Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancie Schwartz.
Hi Nancie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Bio:
Nancie Schwartz is a seasoned fashion designer with over 20 years of industry experience, known for her versatility, creative eye, and dedication to thoughtful design. Originally hailing from Detroit, Nancie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design before making the leap to New York City, where she immersed herself in the heart of the Garment Center.
She worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, designing across multiple categories—from intimates to denim—crafting pieces that found their way into major retailers from Walmart to Bloomingdale’s. While she thrived in the fast-paced world of mass production with overseas manufacturing, Nancie’s true passion always lay in hands-on domestic production, designing specialty pieces.
After years of navigating the global fast fashion model, Nancie felt called to create something more intentional. Her newest venture, launched in 2025, Natanya Friedka, is a capsule dress collection that represents a bold shift: small-batch, ethically made garments, 100% produced in the USA.
Now based in her adopted home of Dallas, Texas, Nancie draws inspiration from the South’s vibrant energy, weaving bright colors and feminine details into each design. Natanya Friedka is aspirational yet attainable luxury, made for the discerning woman— one who values style along with timeless quality, elevated design, and ethical practices.
About the brand:
Natanya Friedka began as a limited capsule collection of women’s contemporary dresses. Every garment is sustainably and ethically made in the United States. We prioritize the use of premium environmentally conscious fabrics, cutting edge design techniques, and ethical business practices. Each design marries functional elements and elevated style together with an emphasis on structured feminine silhouettes. Our innovative prints, novelty trims, and fresh, bold color combos are a nod to our southern roots based in Dallas, Texas. Often referred to as modern style with a retro fit our pieces delight and inspire. Natanya Friedka is aspirational yet attainable luxury for the fashion forward woman.
Our brand was built on the idea of fashion doing good, as its building block – guiding each step of the process. A fashion brand is not just about the clothing but also the business, its people and how we operate in the world. Our clothing is produced ethically and domestically in New York City’s Garment Center. We strive towards sustainability both in garment production, fabric sourcing, and packaging. Additionally, each piece sold will give back a percentage to the specific non-profit tied to that season’s collection through our Patterns For Change program.
We go to market through a channel hybrid mix of DTC and wholesale. Our brand hits the sweet spot between mid-range and luxury, with a price point between $425-$695.
Less than 3% of apparel is made in the USA and less the 14% of brands are run by women –
We do both!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but this industry never is. Development has taken twice as long as expected. While the fashion cycle from concept to production can take about a year for established brands, the timeline for a start-up is significantly longer. Finding fabric mills willing to provide small quantities of yardage and manufacturers willing to take a chance on a new designer with low minimums has been a challenge. Even after securing my supply chain, the reality that my tiny brand is often everyone’s last priority means production frequently runs late, which has been stressful.
Another major challenge has been finding my customer and building a local market. Not being native to Texas and not having a large network here has made that especially difficult. In NYC, event coordinators, boutiques, investors, influencers, and retailers are very familiar with—and genuinely interested in—supporting emerging local talent. Many shops and shows are eager to host (and even invest in) recent fashion graduates, start-up brands, and emerging designers. Here, that culture does not seem as prevalent in the apparel market. The traditional retail model dominates in Texas, and customers tend to seek out established brands; those considered “emerging” are often already five to ten years old. While we are doing well in NYC (and surprisingly in Los Angeles), we would love the opportunity to collaborate with people or companies local to DFW.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
(see the brand info from first section)
Additionally, our brand appeals to an often-overlooked market—women in their 30s and 40s—who prefer pieces that are more refined and structured, with traditional feminine silhouettes. Our dresses have a retro, ladylike sensibility that harkens back to the fits of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The fabrics we use are rich, colorful, and substantial, with frequent use of brocades and jacquards. We also resonate with consumers who value quality and ethical practices, and who are not interested in yet another shapeless, mass-produced “Made in China” dress that feels like its literally hanging by a thread. Our distinction lies not only in our product, but in the ethos that shapes every aspect of our brand.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
That is a difficult question. The industry seems to be dividing in two.
The growth of fast fashion—driven by China’s expansion and rapidly developing secondary overseas markets such as India—continues to accelerate. At the same time, consumers are feeling the effects of inflation while embracing work-from-home lifestyles. Together, these factors have contributed to the success of disposable fashion, as well as the strong performance of activewear and loungewear brands. This shift has also fueled the growth of sales platforms such as Amazon and TikTok Shop.
Conversely, at the other end of the spectrum, the desire for a higher-end, aspirational lifestyle has never been stronger, largely due to social media. Consumers are more educated than ever about the fashion industry’s challenges, from sweatshop labor to environmental impact. Women, in particular, have greater disposable income, and thanks to social media influencers, fashion leadership is no longer reserved for celebrities alone. As mass-market styles become increasingly homogenized and brands continue to replicate one another, there is growing opportunity for independent, quality-driven brands operating at the upper end of the market.
Pricing:
- $425-$695
Contact Info:
- Website: https://natanyafriedka.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577440193816
Image Credits
brand photos credit: Maria Flash
