Born in communist Russia, where she only had one pair of jeans until age 17, Natalya has since travelled around the world, hungry for diverse cultures and in search of strong forms of self-expression. Her mother’s own artistic sensibility is what drove her and Natalya to move from Russia to the U.S. so that Natalya could attend University here. Premiering our second video in collaboration with Shop L-ATITUDE, Natalya explains her goal of traveling to 3 new destinations each year to satisfy her wanderlust– she says that “the more you discover, the more curiosity you have.” Her work at LuxCartel, a company that she started with partner, Jenna Sloan, in an effort to find and develop talented designers both in the U.S. and overseas, has also inspired Natalya’s travels. When on a trip, Natalya’s main priority is searching for new designers with whom to work, so it is no wonder her closet is so perfectly full of the most eclectic and classic pieces from indigenous cultures. Our favorite examples are her simple slippers from Lebanon, her sculpture like rings from Mexico, her printed pants from Saudi Arabia and her authentic poncho (similar pieces are currently available for purchase on Shop L-ATITUDE). Natalya’s curiosity has garnered great friendships, strong business relationships and her singular style. Perhaps, instead of being afraid of the unknown, we should all take an interest in it and let it inform us of who we are, just as Natalya has.

Music by Papercranes.
Video edited by Kelsey Rowland.