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Natacha Simões

Freelance Visual Merchandiser & Creative Consultant | 2D/3D Retail Design | Beauty & Fashion | Ex-Louis Vuitton
About

Visual Merchandiser & Creative Consultant with 10 years of experience transforming retail spaces into immersive, consumer-driven brand experiences. From leading high-profile activations at Louis Vuitton across flagship locations like Harrods and New Bond Street to executing global rollouts for The INKEY List, I bring together 2D/3D design, strategic storytelling, and commercial insight to elevate in-store presence and customer engagement. At Louis Vuitton, I played a key role in managing visual merchandising across top-performing UK stores, driving commercial results through campaign launches, spatial planning, team leadership, and premium retail execution. I’ve led store expansions, window rollouts, and collaborated with senior leadership to uphold brand standards across multiple retail formats. Now through my studio, I collaborate with fashion and beauty brands to design tailored visual merchandising strategies, fixture systems, and retail environments that captivate and convert.

Previous Brands
Louis Vuitton
Camden Arts Center
Mark McClure
ZARA UK
Work Experience
Visual Merchandiser, Creative Consultant & Techinical Designer
Nov ‘24 - Now
Self employed

Working with global beauty and fashion brands to design high-impact visual merchandising strategies, fixture systems, and branded environments that elevate consumer engagement across retail. -----The INKEY List----- - Own the end-to-end development of 2D and 3D visual merchandising assets across key global markets including US, Canada, Mexico, EMEA, and the Middle East. - Design and render full fixture solutions including FSDUs, gondolas, mid gondolas, endcaps, and linear bays for retailers such as Ulta (1,400+ US stores), Sephora, Douglas, SpaceNK and Boots. - Create print-ready artwork for in-store graphics, shelf strips, headers, and POS materials, adhering strictly to brand guidelines and retailer specifications. - Partner with creative, marketing, and senior leadership to ensure all retail design work reinforces brand strategy and delivers cohesive cross-market storytelling. - Manage multiple high-speed projects simultaneously, maintaining consistency and precision under tight deadlines. - Played a pivotal role in bringing The INKEY List’s rebrand to life in-store, enhancing consumer impact through refreshed storytelling and elevated fixture design. -----OMNES----- - Spearheaded the brand’s transition from e-commerce to physical retail, leading visual merchandising for the launch of three standalone stores in 2024. - Developed store layout concepts, and storytelling elements to reflect OMNES’ eco-conscious identity and contemporary aesthetic. - Delivered end-to-end VM execution,, zoning strategies, and seasonal campaign rollouts. - Worked closely with the OMNES brand team to ensure every in-store element aligned with sustainability values and customer experience goals.

Visual Merchandising Manager
May ‘21 - Nov ‘24
Louis Vuitton

• Implemented visual merchandising strategies across the two highest turnover stores in the UK, each generating over £90M, ensuring brand consistency. • Led cross-functional collaboration with store managers and teams to optimize product placement and new launch displays, driving a 10% sales increase at New Bond Street in 2023. • Managed the execution of high-profile events and projects, including LV x YK installation at Harrods (27 windows, 4 concessions, 2 Pop-ins), • Spearheaded the 345 sqm expansion of Men's Superbrands, boosting Harrods' performance by 12% and contributing to 34% of overall sales, securing the #2 ranking in EMEA. • Managed and upskilled a team of 6 junior VMs and trained 25+ senior managers, resulting in a 70% improvement in merchandising standards at the New Bond Street store within 6 months.

Area Visual Merchandising Coordinator
May ‘17 - Apr ‘21
Louis Vuitton

• Coordinated the opening of a new 422 sqm concession at Harrods and managed the setup of pop-ups, pop-ins, and in-store events, significantly enhancing customer engagement and brand visibility. • Achieved a 19% increase in Men's Shoe sales, driving the category to the #1 position in EMEA through trend analysis and innovative visual merchandising techniques. • Executed biweekly category rotations across 10 categories and compiled monthly visual merchandising reports for the Central VM Team, ensuring brand consistency and effective communication. • Enhanced merchandising standards through regular coaching and feedback, maintaining a premium and consistent execution across all channels.

Stock Controller
Mar ‘15 - May ‘17
Louis Vuitton

• Managed delivery operations, including the unpacking and labeling of high-value items, ensuring meticulous handling of luxury goods, including jewelry. • Participated in stock takes and monthly inventories, maintaining accurate records and identifying discrepancies, crucial for inventory management of high-value categories. • Collaborated with merchandising teams to ensure optimal stock levels for high-demand items, including jewelry, during key promotional periods.

Front of the House Assistant
May ‘14 - Jul ‘14
Camden Arts Center

Volunteered at the exhibition at Camden Arts Center - Moyra Davey, "life without sheets of paper to be scribbled on is masterpiece" - Philli Lai, "Besides"

Artist Assistant
Feb ‘14 - May ‘14
Mark McClure

- Assisted Mark McClure on a project for the Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford.

Stock Controller
Aug ‘13 - Feb ‘15
ZARA UK

- Managed a team of 6 stock controllers, organizing rotas and daily planners, ensuring efficient store replenishment and timely response to client requests. - Spearheaded investigation and resolution of stock discrepancies, playing a crucial role in maintaining inventory accuracy and operational efficiency. - Facilitated comprehensive team training, enhancing team competency and performance in inventory management and client service. - Demonstrated expertise in the RFID system, leveraging technology for improved stock tracking and management.

Languages
Portuguese - Native
Spanish - Basic
French - Basic
English - Fluent
Education & Training
University of Évora
‘09 - ‘12
Fine Arts - Sculpture
London, UK