When it comes to clothes, we don't generally use "boxy" as a term of endearment—but we've started to reconsider our biases since discovering Natalie Encarnita. The label's current collection, which consists of garments with actual corners and sides, takes the term "architectural tailoring" to a new level, all while radiating comfort and ease from every seam.

"'Architecture and graphics from the '30s were my most obvious references, but I was also inspired by African art, a couple of dodgy World War II films, and Ernesto Caivano's abstract feather drawings," says designer Natalie Mason. Born in Australia and educated in the U.K., her intercontinental experiences have obviously affected her work. Unorthodox construction, bold color stories and metallic detailing are straight out of London art school, while her use of breezy jerseys and poplins, combined with the languid, sack-like nature of her polygonal shapes, reflects the laid-back vibe of her native Perth.

It's not just Mason's design statements that are audacious—displaying an entrepreneurial spirit that belies her short time in the business (she'll soon be celebrating Natalie Encarnita's first birthday), the designer's short term plans all point toward empire-building. "I'm developing a sideline 'greatest hits' range, based on my best-selling pieces of the past year," she explains. "The idea is that I can add to it each season, and really simplify each style so it can become a blank canvas for collaborations with print designers."

Not that all of her goals are so lofty, however. "I'd also love to start selling to a few shops in Australia, as I grew up there and it would give me an excuse to go back more often." If our predictions are correct, it'll only be a matter of time before the Aussie fashion set is begging her not to leave!

Natalie Encarnita is available at Pixie Market; for more information please visit www.natalieencarnita.co.uk.

- Erin Magner

Similar Topics:Australia, fashion, pixie market, shopping

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