Natalie Babbage
My name is Natalie Babbage. I have a genuine love of design, in particular Textile Design!
While completing my a Bachelor of Textile Design (First Class Honors) at Massey University New Zealand I interned for two weeks with Trelise Cooper, who is one of New Zealand’s most successful Fashion Designer. During this time I developing fabric concepts for the winter range. My Textile Designs were chosen and included in her Winter 09 Range.
After graduating I spent three months working as an Embroidery/Embellishment Designer for Arushi Haute Couture in Dubai UAE. This allowed me to gain extensive embroidery and embellishment design skills, as well as strong communication skills and an understanding of real Couture processes from concept to production. For every project, it was expected that I thoroughly research and respond to Trends.
My most recent job as Interior Decorator at ‘THE One - Total Home Experience’ (Dubai, UAE) provided great insight into the world of Interiors. I was responsible for the appearance of the ‘The Mall of the Emirates’ store and took an active role in the creation, implementation and maintenance of all theme changes.
After two years of travel and adventure I have returned to the land of the long white cloud in search of new role where I can channel my design skills and share the international experience I now have. I may just be that little star that could help your brand shine! HIRE ME!
Software Proficiency;
Adobe Photoshop
Macromedia Dreamweaver
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Office
Assets to your Company;
Initiative and resourcefulness
Capable of doing a range of different styles rather than just my own
Capacity to mange a number of different tasks
Ability to stick to the creative brief and other guidelines
Excellent knowledge of textiles and design trends
Strongly planned and organized
BDes Textile Design (First Class Honors). 2005-2008.
Massey University Wellington, NZ.
NCEA Level 1,2 & 3. University Entrance. 2000-2004.
Tauranga Girls College, NZ.
Bachelor of Textile Design -First Class Honors.
THE ONE Total Home Experience - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Interior Decorator
March 2010 -Present
‘The One’ a leading home fashion company based in five Countries accross the Middle East. The One was judged to be in the top 10 companies to work for in the Middle East (Gulf News, 2011)
Responsible for the appearance of the The Mall of the Emirates store and took an active role in the creation, implementation and maintenance of all theme changes. It was important that to maintain an awareness of market trends, fashion, local and international competition.
The role was extremely broad. Tasks ranged from; conducting a full daily floor walk to check room sets and display areas, reporting to and liaising with the Sales Department, ensuring all health and safety measures are implemented, handling the Petty Cash float, and managing stock movement. At times the role also involved responsibility for training newly recruited decorators in the company decoration concept.
In 2011 I planned, organized and styled a photo shoot for The Jotun 2011 Colour Trends Brochure. Assistant for a Grazia Shoot.
THE HOUSE OF ARUSHI - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Textile and Embroidery Designer
Sep 2009 to December 2009
Arushi is the oldest and most highly respected Bridal and Haute Couture Houses in Dubai. Working with Emirati clients taught me a huge amount about the amazing burgeoning fashion culture in the Middle East and its consumers.
The role involved;
▪ Designing through 2D and 3D methods to produce highly varied styles of embellishment from traditional Arabic to original interpretations of the latest European trends for haute couture.
▪ Keeping updated daily on all couture and RTW collections and staying on top of worldwide trend direction through WGSN, internet and magazine research
▪ Directing and managing a team of skilled embroiderers from sample stage through to production
▪ Building and maintaining relationships with clients as well as suppliers
▪ Negotiation between clients, designers, management and production to ensure the design is successful, works within the budget and production is accurate
▪ Working to short deadlines and making quick decisions as ideas evolve/budgets decrease or increase.
WELL OF LIFE CHURCH - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Graphic Designer
Dec 2009 – March 2010.
Worked on various projects such as a new website design, logo design, brochures and other promotional material.
TRELISE COOPER - Auckland, New Zealand
Textile Designer/ Fashion Stylist
Apr 2009-Sep 2009
Completed a full time 2 week Internship in the Design Studio at ‘Trelise Cooper Group’. Completed three Textile Designs, which were produced and included in the Winter 2009 ‘Trelise Cooper Collections’.
Worked for 5 months as a Fashion Stylist in the Nuffield Street Trelise Cooper Kids store. Dressed/styled children at the Coutts Fashion Show 2009.
- Textile Designs produced and included in the Winter 2009 ‘Trelise Cooper Collection’
- Work Exhibited at NZ Fashion Week & attended the event as a Massey University Textiles representative. Sept 2007.
- Work published in Pro Design Magazine. Article ‘Futures so bright’. Issue 98, 2008.
- First Class Honors. Massey University. 2008
- Bro Media Imaging Portfolio Award. Massey University. 2008
- Secondary School Bursary Scholarship Massey University2004
- Winner of the Visual Arts Supreme Award. Tauranga Girls College
2004
“I would have no hesitation in recommending Natalie for employment. She demonstrated a very mature and professional attitude at all times. She was a hugely valued member of the team. She showed outstanding commitment to her work and delivered a consistently high standard of work in all tasks she completed.”
Alexander Grant - The One Total Home Experience
“Natalie is a person of fine character; she is hard working, possesses the utmost levels of honesty and integrity. I own and manage an executive recruitment company, I have interviewed hundreds of people during the course of my career."
Allan Williscroft - Glasshouse Talent
Member Profile
Natalie Babbagen/a
