York Nat is a whimsical line inspired by vintage Hollywood glamour featuring headbands, barrettes and hair combs. I have also recently expanded my line to include Bridal pieces. My hair accessories are sold on my site www.newyorknat.com, at Henri Bendel, and coming soon to Plaza Too www.plazatoo.com.
AB - How did you first become involved in fashion and style?
Natalie - I've been involved in fashion since I was a little girl. I was a competitive figure skater and would sit and watch my mom sew and bead my intricate costumes. I loved playing dress-up and some things haven't changed!
AB - What were some of your early fashion influences? What inspires you now?
Natalie - As and girl growing up in the 90's I was in love with the Jem and the Holograms cartoon. Jem was a rock-star and fashionista who wore fabulous neons. I wore a lot of hot pink back then! Now I am inspired by classic beauty, ballet, Edgar Degas paintings, and I love anything Chanel.
AB - When did you decided to create a line of "Hair Jewels"? How did it all come about?
Natalie - I started making hair jewels this past winter after being inspired from a day of holiday shopping. I created my collection and showed my pieces at Henri Bendel's "Open See" at the end of March. The buyer loved my designs and offered me a trunk show at the store and placed an order right away. It was a whirlwind experience.
AB - Can you share a little bit about your process of generating ideas and bringing your designs to life?
Natalie - My ideas are drawn from all aspects of my life. I am inspired by interesting materials and fabrics and the pieces start to come together with some imagination. When I sit down to make a new design, I play around with ideas and let my mood lead the way.
AB - As a designer, what do you consider some of your biggest accomplishments or proudest moments?
Natalie - My proudest moment was leaving the "Open See" at Henri Bendel knowing I had created a successful collection. There were approximately 500 hopefuls wrapped around the Fifth Avenue store and I was honored to be chosen.
AB - What are you ultimate fashion ambitions? Do you have any big future plans for New York Nat?
Natalie - Ultimately, I would love to have a complete line of accessories including handbags, shoes, belts, and jewelry. In the near future I am starting to work on a few belts that I am very excited about!
AB - What advice do you have for young women who are interested in becoming designers?Natalie - Don't give up and always stay true to your vision and inspirations. Letting your personality shine through your work is very important.
AB - What are the most important lessons you have learned while being involved in fashion and design?
Natalie - I've learned not to be timid and to trust my instincts.
Yum... aren't they just lovely? I, for one, am inspired. :)
Natalie's designs are available at Henri Bendel (on 712 Fifth Avenue in New York City) and online at New York Nat.
Images Credits: All photos from newyorknat.com
7 comments:
Beautiful pieces! :)
They're beautiful but, the price!! Great inspiration anyhow....
I love hair pieces! Those are very pretty...I know what you mean about the prices, Jordan. I visit a blog frequently and the blogger came to the same conclusion and made some. They came out so beautiful I thought I'd link to it:
http://resolved2worship.xanga.com/?nextdate=7%2f6%2f2009+17%3a28%3a50.680&direction=n
Scroll down to the second post and you can see the one's she made.
such amazing pieces - I bought the Sophia style at Henri Bendel last month
Oh! Those are lovely!
Amanda, I have a new blog! You can visit me at: http://bramblewoodfashion.blogspot.com/
My other blog is: Vintage Home Life.
~Ashley
What a fun interview! And what fun inspiration for hair :O)
Thanks for sharing that link, Melissa! Whenever I see something I like that I can't afford, I do it myself! It's so satisfying that way... :)
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