Natalie Nelson

Apparel Strategy | Denim Innovation | Product Leadership

With over 25 years at the forefront of global apparel and denim innovation, I partner with executive teams to build, scale, and elevate commercially successful product lines—with sustainability and technical craftsmanship at the core.

Executive Track Record

• Aritzia: Built Denim Forum from the ground up—defining brand identity, fit architecture, and fabric innovation—growing the line to contribute over 15% of total company revenue. Spearheaded Aritzia’s first Made in LA t-shirt program, merging vintage-inspired fabrications with modern silhouettes.

• Levi Strauss & Co.: Pioneered patented women’s fit technology (Levi’s Red Tab), redefined global wash standards, and architected a body-informed fit catalog based on 50,000+ scans—selected as the sole designer to align global fit and wash strategy across international markets.

• Gap Inc.: Led global wash R&D and fit strategy. Launched the Sculpt program for Women and premium Made in Japan fabric strategies for Men. Co-created the Washwell sustainability platform, saving nearly 500 million liters of water and rescuing millions of yards of fabric from waste.

Industry Recognition & Press

Named one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Denim Globally (Rivet 50), my work in product strategy, circular manufacturing, and fit architecture has been featured in leading business and fashion publications:

"It’s an everyday jean with an elevated sensibility; soft structure, authentic wash, and a silhouette that elongates while moving with ease. It transitions seamlessly from casual to considered."

— Sourcing Journal

"Having witnessed the conventional clothing industry first hand, I’ve centered my career around the new possibilities of environmental awareness..."

— The Zoe Report

Featured in: Forbes | Sourcing Journal | The Zoe Report | Rivet 50 | Essence

Brand History & Selected Portfolio

Aritzia | Gap | Levi Strauss & Co. | Acne Studios

Advisory & Contact

I advise leadership teams and private equity partners on creative direction, sustainable R&D, mill sourcing strategy, and end-to-end product architecture.

Get in touch: natalie@natalienelsonstudio.com