Natalia Portela Dantas

Natalia Dantas is a Technical Specialist in Knitwear Garment Construction within the Fashion, Knitwear and Textile Design department at the School of Art & Design. She manages the Knitwear Make-up Resource and provides specialist technical support to students and staff across a range of fashion and textile courses.

Working closely with undergraduate and postgraduate students, Natalia supports the development of knitwear projects from initial concepts through to finished garments. She provides specialist guidance in garment construction, fit, finishing techniques, linking technologies and industrial manufacturing processes, helping students develop the practical and technical skills required for careers in the fashion industry.

Her role includes delivering technical demonstrations, developing learning materials, managing specialist workshop equipment and resources, and supporting safe working practices within the knitwear workshops. Natalia also provides technical expertise for student showcases, including Degree Shows and Graduate Fashion Week, supporting students throughout the garment development and production process.

Natalia has more than 20 years of international experience in the knitwear industry, with a career spanning garment sampling, production, product development and manufacturing in both the UK and Portugal. Her extensive industry experience has enabled her to develop specialist expertise in knitwear garment construction, linking technologies and industrial production techniques.

Before joining Nottingham Trent University, Natalia worked as a freelance Garment Construction Technician with Stoll GB, collaborating with garment technologists and knitwear designers to develop commercial knitwear collections. Throughout her career, she has worked with both established and emerging designers, supporting the translation of creative concepts into technically resolved, high-quality finished garments.

Natalia brings valuable industry knowledge and professional experience to the learning environment, helping students understand contemporary knitwear manufacturing practices and develop technical skills that are relevant to careers in fashion, knitwear and textile design.