She's a brave stylist, and not just because of her clothe choices. Natalie Hartley is the senior fashion editor (no less!) of the Sunday Times Style magazine - yes, she's the brave girl who week after week demonstrates to Mrs. Joe Blogs how to pull off big shoulders or track pants with heels or head to toe denim. A risky move for a leader in the industry - she's opened herself up to national scrutiny...or has she?
Her page in the magazine has had, with no great surprise, a massive thumbs up by everyone. She's had people in the street stopping her and thanking her ("It's so weird" she says to me coyly), hundreds of people following her on Twitter (God knows you're no one without a huge following), loads of lovely 'fan' mail letters and emails, and mentions on numerous blogs - www.pinkgamegirlrocks.blogspot.com gushed: "I completely fell in love with her style" and Jackie Dixon did a fab shoot with Natalie for her blog www.showmeyourwardrobe.blogspot.com and a special in Style magazine. (Make sure you check out www.jackiedixonphotogrpahy.com for Jackie's AMAZE camera work too!)
Natalie's worked on some of the best titles in the fashion magazine world, with some of the most famous faces in the media and with some of the best editors in the world, yet she still remains down to earth and uber-cool. She's not affected. She's true to her work. She's a stylist with style.
I've worked with Natalie in the past and her nonchalant yet still highly enthusiastic approach to her work is infectious and applaudable. I was thrilled when she agreed to answer some questions for me. She's a busy lady don't you know!
Here's what she had to say...
The Very: Congrats on your new-ish feature in Style mag, you always look great! Did you jump at the chance to be photographed? Or did it take some persuading?
The Hartley: Thank you! I didn't exactly jump at the chance but am very happy to be doing it as I think it's really taken off as an idea and think some people do find it helpful/inspiring.
The Very: Is there any of them that you have hated? And what items have you loved the most? I personally loved the metallics one!
The Hartley: I try and do each outfit as I would wear them, and genuinely would wear most of them, apart from maybe one which definitely would appeal to others - fashion tastes are so different for everyone....there are no rules and what I say on my pages are just my opinions, not necessarily to everyones taste.
The Very: Obviously as a stylist your own personal style comes into your work, but what are the boundaries?
The Hartley: The boundaries for me are whether it goes out of the comfort zone. I love to look good but like to be comfortable at all times. People who dress for fashion sake instead of relaxing into an outfit don't always look great, no matter how trendy their look may be. Trying too hard is a big turn off!
The Very: What has been your best shoot to date and why? Is it because you were given a free reign?
The Hartley: My best shoot so far was with Eva Mendes. The vibe was great on the day. She was nervous of being to bare and exposed so we had fun with the clothes and she looked amazing. It is quite a challenge getting on with celebs - they are only human at the end of the day and usually as nervous as any of us are at not wanting to look bad. When you achieve something with them that everyone is happy with, then it's great and memorable.
The Very: In regards to mens fashion, is there a particular way you like to style men?
The Hartley: Menswear is not my strength but when I do style men for the newspaper, I tend to keep the outfits simple and wearable. I like a man to look relaxed in their clothes.
The Very: Who would be your absolute perfect person to get your hands on rock up their style?
The Hartley: Jordan!! I think she's fab and naturally beautiful so would love to see her looking stylish and elegant without the makeup. Elle magazine (Natalie was fashion assistant to the director for three years) did a great shoot with her a few years ago. I think she would look great with a new image and less boob!
The Very: Is there anyone in the media who you think always looks amazing and why?
The Hartley: Carine Roitfeld (Editor-in-chief at French Vogue) dresses for her age in an amazingly stylish way. Also Oprah Winfrey - she knows her body shape and dresses accordingly. The most stylish women dress like that. Its not about keeping up with trends as such, but using them to suit you and your body.
The Very: What tips would you suggest for the following:
- A key accessory for any season
- Top 3 staples for a summer wardrobe
- A curvy lady
- A man desperate for a change
The Hartley:
- Key accessory: a loose grey jumper goes with EVERYTHING
- Three summer essentials: denim cut offs, loose t-shirt and Carrera sunglasses
- A curvy lady: a good belt to accentuate the waist
- A man desperate for a change: always change the shoes! Shoes for men, as for women, are the easiest way to update a look without trying to hard
The Very: Who are your favourite designers at the moment?
The Hartley: Loving Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Peter Pilotto, Felder and Felder, Meadham Kirchoff.
The Very: What is it about the fashion world that you love?
The Hartley: I love how I get to go to so many interesting places and meet so many people. At fashion week for example, the venues can be amazing; you can go into buildings that are not always open to the public, and to be able to look at a collection in an spectacular space just adds to the drama (in an industry that probably doesn't need more drama!). I feel very special to be part of it.
Watch Natalie in an amaze little interview for LiveFromFashionWeek:
To watch more, visit london fashion week
Hey!
Welcome to The Very Simon G. My blog has been going for nearly a decade, but there ain’t getting away from me just yet! Come in for fashion, fun and everything in between. Enjoy!