Nasty Gal x EMRATA: The Sexiest Collab of the Year

The most eagerly awaited fashion collaboration of the year is finally here!

This is a collection that perfectly combines Studio 54 inspired pieces with a hefty dose of 80's influenced power dressing.

Words By Brittany Lyons

Fashion powerhouse Nasty Gal has, for the second time, joined forces with Emily Ratajkowski for a collection that imbues female empowerment.

The fierce feminist and spokesperson for women’s rights, Ratajkowski is no stranger to the limelight, being in the public eye since her teens.

A well-known actress, model and voice for women all over the globe, you will probably recognise her more distinctly by her Instagram handle @emrata.

Sparked by her tenacity and fearlessness when navigating the sometimes-unjust world of modelling, she often uses her platform to speak out against injustices whilst simultaneously spreading positive female body image.

With over a cool 56 million IG followers, you better believe her message is not only being heard but is making waves throughout the digital community.

The collection itself speaks volumes about body positivity and how the female form should be celebrated and not shamed. References of 80’s power suiting are clear throughout the capsule’s entirety, evident in exaggerated shoulder profiles and fabric choice. Zebra is back in a big way and did we mention sequins? A mix of different textures, prints and embellishments make this collection tactile, loud and uber cool.

What would a Nasty Gal collection be without showing a little skin? Bodycon dresses and plunging necklines are a strong theme throughout, further articulating the normality in celebrating the female body and wanting to show it off. If you feel good, you look good and radiate good too. That’s what this collection is all about.

Reigning true to Em Rata style, the campaign is sexy, alluring and a little nostalgic.

If your aesthetic is caught somewhere between naughty cowgirl and 80’s Miami glamour, then you’ll have a deep appreciation for these beautiful images and of course, the beautiful (and inspiring) woman featured.

Nasty Gal spoke to Ratajkowski about the collection, and what she’s been up to this year.

NG: What is your favourite outfit from this collection?

ER: The zebra dress and matching hat for sure!

NG: You’ve previously described a nasty woman/gal as “A woman who stands up for herself and what she believes in, she loves herself.” How do you practice self-love?

ER: Self-love means figuring out what you want and learning how to set healthy boundaries.

NG: We heard that you’re in the middle of writing a book of essays about body image, and your experiences dealing with it as a model. Could you give us any more details about that? What do you hope people will take away from it?

ER: I hope that the writing speaks for itself! To read one of the essays, check out my piece “Buying Myself Back” which was published in New York Magazine last month.

NG: The BLM movements became so strong worldwide this year, how has this impacted you and do you feel optimistic about things changing?

ER: It’s been thrilling to see how widespread the fundamental understanding of systemic racism has become. That makes me feel very optimistic, but I am concerned about the powers that be enacting real, systemic change. We have to continue to push.

NG How would you describe your relationship with fashion?

ER: I feel like fashion can be a wonderful celebration of yourself! Choosing what you want to wear on a given day is such an empowering, exciting feeling. I love playing dress up and I think we all need to remember that fashion shouldn’t be taken too seriously. It should be fun!

NG: What are some misconceptions about being a strong woman?

ER: That they’re “too much!” A woman (who) knows what she wants doesn’t mean that she’s bossy or aggressive.

 

Shop the Nasty Gal x EMRATA collection here.