Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/94641
NATALIE DONOVAN Wild.Horses What is your background? I Studied at Fremantle Challenger TAFE completing my Diploma in Fashion and Textiles in 2010. I had no previous fashion experience before the course except fashion retail. I learned to sew, pattern make and widen my creativity through art and constructing at TAFE. How did you end up where you are today? I initially started making hand made jewellery using semi-precious stones. I would take these pieces to markets to advertise my label 'Wild Horses' as the stall passing through at once. Jewellery was only meant to help me get money behind me to get my clothing range made. But then everyone started to recognise me through my hand-made jewellery and so Ive kept that up and I have combined my garments with my jewellery for a top to bottom look. I would go to a market at least twice a week last Summer to get me how much they are willing to spend and get their feedback which is vitally important in the beginning when you're starting a label up so you can build your foundations from there. What plans do you have for the future? I would love to keep creating simple, beautiful yet edgy designs through clothing, jewellery and bags and clutches. My dream is to become a household reasonable price while still looking edgy and unique. What, to date, has been your biggest failure? out. These days, sizes have adpated to the now ' Australian Woman Figure'. So now we are calling a size 8 a size 10-12. Our sizes have become larger. Its all got to do with marketing. What items/experiences have inspired you? Experiences would have to be life in general! I am a mum so I want to make each day count. I have big am inspired by my son, my family, and natural art (old streets, old homes - anything old and shabby) your current collection/work? I have a few raw cut crystals that I have used jewellery that I am making for PFF. I've used lots of raw cut crystals and brightly coloured stones and agate. And also, I've kept some of my garments hems raw for a natural gritty aesthetic. Why do you think people have responded so well to your work? for a one off necklace to vamp up an old dress from your wardrobe or buy one of my timeless leather jackets to keep in your clothing collection forever. What advice would you give to someone trying to break into your industry? Keep going keep going! Keep working at it in every aspect and you will reap the rewards. If money was no object and you could own any one object/item, what would it be? A Balmain Jacket! SHEILA SPRING 2012 33