JWM - Volume 4, Issue 1 - (Page 38)

essentials [ fellow traveler ] Real Fashion Designer Natalie Amkie loves to find inspiration wherever she wanders, from the artisans of Mexico to the streets of New York City. NA | i have done the typical flower motif that everyone knows from oaxaca in the past, but i try to use a different type of thread, or different colors, or different sizes. i'll embroider on unusual fabrics like leather or silk organza. i've also worked a lot with crystal embroidery, and that's not really mexican, but i like to use the resources of the artisanal hands we have in mexico. JWM | What does it mean to you to work and live in Mexico City and be a young fashion designer in a rising field? Natalie Amkie | i feel very lucky to live in one of the biggest cities in the world and be among a handful of fashion designers in mexico who are really pushing for high fashion here. i enjoy being young in this business because fashion in mexico is also young; we are both growing together, and that's why i am not afraid to show new and unusual designs, or try new and risky ways of showing a collection. JWM | What's your favorite city for fashion? NA | i really adore New York, which is where i was living when i decided to pursue fashion. Everything in New York is fashion; everywhere you turn, you see fashion: every street, every bus, every taxi, restaurant and store offers something inspiring. People on the street are also extremely fashion-forward and everyone expresses their personality and feelings through what they are wearing. JWM | There is a strong heritage of textiles and embroidery in Mexico. Do you sometimes incorporate embroidery into your designs? JWM | What other places have you traveled that have been inspiring to you? NA | my favorite place in mexico is oaxaca; i keep going back, and i will never tire of it. there is so much to see, so much culture and J WM MAGAZINE 38 j w m a r r i o t t. c o m so much art. You'll see little girls and their mothers and grandmothers all dressed in elaborate, embroidered colorful clothes that are quite intricate to put on each day. i am also very fond of Vienna and Prague, both cities are like a fairy tale, everything is so beautiful and the citizens are so respectful of their cities. i will soon visit japan and a few other asian cities and can't wait to see what kind of inspiration i acquire from there. i've been to lots of places that have inspired me, but honestly, nothing is more inspiring to me than my own mexico city; even with all its grit, i love it. it's inspiring because it's very real to me. JWM | What do you always pack? NA | my problem with packing is that i always end up overpacking! i always get stressed out about the weather, and what am i going to do and wear in the mornings and at night. i inevitably end up having to pay for extra weight. JWM | Your favorite travel indulgence? NA | i always try to go to flea markets or design shows or art galleries. it's interesting to see how culture affects style as well. - Tanvi Chheda courtesy of Natalie amkie, Wireimage(2) A t the ripe age of 26, fashion designer Natalie amkie already sells her eponymous label at several avant-garde boutiques across mexico city, including the celeste House and her own roma neighborhood showroom. and perhaps even more importantly, amkie is among the few leading the charge for high fashion in mexico city. http://www.JWMARRIOTT.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JWM - Volume 4, Issue 1

Jwm - Winter 2014
Contents
JW Experts
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
Distinctive Products, People, Ideas & Style
Songs for Travel
Well-Being
Food + Drink
Arts
The Portal
Going Global
White Out
Kissaten and Tell
Redefining Green
JW Experience
My Passion

JWM - Volume 4, Issue 1