One of the great things about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Sydney is checking out ‘The Studio’. This is a space where you can see and touch the collections up close. It is also a great way to meet designers and industry insiders and get a feel for their design ethic and fashion journey. One such designer was Perth’s Natalie Rolt who I was lucky enough to interview between shows. This was her first time showing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and her whole team were keen to share their cool and uniquely Australian designs.
About Natalie
Natalie Rolt started selling her designs at the markets in Perth, before moving her business to Fremantle where she now has a stand alone store. Her brand was founded in 2012 and is proudly Western Australian. The flagship store houses the design and manufacturing studio alongside their alluring showroom.
Natalie has a contemporary approach to design and style and is known for providing effortless luxury. Natalie Rolt dresses women from all over the world and focuses on building long term relationships with her wearers by engaging them in the made to order process. Many bridal parties, formal goers and those looking for a bespoke dress head to Natalie Rolt for her customised service.
Natalie also mentors other young designers by offering internships and advice to new graduates in all aspects of running a fashion house, as well as providing positions for skilled workers in Perth. She decided to show at MBFW as she is expanding her wholesale business, which stemmed from the great demand from international and online customers.
The Designs
Natalie Rolt is known for her modern, clean evening wear designed with a timeless perspective. There were dresses in gold, navy, black and white at ‘ The Studio’ but Natalie told me that the choice of fabric is up to the client. They can be made in any colour. On display were a range of gowns, dresses and minis with clean lines, refined shapes and fluid fabrics, including silk.
Resort wear is also a specialty and I loved all the mix and match linen pieces, particularly the white pieces which would definitely suit my Queensland climate. All pieces can be mixed and matched to suit your own unique style. The tailored jacket with waist tie was a standout for me, as were the beautiful, cool white wide legged pants. They are definitely lifestyle pieces which provide a freedom of movement for our modern lifestyle. The Resort 20 collection breaks the boundaries of conventional linen shapes with designs that are minimal, yet strong , with a focus on fit. I could see myself wearing these pieces easily here in the Sunshine State.
The lovely Natalie Rolt and her team were very welcoming and it was great to explore a new brand from a part of Australia that is on my bucket list to visit with its beautiful beaches, enticing wineries and friendly inhabitants. Natalie Rolt is a proud Western Australian who is making waves with her designs not only in the Eastern states of Australia, but around the globe.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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