People
Meet Natalie Robinson – Royal Docks resident and award-winning lifestyle writer and celebrity stylist
The Royal Docks Team recently attended one of the Power Talks series at Riverscape, which is part of the thriving Royal Wharf neighbourhood in the Royal Docks and widely acclaimed as being one of the greenest and best-connected riverside developments in the capital.
The sixth talk in the series, was hosted by Natalie Robinson Royal Docks resident, personal stylist and content creator.. We caught up with Natalie - @styleiconnat - to talk about her life in fashion and learn why she wanted to make the Royal Docks home.
“I moved here in 2018. It was a place that really resonated with me. I’ve always loved the water… so for me being by the water, the history of the area and the fact it is so lovely and clean, was a massive draw. I remember jogging down Factory Lane, during Lockdown, and reflecting on the richness of the history of the area.
Natalie also noted how safe the area felt, as well as how accessible it is:
‘With the Elizabeth Line now open, the transport links are excellent. You can get to central London in next to no time. Everything is here, so I don’t think it will be hidden gem for much longer!”
Natalie’s move to the area is part of a growing trend. A large number of artists, makers, designers, and musicians are now making themselves at home in the Royal Docks, attracted by affordable creative workspaces, the transport links, as well as the opportunity to be part of the area’s creative pulse.
I moved here in 2018. It was a place that really resonated with me. I’ve always loved the water… so for me being by the water, the history of the area and the fact it is so lovely and clean, was a massive draw.
Natalie Robinson
As Natalie explained: "Creativity is something I’ve always wanted to be a part of. It’s part of my upbringing and what propelled me into my career in fashion in the first place.”
“In my heart of hearts, I always wanted to work in fashion ”she says, reflecting on her earliest memories.
“It runs in the family – my father was a pattern cutter and he eventually owned his own shop, called ‘Chad’ shop of shirts.”
Natalie studied politics at university, however worked as a retail assistant at Selfridges, part-time. This kick-started her career in fashion which has seen her working with retail juggernauts including Selfridges, Harrods and Brown as well as many luxury brands. Years after she first started her career, she was able to return to Selfridges, but this time as a personal shopper styling celebrities and other well-known personalities.
After two busy years at Selfridges, Natalie was made redundant, however this provided the spur she needed to finally set up her own company – Style Icon Ltd, which provides personal shopping services for both men and women. It was quite a slog. Waitressing for extra money in the evenings and using every spare moment she had to network, make contacts and seek out opportunities.
However, Natalie put her experiences to good use and has created a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog to inspire, motivate and educate the next generation of retail entrepreneurs.
The Royal Docks has a bold ambition to be London’s cultural engine; a world-class creation centre rooted in the people and places of the Royal Docks. If you are a local creative, like Natalie, then join the Royal Docks Creative Connectors, which is a fun, informal and open access network, with opportunities to be more actively involved in our cultural programme.
Join the network to start your journey with us and help put the Royal Docks on the map as THE place for arts and culture in London!
