Meet Designer Nathalie Farfan

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

The designer of Ecuadorian origin Nathalie Farfan, and her partner, also Ecuadorian, Angel Macias, presented the first collection of their Botanika brand at Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week; a tribute to Farfan's late mother and female power. Garments in metallic fabrics that go hand in hand with transparencies and mystically inspired prints in ultra feminine silhouettes to define a powerful and conscious woman of her strength. We chatted with the creative about her debut line, her style and the influence of her Latin heritage on her designs.

What is Botanika?

It's about empowering women. The message seems very simple and many brands have probably overused it. But I hope Botanika will promote justice, equality and rights for women around the world, using fashion as the means to achieve this and help women look bold and strong in the process.

Where does the name come from?

It is inspired by my mother. She was a great fashionista who forced me to go to the botanicals [herbalists] in the neighborhood. You could say that she was a kind of witch, she bought medicinal herbs and other spiritual materials. Years after her death the word still resonated with me, although I have tried to modernize it with a “k”, and instead of being a place to look for spiritual material, it is a place to buy luxurious fashion clothes made by me.

Nathalie Farfan and her partner Angel Macias.

When did you decide to be a designer and why?

I decided many years ago, but until two years ago I didn't have the strength to do it. My primary motivation for finally launching the brand has been my desire to empower through creation. I have always been a creative person and I have found different ways to channel my vision and my voice, first it was through video and now through fashion.

What is your inspiration?

My spring-summer 2016 collection is inspired by the universe and the colors and healing powers of crystals. My custom print is called a cosmic explosion. In general I am inspired by women and the phases of the moon.

Spring look 2016

What kind of materials and cuts can we see in your creations?

Lots of silk and wool. I love. There is something about silk that makes me feel so feminine and sensual, while wool gives a masculine feeling and adds texture to the collection.

How does your Latino heritage influence your designs?

My Hispanic background is what has created the culture around my brand. It also allows me to have more honest conversations with other Hispanic women and ask why we continue to experience oppression in our culture and how we can change that.

Spring look 2016

Now you are working on the fall collection, what news will we see?

The first collection was super feminine, like my mother. It is a tribute. Every piece would have been put on, even the ones with transparencies. The fall collection is also sexy, but very masculine, I was inspired by the tomboy inside me.

How is the Botanika woman?

A sophisticated woman who is both bold and strong, feminine and masculine, correct and educated but who fights for what is just when it is necessary. A woman who loves hip-hop but also classical music. These women have power, and I like to refer to them as #fellowbrujas.

Spring look 2016

What is Las Brujas Club and why is it important to you?

It is a mystical society that empowers women and encourages them to exploit the power of their intuition. My mother would have been proud of this platform and would have wanted to be the ultimate witch! But the truth is that we women are all supreme.

A tip for our readers?

Especially for Hispanic women, please be nice to other women. A compliment can go a long way. Don't look a woman up and down because she looks amazing. It's hard to feel that other women don't support you. We are all great, let's make sure we let others know.

Botanika's spring summer collection will be available on its website from March.