Runway Radar: Natasha Gruetz's swirling designs cater to worldly women

By Al Fearnley

Natasha Gruetz uses fashion as way to tell a story, blending subtle details and beautiful fabrics to convey a rich backstory. Her collection of unique pieces focus on the artistry of tradition and handwork.

Gruetz’s collection, J.G. Swai, showcases beautiful loungewear for the refined woman. The collection brings together modern finishes and culturally infused designs. The standout details for the season are a custom pattern named “Swirling Terra” and the flowing red embroidery featured on the Wave vest.

J.G. Swai will be unveiled at 2017 The Show presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 5 and 6 at the Imperial (319 Main Street). Twenty-seven other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Fashion Design and Technology students will also be showcased.

For event details, visit kpu.ca/2017fashionshow or follow @wilsondesignkpu on Instagram.

Al Fearnley: Describe your collection.

Natasha Gruetz: My collection is designed for the woman who has enriched herself through travel and wishes to express that through her clothing. By bringing together these two aspects—Eastern travel and loungewear—I hope to bring meaning into her clothing in a stylish and accessible manner.

AF: Who or what was the inspiration behind your line?

NG: The inspiration for J.G. Swai came from this desire to tell a story. I’ve always been drawn to fairy tales and legends, and the way Eastern cultures weave meaning into their clothing.

I wanted the collection to possess similar qualities, so there was a strong emphasis on the use of colour and silhouettes. Embroidery and pattern were used to convey the theme of fluidity and warmth in this season’s collection Swirling Terra.

AF: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?

NG: The production of a garment has always been my favourite piece of the design-process puzzle. It’s so satisfying to see a garment go from a flat drawing to a tangible thing. I love achieving the balance between fit and fabric, and how they come together to make a design successful.

AF: What have you learned at KPU?

NG: Teamwork and friendship are the most important things I have learned in the past four years. I’ve found that having a strong network of people to support and encourage you can take you a long way. There have been plenty of occasions where I’ve worked in a team—successful and unsuccessful—and there is nothing more valuable than a group of individuals working together to accomplish a goal.

AF: What’s next for you?

NG: I plan to work for a Vancouver brand that allows me to be a part of creative team that shares similar values of quality and ethical practices. My hope is to be a part of the textile development within a company while also developing my business on the side.

Al Fearnley is a final-year fashion design and technology student at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.