Styled for life
International stylist Natalie Harper Howell’s fashion brand Hunt & Hall takes its inspiration from her Lincolnshire heritage. Interview by Barbara Young.
As a fashion stylist with a high-flying client list, Natalie Harper Howell is well used to working with stars preparing for appearances on Hollywood’s red carpets, as well as behind the camera at glossy magazine fashion shoots all over the world.
However, as a born and bred Lincolnshire girl, Natalie is never happier than when she’s enjoying country life back home, which is reflected in her elegantly rustic fashion brand.
Launched by Natalie in 2023, Hunt & Hall is a classic town-to-country fashion house grounded in heritage, elegance and modern femininity. According to its marketing, the brand takes its inspiration from British heritage with equestrian roots designed ‘to answer the needs of the life-loving modern woman’.
This year’s new autumn/winter collection, which was unveiled at a special Hunt & Hall charity fashion show held at Kenwick Park Hotel in aid of the Yellow Wellies Foundation, featured a runway of ‘influencer’ models, as well as Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who teamed up to showcase Natalie’s latest designs.
“AW25 is timeless yet versatile,” explains Natalie, whose five-year-old daughter Harper also took part in the show.
“Think equestrian reds, beautifully tailored coats, waistcoats, and knitwear that feels as good as it looks.
“I design with functionality in mind — detachable trims, interchangeable details — so pieces never just sit in wardrobes, but become cherished staples.
“Since having my daughter, I’ve also got an eye on practicality. My blouses are created in a washable satin that you can throw in the machine – silk and a young child just don’t go together. The blouses have detachable bows, so you can change up the look.
“Also, when you have children your priorities change. I can justify spending money on a handbag because I will use it a lot, but with clothes you have to do the maths, the cost per wear analysis. You also need to be able to style things differently so the outfit changes whenever you wear it.”
Natalie says Harper has already developed her own sense of style: “Harper is at the heart of everything I do – she’s my little muse and the reason I work so hard to build something lasting. She loves joining me on photoshoots and catwalk rehearsals, and she’s not shy about giving her opinions on fabrics and colours. I often joke that she’s already part of the design team!
“She’s also launched her own mini collection – the Harper Bear jumper, which has already shipped internationally, a tractor tee where a portion of proceeds supports farmers’ mental health charities, and her new pony hoodies, inspired by her passion for riding.
“Motherhood changed everything for me. Although I couldn’t travel internationally as a stylist anymore, I wanted clothes that were timeless, practical, and still elegant – pieces you could throw on over leggings for the school run but also dress up for Cheltenham. It made me think about longevity and building wardrobes that work hard for women.
“This season, I’m particularly proud of the Loxley coat and our Fair Isle knits, as they embody the Hunt & Hall DNA: British, classic and enduring.”
Rural influences
Natalie, who has long held a passion for fashion, grew up on the family farm near Sutton on Sea with her parents Robert and Melita Howell, whom she describes as “entrepreneurs”.
“As a little girl I loved putting looks together and was fascinated by how clothes could tell a story. While others wanted toys, I asked for fabrics, shoes, or jewellery.
“My mother has always had a strong interest in fashion, and I definitely inherited that from her. Thanks to her, I also have an incredible vintage collection that continues to inspire me.”
Natalie describes what sounds like an idyllic childhood: “very outdoorsy – filled with horses, wellies, and long days on the farm”.
“I was surrounded by fields, horses and a strong sense of tradition. That town-and-country lifestyle shaped my love for heritage fabrics, practical tailoring and the British countryside aesthetic.
“At the same time, my mother often took me on trips to London, where we’d go shopping and attend fashion shows – so I had both worlds: rural roots and big-city inspiration.
“This instilled a respect for hard work, quality, and things that last. Those values are woven into everything I design at Hunt & Hall.”
Growing up within a farming family, Natalie says she cultivated a passion for country pursuits, from clay pigeon shooting to eventing.
A memorable highlight for the Howell family was as international event horse owners when they witnessed the legendary New Zealand rider Mark Todd triumph at Badminton Horse Trials in 1996 with their talented chestnut gelding, Bertie Blunt.
The family’s rural heritage remains a strong influence even today: The name ‘Hunt & Hall’ pays homage to our family’s heritage, as our ancestral home was once known locally as The Hall. This name reflects our profound connection to both the countryside and the world of fashion, and together it represents the balance of practicality and refinement that defines the brand.
“Guided by the elegance of my mother and grandmother, who epitomised grace and sophistication, I discovered my passion for curating enduring style. To me fashion is more than fleeting trends, it’s a reflection of identity and values.
“With Hunt & Hall, my aim is to craft wardrobes filled with investment pieces that withstand the test of time, embodying a lifestyle rooted in authenticity and longevity.
“For me, the biggest challenge has been balancing creative vision with the practical realities of production and logistics. However, support from my family and close friends has been amazing. My mother is always my sounding board — if she loves a design, I know it will resonate.”
Fashion career
Now established as the founder and creative director of her own brand, Natalie’s journey into the world of fashion began more than 25 years ago when she was a personal stylist at Matches Fashion.
“Starting in womenswear, I swiftly transitioned into menswear, climbing the career ladder. I trained with Zegna in made-to-measure suiting, which led me to styling for men’s magazines such as The Rake and working with some incredible actors and actresses.
“I learned everything I could behind the scenes and worked my way into high-profile styling. It was about trust, hard work, and never being afraid to roll up my sleeves.
“My path led me to Los Angeles, where I collaborated with glossy magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Vanity Fair, styling celebrities like Elle Fanning, Dame Helen Mirren, and well-known bands such as The Rolling Stones.
“I then went on to work with British country brands Beaufort & Blake and Fairfax & Favor, as well as high-end designers such as Dior, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana.”
With a career which has taken her from Hollywood red carpets to Dubai editorial shoots, via London’s creative hotspots, working as a celebrity stylist must have had its challenges, but Natalie remains tactfully positive: “It’s all about discretion, trust, and understanding the individual. The pressure can be intense, but when you get it right and make someone feel incredible, it’s worth it.
“I’ve enjoyed working with clients who truly know themselves and trust the process. That trust allows for real creativity and collaboration.”
Natalie says the first thing she looks for in a person who has approached her for help with styling is their personality: “Who they are, what makes them feel confident, and how they want to be seen. For me, style should always enhance, never mask.”
After time spent working with other brands, Natalie decided to step out and build something of her own.
“After years of sketching, sourcing and planning. It was the natural culmination of everything I had learned throughout my career. I wanted to create a brand rooted in timeless British style – just real women, real elegance, real stories.
“Working with Vogue and Elle was a dream come true. The creativity, access to the most inspiring designers, and the constant drive for innovation, gave me a deep appreciation for fashion as storytelling.”
Today, Natalie combines online sales with professional and personal styling by appointment at her HQ and studio in Louth, where she also offers virtual sessions for clients seeking one-to-one styling advice.
In creating her latest collection, Natalie says she is inspired by the British countryside, equestrian heritage, and old-world glamour, “also the women I design for – their lifestyles, their needs, and their desire for pieces that work effortlessly across different settings”.
“It’s rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving. It’s about marrying functionality with refinement, whether you’re in the city or the countryside.”
So, can anyone look stylish? “Yes, absolutely. Style is confidence and fit. Invest in fewer, better pieces that make you feel amazing, and mix in heritage accessories to elevate your look.
“When it comes to this year’s key trends, tailoring remains strong, knitwear with character, and investment outerwear. Accessories are key too – the right bag or belt can change everything.
“Hunt & Hall is designed so each piece complements one another, so women can truly mix and match without having to think too hard, and build their own wardrobe of elegant, classic attire.
“The brand is more than fashion – it’s a lifestyle. It’s about confidence, heritage, and elegance that endures.”
There are also plans to expand into accessories and childrenswear, while also putting more focus on sustainability and timeless design.
“I’m hoping there will be more events and pop-ups so we can bring Hunt & Hall directly to our community. We are also launching our Masters collection, which will be manufactured in the UK using British wools.”
Looking back, Natalie describes her journey into heading up her own fashion business as “exciting and challenging, in equal parts”.
“It takes resilience, vision, and a lot of late nights, but the reward is seeing women wear and truly love the pieces.”
Shop Hunt & Hall online at www.huntandhall.com and follow on Instagram @huntandhall
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Lincolnshire Life Magazine Newsletter 12/25 - mailchi.mp/lincolnshirelife.co.uk/lincolnshire-life-magazine-newsletter-12-25