Marle Woman: Natalie Fitch

MARLE WOMEN IS CREATED TO CELEBRATE OUR PHILOSOPHY OF DESIGNING PIECES FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES AND STAGES OF THEIR LIVES. EACH FEATURE PROFILES A SELECTION OF WOMEN ACROSS THE GENERATIONS THAT WE ADMIRE. WE HOPE EACH INTERVIEW INSPIRES YOU, THE SAME WAY IN WHICH THESE WOMEN DO TO US.

Natalie Fitch is the Designer and Director of thoughtful, conscious and coveted jewellery brand, Natalie Marie Jewellery. Now in its eighth year, the sustainable and responsible NMJ is adorned on women (and men) across the world - and with almost 200,000 followers on Instagram, it’s likely you’ve seen, saved or shared one of their images. Here, Natalie talks us through the courageous decision she made at just 20 years old, the thing she loves most about Marle and why she loves summer all year round.

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR BACKGROUND, CAREER AND UPBRINGING? WHAT ASPECTS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE WOMAN YOU ARE TODAY?

I was born and raised in England, moving to Sydney solo when I was 20. I had such a strong urge to travel after finishing school, so spent a couple of years on the move before finally settling here. It was a bold move to make at a young age, but I was encouraged by my family to pursue my goals and was deeply determined to forge my own path.

I was raised by strong parents; my mother taught me kindness, grace, strength and vulnerability and my father taught me to dream big, be generous and work harder than most.

I studied a degree in the arts majoring in jewellery at Sydney University, and started building my brand as soon as I graduated. It was a long road of organic growth, with a huge amount of learning and development involved. I worked full time alongside the brands development for the first four years, in administration, design, fashion, retail and buying. These years were pivotal in developing solid foundations for the business we have today.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? HAS IT ALWAYS BEEN THIS WAY OR HAS IT EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS? HOW?

I would describe my style as minimal, neutral, feminine and classic. My style has certainly evolved over time, but key elements have remained. The English woman in me has always been drawn to classic pieces - blazers, tailoring and shirting, but simultaneously I have always had a love for vintage - seventies flowing dresses and subtle prints. Denim has always been a key staple in my wardrobe and never fails me.

My style has matured and evolved through the eclectic phases of my twenties to reach a refined combination of the different elements which now align in an easy, comfortable, textural everyday wardrobe.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN CONFIDENT IN YOUR STYLE, OR IS IT SOMETHING ONE LEARNS WITH AGE?

Confidence has definitely come to me with age. I feel like in becoming a mother two and a half years ago, I finally became comfortable in my own skin, and my clothes. I became less preoccupied with fulfilling expectations or seeking acceptance and more focused on what felt right both in terms of comfort and wearability but also in the sense of principles and ethics. As my consciousness has evolved with age, my style choices have become more informed and intentional in every way, and this naturally feeds into a sense of self confidence.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEARING MARLE? HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL?

I am drawn to the low key luxury of Marle’s pieces, the natural fabrications and conscious craftsmanship aligns keenly with my own principles in design. I am five months pregnant, which presents its struggles when dressing - in wearing Marle pieces, I am able to feel comfortable without compromising on looking refined and feminine.

"I am five months pregnant, which presents its struggles when dressing - in wearing Marle pieces, I am able to feel comfortable without compromising on looking refined and feminine"

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON A PERSONAL RITUAL? DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS WHEN GETTING DRESSED EACH MORNING?

With a toddler and a business to run, our days as a family are busy and mornings are generally a bit of a whirlwind. It’s this that makes rituals, big or small, so important. I start the day with a shower, followed by a very brief but quietly luxurious skincare routine. Gone are the days when I have time for outfit changes in the morning, it needs to be a quick decision on what to wear - making a capsule wardrobe of loved staples even more vital.

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE WERE MORE AWARE OF? IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WISH WAS DISCUSSED MORE OPENLY?

I wish people were more aware of each other, and the impact of our actions on one another. Everyone is fighting their own battles and deserves kindness, grace and respect in interactions big and small.

WHAT IS A PIECE OF PERSONAL WISDOM THAT YOU CARRY WITH YOU?

We create our own good luck, something my high school headmistress told me at age twelve which has stuck with me. I do believe that the universe has a part to play, but feel strongly that we manifest our own existence and bring forward what we dream of. We write our own stories, if we are brave enough.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

Most treasured accessory? My engagement ring, designed by my husband, featuring his grandmother’s diamond.

Texture or colour? Texture, the practice of crafting jewellery is a tactile one, texture is vital.

Spring/ Summer or Autumn/Winter? Being English, I feel I have had my fill of cold and rain and am perpetually in love with the Australian spring and summer.