The Na'ama Rietti aesthetic combines unique handcrafting skills with the use of natural and exotic materials to create extraordinary and exclusive 'artwear' and apparel. Born in Jerusalem, Rietti had a pretty ‘nomadic’ upbringing, spending much of her childhood travelling through faraway places before settling in the UK. Since graduating from Kingston University in 2010, Rietti’s work mirrors this exotic, natural aesthetic. Following a shoot in Israel for her latest collection, we catch up with Rietti to chat about her work.

It’s the continuum of life and creation, of evolution and the inevitability of the human condition. Many of my ideas derive from ambiguous images resembling creatures or bodily forms, which seem to emerge from imagery during the creative process

Dazed Digital: Could you tell us about your work?
Na’ama Rietti: I enjoy working as an artisanal designer exploring aspects of my identity or particular influence from emotional life experience through drawing, painting, sculpture, installation and photography. Colours, materials and textures often relate to memories of my surroundings wondering Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern countries. These experiences have had a huge influence on my tastes, values and beliefs which continue to be explored in my work.

DD: There’s a primordial and animalistic theme to your work, what inspires this?
Na’ama Rietti: It’s the continuum of life and creation, of evolution and the inevitability of the human condition. Many of my ideas derive from ambiguous images resembling creatures or bodily forms, which seem to emerge from imagery during the creative process.

DD:What are your hopes for the future?
Na’ama Rietti: I’ve been working on a collaboration with Darkroom boutique in London where I will be showcasing a unique collection of hand crafted bodywear/ornamental accessories as part of the Boutique's ‘Summer Solstice’ seasonal launch from 21st June. I’m looking forward to getting back to the knitting machine, so I can start experimenting with combining new techniques which will allow me to make more reproducible items. I am also working on some big mural paintings for my Jerseywear range and will be reintroducing some limited edition, luxury leatherwear.