Gonna Party like it's my Birthday

Thanks to a 50 Cent moment on the commute home this afternoon, cruising with the windows down on a GORGEOUS afternoon, I had a sentimental moment. Of course certain songs remind of us a different time or place; this one brought imagery of Purdue Grand Prix week, with jams blaring from frat patios on my walk to the Art & Design buildings. Funny. :)

Speaking of birthdays...

Mine is tomorrow! Weeeeeeeeeee! This makes 26 years.

Had dinner with the in-laws this evening, complete with Klein's Irish Creme cake. Tasty.

Hubs and I are thinking we'll take advantage of the beautiful day forecast for tomorrow and go visit my Okapi friend at the zoo. It's been a few years, after all. He lets me feed him leaves. We have a bond.

I am also stoked to get caught up with sketching all my recent ideas for bridesmaids, new bridal gowns, and swim coverups. To add fuel to the fire, I just discovered a source for preserved leaves, and you had better believe I'm going to figure out a way to make my favorite applique method workable for mass-manufacture. Besides all the wonderful autumn tones, I FOUND WHITE LEAVES! Which means...WEDDING GOWN!!! I am so freaking excited. I know it might sound scary, but just you wait! This is going to be one of those signature kinds of gowns that people talk about for years. EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

*deep breath*

"Aspen" and "Shanghai" design edits

It was brought to my attention that 'Aspen', a favorite of mine, might be improved with some light waist-area shirring. This idea has me very excited, so I think this will be release #3 for Jet Set Swim's summer preview. I'm still working on a coverup; I'll post some concept sketches tomorrow and see what you all think.

Also, being inspired by a friend's pregnancy, I'll be offering 'Shanghai' to have sideseam drawstrings (rather than side slits?)...which makes for hot maternity beach attire!!!!

I'm working now on a Jet Set Swim signature print design now. I'll use it as an alternate color choice for every style. I'm trying to decide what look really conveys my whole philosophy for the collection. I want something sophisticated, but fun and modern. Hmm...

Also, I'm working on a couple graphics to complete the Tees shoppe that I'll be adding to my homepage in the next few weeks!

ENVY does Hollywood

So look for the May issue of ENVY Magazine, on newstands (and online at http://www.envymags.com/) at the end of April. Here are two teasers of what to expect from the "Old Hollywood" feature, which will showcase two Natalie Harris Bridal gowns!

I don't even know how Savannah, our bombshell blonde, made it through. The poor girl fought back pnemonia to look this good. Impressive...

Meanwhile, Nicole (ENVY Editor) and I fought for the bird. Voila! Way to work it, Valerie.

ENVY!!

I received a most exciting phone call during my lunch yesterday (thank goodness I was at lunch at 4:30). A stylist from ENVY Magazine just invited me to participate in a shoot Thursday! To put in perspective how I excited I am about this, just know that I've MySpace stalked Envy for years, dreaming about when the time would be right to see if they might be interested.

Gees, if only I would have known all these PR opportunities would start falling in my lap! These gowns are going to be captured so much, they'll need to be retired to the closet for a long while!

Now I'm off to hunt for accessories all day! Then fitting tonight. Hyperspeed....go.

Religious Iconography via Easter

Happy Easter, everyone! He is risen.

I attended a very moving worship service this morning. Pastor Noack's message about keeping the spirit of Easter a priority struck a chord with me. Anyone who can talk about a departed loved one with so much confidence in their salvation has my utmost respect. That was amazing. Then I got goosebumps and was almost moved to tears as the orchestra accompanied some moving Easter hymns. I wouldn't normally go on about this, but it was just beautiful.

(It has always been my philosophy that the most effective evangelism is being a happy, healthy example rather than preaching, so if anyone takes offense to the above, you really are misunderstanding me.)

Along that same line of thought, I like to incorporate a little something into every design to really make people think twice. Interestingly, I've found that religious elements have an edgy duality to them. I stumbled across this awesome bangle the other day, and it got me thinking about styling for some new bridesmaids/cocktail designs. I think I'll use this Renaissance art inspiration as a subtle theme to kickstart the brainstorming process.

Other exciting news: my little brother just took his oath for the US Air Force! Holy cow! I think my patriotism just increased tenfold. I am so proud.

Also: shoot scheduled with Teddy Tran for bridal looks. I am going to have one rockin' catalog!

I recently re-designed the Jet Set Swim style "Cannes". Check it out:

New version (darn! hard to see)

Added length to the bandeau top, pleating through bandeau, lengthened bottom to allow for scrunching.

Upcoming Shoots and Spreads

For those of you who track blogs, the following is my actual URL (but I will continue to feed through Facebook). http://www.natalieharrisdesign.blogspot.com/

Tonight I met with the very energetic creative team from the forthcoming HY Magazine. They have me really hyped for some very cool concepts. I was really stunned to meet such a conglomeration of twenty-something talent, but after I read a little more about the editorial direction they plan to take, it makes complete sense. Read all about it, and look for your copy of the debut issue this summer. After all, you'll have to check out my 7-pg spread. Holla!

Speaking of young talent...very young talent...
I'm also prepping for a more surreal-fantasy shoot with the son of an incredible local photographer. It will be his first very own shoot, and it's exciting to watch the little guy's creative process. I can't help it; maybe it goes back to my 4-H (great org) and Junior Leaders days, but I love watching children get passionate.

I'll also be featured in the summer issue of the new Couture Magazine. The Spring issue is out and about town now.

Introduction

It's true; I've been slathered all over MySpace and Facebook for some time now. A blog is the natural next step, but it took some prodding to convince me. :) Apparently many of you find what I do glamorous and fascinating (ha!), so I hope I don't disappoint!

I plan to share the following:
- Design inspirations that I find incredibly exciting
- Updates galore regarding Jet Set Swim and Natalie Harris Bridal & Evening
- Experiences from photo shoots
- Innovative couture designer looks
as well as:
- Exciting personal goings-on

I really do always love design feedback, so I hope for this to be a good outlet for some back and forth chatter. :)