June 27, 2021

I’ve worked with plenty of characters in this industry, some talented, plenty of hacks and some that are so humble and talented it’s beyond refreshing. I met Natalia Thompson during African Fashion Week Toronto 2019, and from our first conversation I’ve been amazed by her take on fashion, merchandising and the art of style. She’s an amazing stylist that is taking the Toronto fashion scene to new levels and I wanted to do a profile and help to introduce her to the masses.

I’ve known you for a minute, but to those who don’t know you, how would you describe yourself? 

I would describe myself as someone who like to take chances. A real chill and laidback type of woman and that loves her YouTube. I’m a nature kinda person on a beautiful day you can easily catch me on a beach or by the water. It sooo soothing, but fashion is my heart. I’m a person who’s very much into fashion. I’m always watching out for the latest trends or studying new looks. Growing up fashion was what I was surrounded with. My mother was a seamstress, she would always make my clothes for me. My siblings and I were always into the lasted fashion trends, flipping through all the magazines. So I’ve pretty much always been a fashionable people. 

What was your introduction to style?

My mother was the one who really got me into styling. As a child we would watch Fashion Television together and she would to teach me how to where my clothes. What looked good with what or how to wear a certain piece. She’d also show me how to steam, press and maintain fabrics. Growing up and seeing the latest trend my mother would teach me how to sew clothes for myself. How to thread the sewing machine and trying them on making sure it’s the right fit. I feel like it was just a family thing.

What was your first big styling job? 

My first big styling job would be working with African Fashion Week Toronto (AFWT). Working with AFWT has taught me so much about the behind the fashion industry. What truly goes into ptting together a great show. It’s so much fun, but A LOT of hard work. Also my time at Forever21 tough me how to really balance my time and make the most cohesive work that I can while under timce constraints and high pressure. AFWT was the kickoff for me and my future. 

What has been your favourite part of the styling process so far?

My favourite part of styling is being so creative. My mind can go so far. It’s like you’re expressing who you are and in a beautiful way are putting it out in the world. I try to be a trendsetter and apply elements that I’ve seen from fashionistas like Rihanna to Teyana Taylor.  However, working in the retail industry you can’t always bring out your creativity, there’s always a “No” to what you can bring to the table depending on if they like you, lol.

Networking is clearly a big part of the process, what been the most effective format for you? 

The most effective format for me has been word of mouth I believe no one’s going to rep you better than yourself. In this industry you get most of the work based on referrals, so I always make sure that I leave a lasting impression with every client I work with. Yeah, networking is very important and that’s what really works for me.

One thing I’ve noticed working in the art is when people want to collaborate with you it’s often seen as a favour. How has the experience been for you? 

I’ve heard some horror stories about working with other people and it went left, but one thing I know when working in this industry is that you got to be able to come together and make it work. I love collaborating with people! I get to see other people’s prospective on matching prints, fabrics and patterns just they’re over on thoughts on a concept as well as their approach to styling. I think sometimes people get lost on the bigger goal and people’s egos can get the best of them. 

How do you define fashion?  

I define fashion as being yourself. Having confidence to make that difference really within you. Being bold and having fun with it. Being free and making a statement. It’s always about confidence! 

What’s your process when styling men versus women? 

Styling men is easy for me. The process is simple I try not to over think it. For me, I love wearing men’s clothes and with the current trend being a looser fit it makes styling so much fun. Gender fluid fashion is soooo in. So, I can include elements like a choker or a dangling earing.

What’s been the most challenging factor you faced so far in the business?  

The most challenging factor I have faced was working at Forever21. It was a lot of stress, something that I never would have thought I would experience at that company. I felt like I couldn’t bring my authentic style to the company. Coming into that business I was forced to style a certain way, sometimes in a way that I felt personally wasn’t true to the customer’s style. But, during my last days at F21 I started to focus more on me and what I gotta do to pursue my styling career.

Another thing I didn’t like with that company even though I understood the reason for it was “Styling to the clientele in the area”. Scarborough Town Center’s audience is very different from customers at Yorkdale Mall. I hated that I really couldn’t be freer in the work or incorporate more of mysef in the work. Also, I don’t think management ever listened or really took in my thoughts and suggestions. I learned a lot from that company both good and bad, and maybe that really listen to their employees it would’ve had a better outcome in Canada.

Natalia is a major contributor to African Fashion Week Toronto

I recently spent a full week watching most of Menswear presentations for 2021/2022 Fall and Winter, and I wanted to know what presentations or designers ls have caught your eye? 

Kayne West will forever be one of the tops. His style is just different and the confidence he brings just make it much better.  Another designer for me will be Jeffrey Rosen, he’s the founder of Hip and Bone. He’s a Canadian designer that I’ve worked with on set for a photoshoot and his style is kinda like Kayne but lot more street focused which I love! 

What trends in men’s fashion have you been seeing? Are there any looks you’re hyped to implement? 

I’m loving the natural look. Zara’s men collection is just the best, depending on which mall you shop at, lol. But again it’s a mix of styles that I love. I like to implement things I’ve seen from trendsetters! 

I’d like to pick your brain on some looks that I’ve seen over the last year. What would you change? Does it work on this person? What you’d like to see them in? etc. 

Okay, sounds cool. 

DaBaby (Dolce & Gabbana) 

I’m not really his outfit. I would prefer him to have more of a cleaner look. Like big Sean. I don’t mind the hat and the shoes but the whole look is just too much for me. A nice clean all white suit would be nice on him

John Boyega (Louis Vuitton)

His outfit was nice! Simple but he rocks it with confident and class and the scarf give it royalty vibes 

Big Sean (Ermenegildo Zegna)

I wouldn’t change nothing. He totally won best dress on this list to me! 

Lakeith Standfield (Saint Laurent) 

I love the 70 vibes and it fits him but for me would want him to be more up to date with the trend. I can see him in a Versace nice clean black suite

Colman Domingo (Atelier Versace)

I love the pick outfit to be honest. Love the colour on him. Not a fan of the glitter but I wouldn’t change it 

Okay, LOL! I’m not mad at any of those suggestions

You’ve been teasing a new project on social media and without giving it all away, what can you tell me about it? 

I want to show a different side of me. I love fashion, I love art and I want to showcase them in a new way that’s special to me. I want to bring you into my world so stay tuned. 

Now, for those eager to work with you what’s the best method to get in touch with you? 

My Instagram is my main platform as well as Facebook

Natalia is highly in demand and her client base is rapidly growing. If you’d like to reach out to work with her leave her a direct message and she’ll be more than happy to connect with you.