IN BLOOM: NATASHA ZOE GARRETT
IN BLOOM: NATASHA ZOE GARRETT
Welcome to our newest Journal series, In Bloom, where we explore the growth and evolution that comes with pregnancy and parenthood.
Introducing Natasha Garrett – a creative force with nearly 20 years in the fashion industry. Based in Los Angeles with her husband and their pup, she’s currently embracing a new chapter: pregnancy. In this first edition of In Bloom, Natasha shares how this transformative season has shaped her creativity, perspective, and sense of self.
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Who is Natasha Garrett?
I’m a Northern California native from a lineage of creative women. I have worked in the fashion industry for nearly 20 years as a stylist, model, vintage dealer and, most recently, clothing designer. I currently live in Los Angeles with my husband James, our sweet pup Cowboy and I am pregnant with our first child due this Summer!
What does a typical day look like for you? Are there any routines or rituals that ground you?
I don’t really have a “typical day”, which is why routines and rituals are so important to me. Things like snuggling with my dog in the morning before checking my phone, meditating for even just a few minutes and making a cup of coffee really ground me into the present moment.
How has this exciting chapter of pregnancy influenced your creative process and content creation?
To be totally honest, the first few months of pregnancy I felt really detached from my creativity. I struggled quite a bit with the influx of hormones and had to really take a step back and allow myself to move through all the changes at a slow pace. Now that I am well into my second trimester and feeling more balanced (thanks to therapy, movement, meditation) I am starting to feel the surge of creative energy come back into my life.
Motherhood is such a transformative experience. How are you preparing—both personally and professionally—for the changes ahead?
Pregnancy has been a deeply introspective experience for me. I am incredibly aware of the liminal space I currently occupy - right before the most monumental transformation into my new identity as a mother. I have slowed down quite significantly in terms of the output I am willing and able to give at the moment. It’s as if I am in a cocoon, working so hard internally as I prepare for this metamorphosis. I feel softer and more vulnerable which is beautiful but also challenging in a productivity-driven society. I have been perpetually at odds with my deep need to take things slowly and my internalized pressure to keep performing as usual. I wish we as a society honored this sacred time in a woman’s life more.
Do you feel more empowered to express yourself in new ways through fashion, styling, or content during pregnancy?
I’m really loving dressing my growing belly! I am so in awe of women’s ability to grow life and I feel really honoured to be doing that right now. I definitely dress for myself and what feels best in a given moment. Some days I really just want to feel comfortable and held by my clothes and other days I want to really lean into playfulness.
Has pregnancy brought any unexpected realizations or shifts in perspective that have influenced your creative work?
I feel like I have less space available for things that don’t really matter to me and my time feels more precious. Caring for another being inside of me has really strengthened my ability to say no to things that don’t align with me right now.
What advice would you give to other expectant mothers who are balancing career and creativity?
It’s okay if you don’t feel as motivated as you once did. You are building and creating something bigger than you can even wrap your brain around. Be gentle with yourself as much as possible. Creativity (at least for me) ebbs and flows. Trust that it will come back in new and transformational ways.
What clothing pieces do you feel best in these days?
I love minimal dressing with maximum impact. I gravitate towards pieces with special details and thoughtful touches that aren’t completely overwhelming. I can’t stop wearing the Doll Blouse and Étoile Dress. They are both whimsically feminine, light and breezy. Perfect for Spring!
Where do you go for inspiration?
I am most inspired when I’m traveling. Everything feels so present when you’re exploring a new place. I notice small details, the colors and smells feel more vibrant and I just soak it all in. When I’m feeling in a creative rut I like to take myself on a day or overnight trip. It doesn’t need to be far but switching up my scenery and getting out of the mundane can be really impactful.
Looking ahead, how do you imagine your career evolving after the baby arrives?
I’m sure the future will involve a lot of negotiating how to split my time between being present with my baby and making sure to feed my soul creatively, and these things don’t need to be mutually exclusive either! I like to think that I’ll take my daughter with me a lot while I’m working. I’d love for her to see her mama in her creative element.
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Natasha wears our Étoile Dress in Black | Shop our pregnancy-friendly pieces
You can follow her pregnancy/motherhood and creative work through Instagram
Imagery taken by her husband James Rohan