Designer Natalie Procter from Mina. Image supplied.
Natalie Procter founded her ethical womenswear label Mina in 2017 after graduating from her fashion design degree at Massey University in 2016. Mina has ethical and sustainable principles at its core and Natalie designs with natural fabrics in mind. Her clean, contemporary pieces are made to last and her chic style is rapidly gaining her brand a loyal following.
We caught up with Natalie to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My latest drop ‘The interlude’ is a small curation of classic winter pieces in all natural fabrics, wool merino and linen. I have a beautifully tailored suit set in a selection of beautiful wools. Each season we have one pop of colour and this winter we have a beautiful electric teal linen/rayon which I think will be a statement on the streets.
What made you become a designer?
Mina has always been a small dream in the back of my head but it wasn’t until I returned from an ethical and sustainable fashion trip to India, run through my university (Massey University), that I got really excited about this journey. Mina launched from the idea that I wanted to do something I loved whilst supporting and working with our local industry.
To me, fashion has always been about understanding where your clothes have come from and the story behind that journey. I think as a young designer it is important to support the fashion industry here in New Zealand, most importantly so you are able to create personal connections with your entire supply chain but also to continue to support the local industry for future designers to come.
What inspires you?
Fabrics! I cannot design without fabric shopping before hand. I think fabrics can absolutely make or break a design. Its so important as part of my brand ethos that I use natural fabrics, no synthetics. To know that any Mina garment will biodegrade into the ground after its end of life makes me very happy. Natural fabrics have such a beautiful feel and drape that I purely design to complement the fabric. So, put simply, I am very much inspired by the touch and feel of fabrics.
Looks from Mina’s Winter 2018 collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I have a very clean and simple style and I wear silhouettes that complement my figure. I believe in comfort and quality and this is translated into my brand through the quality finishings we choose to use along with the quality of the fabrics I select. I genuinely believe if you buy something with a clean timeless silhouette, with good quality fabric and you feel great in it, the garment will last a lifetime.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
4 or 5 years ago I went to Vietnam and had the most beautiful beige wool coat made to measure. It’s the only coat I thrash every winter as the fit is so perfect.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A good pair of high-waisted pants
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Less is more, always.
Looks from Mina’s Winter 2018 collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Starting Mina. Its be a rather uphill adventure but love what I do.
What can’t you live without?
My mum and (kickass business partner).
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Polyester.
Images supplied.