Natacha Ramsay-Levi, the former creative director of Chloé, has embarked on a transformative journey that blends her passions for fashion and horticulture. Once renowned for infusing a punk aesthetic into the luxury brand, Ramsay-Levi now dedicates half her time to agriculture while continuing her career in footwear design with the Danish company Ecco.
Based in Paris, Ramsay-Levi expresses her newfound commitment to sustainability and mindfulness. “I’m trying to dedicate half of my time to agriculture and the other half to fashion,” she explained during a recent Zoom call. “During COVID-19, we talked about doing things differently, slowing down, making more mindful decisions – well, let’s do it.” Her shift in focus represents a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and an urge to adopt a more grounded lifestyle.
In December 2020, Ramsay-Levi left Chloé after just four years, a departure marked by a breakdown in her relationship with the brand’s parent company, Richemont. “I’m not judging – it was different priorities,” she said. “I tried to change things from the inside, but it didn’t work out.” Despite the pressures of her previous role, she now views her exit as an opportunity to pursue her true interests, particularly in footwear, an area she has always cherished.
Transitioning to Ecco, known for its outdoor styles, Ramsay-Levi initially participated in the At.Kollektive initiative, which invited various designers to create shoe collections. This intimate collaboration allowed her to explore innovative designs and a refreshing creative freedom. “It was all about innovation, creativity, freedom – it was starting from a blank slate,” she noted, reflecting on her experience.
Ramsay-Levi’s tenure at Chloé saw her develop signature styles, including heeled gladiator sandals and high-top sneakers. However, the intense environment of high-fashion left her yearning for a different pace. “I worked hard to think about what the fashion world could look like. I had common-sense proposals for slowing down,” she stated. Unfortunately, those ideas did not align with the corporate vision at Chloé, prompting her departure.
At Ecco, Ramsay-Levi revels in a calmer atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the pressures of Parisian fashion. “It’s in the countryside, in the middle of nowhere, which I love. It’s calm, it’s like a little village,” she described. The brand’s understated confidence resonates with her, enabling her to focus on design without the anxiety that often accompanies high-profile positions.
Ramsay-Levi emphasizes the importance of creativity without the fear that can stifle innovation. “To get anything good from anyone creatively, you cannot have fear,” she remarked. This liberation has allowed her to explore footwear design more intimately, with plans to expand into ready-to-wear collections in the near future.
Her current favorite design is the BIOM C Trail slip-on, a hybrid sneaker-ballet flat that has garnered attention from celebrities like Zendaya and Dua Lipa. Ramsay-Levi also enjoys collaborating with long-time friends, including the founders of A.P.C. and Nicolas Ghesquière, the current creative director at Louis Vuitton. “Fashion is about relationships for me – I like putting myself in the service of others,” she explained, highlighting her desire to support her peers in the industry.
Reflecting on her career shift, Ramsay-Levi acknowledges her need for balance. “I put my career at the centre of my life for 25 years, but I needed a change. I wanted to design my life and then find the work that could go with it,” she expressed. This newfound approach allows her to dedicate herself fully to her projects while still preserving personal time.
As she forges her path at Ecco, Ramsay-Levi’s journey illustrates a broader movement within the fashion industry towards sustainability and personal fulfillment. The transition from a high-pressure environment to one that fosters creativity and well-being signifies a shift in her priorities, paving the way for a more holistic approach to her work and life.
