It's impossible not to follow the collaboration between Natasha Ramsey-Levi and ECCO, the international footwear and accessories brand. She became the brand's first creative partner and brought new life to it. Each of their joint drops is characterized by a spirited attitude, bold design, and vibrant colors that catch the eye.
What inspired the designer for the new NRL autumn-winter collection and what she has learned from the brand? In an interview with Natasha Ramsey-Levi, she discusses her evolving taste and the brand's commitment to innovation, comfort, and authenticity.
We have been evolving with each collection. Initially, we approached things very spontaneously, creating from the heart without overthinking. Now we see that our signature style has naturally emerged. This realization has given us confidence not only in our design language but also in the boldness of our creative decisions. The collection remains very graphic, with a mix of sporty and formal elements. But we are confident that we can push these boundaries even further.
I don't see collaboration with ECCO as a series of separate chapters—it's an ongoing conversation that never ends. We are already working on the next projects. It's not so much about constantly learning something new, but about exchanging experiences, listening to feedback, and being open to what's next. This dynamic makes our collaboration special. We approach things with flexible thinking, without biased ideas, and simply go with the flow of creativity.
What impresses me is the brand's commitment to creating the best footwear in terms of innovation, comfort, quality, and authenticity. It's a brand that knows what it's doing and takes its work seriously and intentionally. I also appreciate that the team takes risks—they give space for experimentation without expecting a precise result, which feels like a very family approach. It's like giving children the opportunity to try something new to grow. ECCO gives me the same freedom, and it motivates me to be better for them.
It's not so much about bringing something completely new, but about offering an outside perspective. Collaboration allows us to try something beyond the usual boundaries, to experiment and be bolder. I'm glad these efforts have been successful, and my goal is to continue finding this balance, amplifying the brand's voice while creating designs that quickly become classics. For me, success is when a product enters the main collection of a fashion brand.
As a designer, I can be inspired by anything. I see myself as a sponge absorbing inspiration from all aspects of life—visual, emotional, and even spiritual. It's not something concrete; it's a wide spectrum. Above all, people inspire me—friends, strangers on the street, travelers at airports, and how they move, dress, and interact with the world around them.
For the new collection, my inspiration came from the combination of city life and the energy of the people who shape it. I wanted to explore the codes I have worked with before—graphic lines and bold colors—and take them further, creating something that feels playful and functional at the same time.
I was greatly influenced by the bright and dynamic nature of the urban environment. The yellow and green colors in the collection are closely tied to the dynamic energy in how people move and work. I aimed for the collection to reflect the urban spirit—strong, graphic, and ready for anything.
I'm not directly involved in production, but all the styles in this collection are truly based on ECCO's technological expertise. For example, in the Offroad line—one of the most complex designs—it's not just about creating something aesthetically bright, but also about balancing style and functionality. We used a combination of ECCO's glossy and matte leather and implemented the Speedlace fastening system, which should be a practical and elegant addition. The goal was to maintain the technical characteristics while giving them a fresh bold look.
The Sculpted boots presented their own unique set of challenges. The design features organic lines, and we used matte leather to create the impression that the upper is an extension of the sole. Achieving these smooth, seamless design lines can be difficult with leather, as it behaves differently with each pair of shoes.
Silver is a new color we introduced, but it is only used as an accent. The idea came from the metallic surfaces we often work with at ECCO and in their stores.
Which footwear model from this collection do you like the most?
I'm a fan of the Offroad line in general, so I would say my favorites are the Offroad shoes.
As a designer, my taste often changes, but I usually gravitate towards a combination of something sporty and casual, as well as something more formal, bold, and stylish.
