Meet The Designer: Natasha Gordon From CLEA
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My childhood was shaped by nature. I grew up in the serene Yarra Valley in Victoria, just an hour from Melbourne and today, I find myself reconnecting with nature whenever I need a creative reset. Fashion wasn’t always the plan, but I always knew I’d find my way into the design world in some capacity.
The seeds of my fashion career were planted early on. I grew up surrounded by garment construction and craftsmanship, and those early lessons taught me about quality and attention to detail. Creativity also runs deep in my family. My grandfather was a photographer, my grandmother a dressmaker and my mother has a deep passion for the arts. She was the one who taught me to sew and encouraged me to explore different forms of creative expression.
I honed my design process by working alongside Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. That’s where I learned to draw inspiration from diverse sources to create something truly original. It was a formative chapter and helped shape my vision for CLEA. In a market saturated with fast fashion, I wanted to create something with purpose – designs that were authentic, artistic and enduring. I was determined to create a brand that prioritised meaningful supplier relationships and supported local manufacturing wherever possible.
CLEA’s aesthetic is timeless elegance with a contemporary edge. I’m drawn to the interplay between masculine and feminine, structured and soft, intricate and minimal. It’s about balance. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and is designed to stand the test of time. For the latest SS25 collection, I wanted to capture the transition into spring, where vibrancy meets restraint. The collection features fluid proportions and a playful colour palette, celebrating renewal through textures and intricate embellishments.
One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing commercial viability with creativity. It’s not always easy to come up with designs that resonate with consumers and stay true to my artistic vision. Trends can sometimes clash with creative instincts, so it’s a delicate process to ensure our collections remain relevant while staying true to what CLEA is about.
Sustainability is at the heart of CLEA. We work closely with mills and manufacturers who share our commitment to ethical practices, and we embrace eco-friendly initiatives from packaging to materials. Deadstock fabrics, fully-fashioned knitwear, and sustainable certifications are just a few of the ways we ensure our designs have a minimal impact on the planet.
I've been lucky enough to dress women like Florence Pugh, Elle Macpherson, and Simone Ashley. There’s no greater thrill than seeing CLEA pieces out in the world – whether that’s on the shop floor or on a customer in the street. When I see someone in CLEA, it’s a moment of pride. It’s witnessing how the designs translate into someone’s personal lifestyle.
In terms of my own personal style, I’m drawn to classic pieces with a modern twist. My wardrobe is full of well-made, timeless pieces that I can mix and match. It's all about creating an elevated look that feels polished without being fussy or uncomfortable. I love mixing CLEA with brands like Jil Sander and Proenza Schouler. I also love adding unexpected elements – like footwear from Miista –to keep things fresh. Right now, my favourite piece in my wardrobe is our Archer Fluffy Bomber. It's an easy layering piece that adds warmth and texture, perfect for Melbourne's unpredictable weather.
Doing campaign shoots is exciting because they allow us to play with new ideas. Of course, there’s always a bit of pressure – shoots are a significant financial investment – but we approach them with careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. My inspiration comes from art, architecture, nature, and my style muses are Phoebe Philo and Iris Apfel. Their ability to blend sophistication with individuality is something I really admire.
If I could offer advice to anyone starting a fashion brand, it would be to stay true to your vision. The journey will be peppered with tough decisions, but if you remain grounded in your values, it will all fall into place. Surround yourself with people you trust, seek guidance, and above all, enjoy the ride.
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