Natalia Mueller: Allure of Illusions

Could you please provide us with a professional introduction about yourself and your Styling work?

I am Natalia Mueller, a Berlin-based fashion stylist with extensive experience in creating captivating visual stories. My work spans editorial styling for prestigious magazines like L’Officiel , Marie Claire, Gala Greece, etc., some music videos, and short films. With a background of over a decade in the fashion industry in China, where I worked as a fashion buyer, I have developed a deep understanding of trends, fashion, and storytelling through styling.

Can you tell us about how you got started in Styling?

While my primary focus has always been styling, I began collaborating closely with photographers and other creatives on editorials and campaigns early in my career. This hands-on involvement ignited my passion for styling as a means of storytelling, combining visual art and fashion to evoke emotions.

What was your passion driving you during your journey? Who or what prompted you to begin?

My passion for fashion and later for art as a universal language has been my driving force. The ability to convey emotions, identity, and stories through styling has always fascinated me. Working with designers and creatives inspired me to pursue a career where I could bring these elements together.

Could you walk us through your styling process for photoshoot?

I begin by deeply understanding the concept or message behind the shoot. To delve into the theme or story, I conduct thorough research—reading, watching, and immersing myself in sources that provide a deeper understanding. I then collaborate closely with the photographer and creative team to align on the mood, colors, and overall styling direction. From there, I carefully source the wardrobe and accessories, always considering the narrative, visual harmony, and how specific materials, designs, or accessories can best express the essence of the concept. I also incorporate an emotional layer to enrich the storytelling. On the day of the shoot, I ensure everything runs smoothly, managing last-minute adjustments and providing creative input to bring the vision to life seamlessly on set

Where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?

Ideas often come from a mix of fashion history, art, cinema, and the world around me. I also draw inspiration from nature, personal experiences, and cultural references, blending them into concepts that feel both modern and timeless.

Can you tell us about the most memorable moment you've had as a stylist and what experience you gained from that?

One of the most challenging experiences I faced was styling for a modern ethnic photoshoot we shot in Berlin with a large team. I was struggling with one particular look—it just wouldn’t fit the model correctly, and something always seemed off. I was on the verge of giving up and considering canceling the look altogether. That’s when my colleague, a hairstylist, stepped in to help. He reminded me that there’s always a solution and suggested I try being the fitting model myself to feel the essence of the look. Surprisingly, this approach gave me a fresh perspective, and I finally figured out how to adjust the outfit to make it work.

The experience taught me that certain looks can sometimes be born spontaneously on set, despite my efforts to prepare everything in advance. It also reinforced how much I value teamwork and the support of a collaborative team—those moments of shared effort can truly save the day.

What are the most important components of an extraordinary photograph, in your opinion?

The moment when every small detail—styling elements, makeup, hairstyle, the model's emotions, background, and lighting—align perfectly to tell the same story is when the real magic begins. That harmony creates an indescribable emotional high for me, a feeling of true happiness that fuels my passion. You just need to catch it!

How do you strike a balance between your artistic expression and your client's expectations during a shoot?

Communication is key. I make sure to align with the client’s vision while offering my creative input to elevate the project. It’s about finding common ground where both artistic integrity and the client’s goals are achieved.

What are your top tips for aspiring photographers /stylists on skill development and finding their own creative voice? How did you develop yours?

Experiment constantly and embrace every experience as a learning opportunity. Collaborate with other creatives to expand your perspective and discover new ideas. Finding your creative voice is a journey that stems from understanding what emotionally and visually resonates with you—something that unfolds over time through practice.

Pay close attention to your emotions, observe the world around you without judgment or complaint, and simply take it all in. You’ll find endless inspiration in the smallest details, which, with the right team, can be transformed into a visual masterpiece.

What is your favorite piece of work you've ever shot?

It was an honor to work on an editorial FLAUNT ETHNIC for Gala Greece with a concept that celebrated ethnic heritage in a modern style. This project was incredibly challenging yet rewarding—I sourced clothes and accessories not only from designers but also from ethnic shops and private collections. It felt like a journey, uncovering the rich stories behind South American and Asian ethnic minorities.

Through this experience, I learned so much about the meanings behind certain patterns, colors, and cultural symbols. The day of the shoot was absolutely magical. Everyone on the team poured their hearts into this project, and the result turned out truly fantastic.

Can you tell me about an upcoming project you're working on and the idea behind it?

I’m currently working on a concept , which explores sustainability in fashion through earthy tones, natural textures, and storytelling that connects people to the environment.

Can you tell us the story behind creating the photographs you submitted?

The concept behind this shoot was to capture the essence of city life, but with a subtle sense of disconnection—moments when we feel lost within the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape. The idea was to convey how, at times, life in the city can feel like an illusion. On the outside, we’re physically present, moving through crowded streets and buildings, but inside, our minds drift elsewhere—detached from the present moment.

Through the styling, I wanted to evoke a sense of being caught between two worlds: the tangible, fast-paced environment of the city and the intangible world of our inner thoughts, dreams, and emotions. The contrasts in the shoot represent that duality—where we navigate the external world, but our hearts and minds are somewhere far beyond, lost in our own reflections, memories, or aspirations.

At its core, this shoot is about the feeling of being here, but not here—an emotional distance that we sometimes experience when life around us feels overwhelming or out of sync with our own internal state..

Where can we view more of your work and connect with you?

Instagram: instagram.com/nataliamueller_

Facebook: facebook.com/nataliamuellerstyle

Photographer : @nastassia_chantal
Model: @emine.aru

Fashion stylist: @nataliamueller_

Modeling Agency: @jayjaymodels

MUA: @tatiana_turko_muah

Photo: Nastassia Chantal

Model: Emine

Via @officialkavyar