Figuring Out This Name
Honestly, I kept seeing the name Natacha Ramsay-Levi pop up lately. People were talking about her work, especially fashion stuff, but my brain was totally blank. Never heard of her. Started simple: hit the search bar and typed in her name. Boom, turns out she’s a big deal in fashion, worked with some top dogs.
Digging Deeper Than Wikipedia
First page results were basic. Wanted the real juice, you know? The actual impact, not just dates. Scrolled through different sites, especially looking for interviews she did or articles by people who knew her work. Wrote down these key things I kept finding over and over:
- Nicolas Ghesquière’s Right Hand: Kept seeing mentions of Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. Dug into it. Turns out she worked super close with Ghesquière for fifteen years, like his main partner. That means she was deep in the design trenches during those iconic Balenciaga years people rave about. Found quotes calling her super important to his whole vision.
- Got the Top Job at Chloé: Then I saw she got her own gig! Became Creative Director at Chloé around 2017. That’s a major label. Everyone started watching her first shows. She brought a different vibe – kind of cool, relaxed femininity mixed with tougher elements like sharp tailoring and those weird pants I kinda liked.
- Not About Trends: Read several pieces where she straight up said she hates chasing trends. Her thing seemed more about a whole vibe, a feeling a woman gets wearing the clothes. Focused on making stuff women feel confident and cool in, not just what’s “in”.
- Mixing Opposites: This kept coming back. Hard vs. soft. Fancy dress mixed with a chill vibe. Expensive silk shirt with tough jeans or boots. She liked that contrast. Made her stuff feel less precious, more wearable for everyday.
- It’s About Craft: Kept seeing “craftsmanship” and “detail” mentioned. Like how the fabric feels, how the seams sit, cool embroidery. Quality mattered big time. Real clothes, not just runway fluff.
- Focusing on Women: Lots of talk about the Chloé woman being strong, independent, not chasing the male gaze. Designing clothes for how women actually move and live, not just posing. A focus on making them feel powerful in a subtle way.
- Collaborating Was Key: Stumbled onto info about her big collab with Girls Are Awesome right before she left Chloé. Showed she wasn’t stuck in a luxury bubble – wanted to connect ideas across different audiences.
What Actually Happened?
Putting it together: Her journey was wild. Solidified Ghesquière’s genius behind the scenes for years, proved herself, then took the reins at Chloé. Tried carving out this niche of cool, sophisticated, effortless clothes with substance. Focused on craft, mixing textures/styles, empowering the woman wearing it. Didn’t last super long at Chloé though – her exit was another thing I saw buzzing.
End Result: Getting It
Before this, just a confusing name. Now? I get why people talk. Massive foundational work helping build those Balenciaga/LV eras. Her own vision at Chloé – cool girls, good quality, mixing styles, comfort with confidence. Big collabs to spread the message. Influential even after stepping back? Seems like it. Feels good to finally know who they’re all talking about.