I met Natalie Constantinidou 8 years ago, she is a talented Cypriot designer and close friend. After a mutual intro we hit it off instantly and have remained friends ever since. Mother of two handsome boys, Natalie is fashion visionary and always super stylish, her feminine designs are romantic, versatile, simple yet elegant and her signature frills and lace are what draw you to her collections. Natalie’s successful on- line shop and exclusive, made-to- measure pieces are sought after by Cypriots and overseas clients putting her ahead of her game.
Tell us three things about yourself.
I’m energetic, persistent and funny.
What sparkled your interest in fashion?
The Female body.
Which famous designer do you find inspiring and why?
Geoffrey Beene because I interned at his fashion house as a student and later I worked there for a while. He is considered to be one of the greatest American designers, his style is recognized for his artistic and technical skills and for creating simple, comfortable yet formal women’s wear.
What was your biggest fear when you started your own line?
The financial part.
If you could go back in time, give yourself one tip before beginning your career, what would it be?
To make wiser financial decisions.
What is your favourite part about being a designer?
That I can be creative.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?
Feminine, stylish, sensual.
In what ways is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?
Social media has made it all a lot easier.
-
- Natalie on social media wearing her designs
You sell your clothes to international markets- how did that come about?
I sell through my online shop and exhibitions I have attended abroad over the years have helped enormously.
Working with big names in New York must have been a real eye opener, what did it feel like?
Super exciting! I was in a fashion hub for 12 years, it became my second home and a source of constant inspiration!
What pressures do designers face when putting together their own collection season after season?
I would say three things, financial, timing and seasonal success.
How do you get unstuck creatively?
By taking breaks and occupying myself with other things. I love going to the gym and swimming. I find these two things help me enormously.
What is an important factor when putting together a collection?
Keeping your signature style! (and Natalie sure has hers!)
Tell us about this seasons ready to wear collection!
My SS18 collection is called ‘Physical Journey’
A sensual woman that embodies femininity. A woman that takes pleasure on embarking a seductive, confident, sexy, mysterious yet childish journey. One who expresses herself according to her desires. She can be romantic, joyful, young and shy or she can be sexy, powerful, seductive and daring. She has a very natural sexiness to her. These are her characteristics.
If in Cyprus, note down that Natalie is having an event at the end of May. Pieces will be 80- 150 euro. For further details contact Natalie by email designs@natali.com.cy or DM her on Instagram Natalie Constantinidou.
