Natalie Wood / Bubbles of Love Top

Design Director Natalie Wood put a lot of love and energy into her organic silk twill sample top.

Natalie Wood
“Bubbles of Love”

Ingredients
15 hrs hand embroidery
60mts of silk thread
6 bunches of pink roses
1 hot pink fabric dye

Play with the track ‘Love’ by Air

Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us about what you do that defines being a creative to you.
Natalie Wood: I live with my mind often up somewhere in the clouds.

Tartan Mind Mend: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?
Natalie Wood: Music was probably my biggest vice. Meditation kept me grounded.
And I learnt how to make the perfect dirty vodka martini.

TMM: Tell us your idea about your re-imagined Tartan piece and what inspired you.
NW: I think when I thought about my own mental health, what really stands out to me is love and kindness of the people in my life. Connection is maybe one of the most important things for me. So, I really thought about that a lot. And I wanted to do something that reflected how that could be captured in a t-shirt. The love heart is my all time favourite symbol so I started with the idea hand embroidering lots of love hearts - and channeling the idea of love into every stitch. I’m often referencing my childhood in my work and a recent love of bubble writing came back - so the 2 together felt sweet and nostalgic. I guess the plan was whoever ended up with this piece would feel the love of every stitch. Adding to this with the idea of natural dying with 6 bunches of pink roses - again another romantic gesture. Even though that came with its unique set of challenges that then resulted in a final hot pink tie dye…again, it’s the imperfect journey of life that I’m always interested in.

TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?
NW: I think if anything it improved the creative process because there were so few other distractions. There was lots of time and space which is an essential ingredient for me. It’s something I need to try to remember when the diary starts filling up again.

TMM: As Design Director at Camilla, how has your role changed during these unique times?
NW: In my work life not a lot really changed as deadlines remained - we just happened to become amazing at making things happen virtually. I think I was always really aware that trying to work out ways to unite people via a zoom meeting was super important - a lot of energy went into my design team meetings to keep a sense of positivity. And it was certainly an interesting time attempting to home school at the same time. Talk about a nutty experience !

TMM: When the world opens back up, what is the first thing you would love to do?
NW: Drive out of the city.

100% Organic Silk Twill
Gentle Hand Wash in Cold Water
Wash separately
Colour may subtly change with each wash

Sample Size 1/S