EMERGING DESIGNER

Helen Hoppock

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Helen Fashion Focus

elena de Natalio handbags and accessories were created to remind you of the fun of dressing up. The soft decadent leathers and the details hidden inside each bag have been created to remind you of the joys of the little things in life.

From the way each piece is hand sewn, or the original handcrafted tassels on the outside, to the small mirror hidden within; your bag is unique. Helena de Natalio was founded to create high-quality goods, but on the principle that a high-end accessory line can benefit the local artisans who are involved in production.

Helen Hoppock is the founder of Helena de Natalio and it is her spirit that has brought the company to life. Ms. Hoppock grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Puget Sound near Seattle. In May of 2003, she joined the Peace Corps and moved to Natalio, Paraguay. Helen befriended the town’s seamstress and would sit at her sewing machine late into the night polishing her skills and experimenting with different fabrics and patterns. Inspired by her Natalio experience, Helen explored marketplaces far and wide for textiles that captured the essence and charisma of South America. In August 2005, Helen moved to Buenos Aires to begin her own line of accessories. The Natalio label evokes her Paraguayan experience and her product reflects her quest to bring quality and texture to each unique piece.

Helen has teamed up with local Argentine artisans to create accessories with a distinctive Latin charm and unmistakable elegance, quality and craftsmanship.