I’m no economist but I am well aware of the impact the financial crisis has had on the fashion industry. Talk tends to focus on the effect in retail and spending but what about the affect on fashion design? I’m not talking about fashion’s disposition for shortening hemlines during times of hardship, I’m thinking on a more conceptual level. We may be buying less and investing in “timeless” pieces, but I think many designers are now offering a more measured and considered aesthetic. And it’s coming from the ones who are at the beginning of their career, who have the ambition and (unfettered) ideas that are making a difference.
There are a handful of young designers that are impressing us at the moment, no more so than our new feature designer, Melbourne-based Georgina Thomas. This is only her second collection but it obvious she is a designer to watch.
So, you’re a graduate of RMIT. Do you find it’s a course that is encouraging for young designers to graduate with an immediate drive to start a label? How did Georgina Thomas (the label) evolve?
Starting your own label was just one of the possibilities- graduates have ended up in a lot of different places. But it happened to be that most of my friends also wanted to start labels- I think we just had a similar mindset and gravitated towards each other.
After going overseas in 2005, it really cemented the fact that I wanted to design and fueled my drive to start my own label. In the end it felt like a natural progression.
Do you think that living/working in Melbourne helps to make it possible to be a young, successful designer?
I think it is probably a challenge wherever you are! I think people in Melbourne are interested in new labels especially being a local designer, but wherever I was I think I would be doing the same!
I’m a fan of Ann-Sofie Back so I envy your internship. What made you choose Ann-Sofie?
I really responded to Ann-Sofie’s concepts, the way she presents her work and she definitely has her own perspective. She is a cool lady!
Do you try and take that conceptual, minimalist approach of the Scandinavians and infuse it into your own work?
It’s a style of design I really respond to, but I take inspiration from a lot of different things like music, photography…big hair!
How would you describe your design details, and what can we expect from winter?
I have been exploring covering the body and exposing at the same time by slashing into a traditional silhouette and trying to find a balance of ‘tough’ and ’sweet’- it seems to be an ongoing theme with me!
Have you found your way to a Brisbane boutique with this collection?
Not as yet, but I hope to find my way to Brisbane very soon- they have some great boutiques!
