The designer behind womenswear label Georgia Alice talks to Cleo about where her inspiration comes from, designers she digs and her love of messy hair.
What’s your background?
I was born and raised in Christchurch. Then at 16 I moved to Sydney to study ballet full-time. I then made a huge decision to find my happiness somewhere else…it was during the period of self discovery that my true love for clothing became apparent. The rest is kind of blurry!!
What’s your aesthetic and what kind of woman do you design for?
My aesthetic is very clean, modern, strong and a little wild. I design for girls and women who dress for themselves, not for boys. Baggy silhouettes, messy hair. Cool girls – tomboys.
How has it been launching a fashion label in your early twenties?
I was really fortunate to have support from Murray Bevan at Showroom 22 – he really helped me build a solid platform for G.A. I have worked really hard, and I have had several amazing people who have believed in me from the start. Scarlet Carew, Emma Svendsen and my amazing NZ stockists. It has been a group effort!
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
I’ve met some amazingly talented, passionate, beautiful people. I have the best working environment, my first full-time employee is the best friend and sidekick anyone could ask for and her name is Alice…which of course is a magical coincidence. We both work so hard and I am lucky to have found someone who loves/cares about G.A. as much as me!
What would we find if we had a peek through your handbag?
Lots of receipts, Hi Chew gum, Origins Vita-Zing tinted moisturiser, sunglasses, notebook, wallet, mascara, a little travel sized hairspray (so I can mess my hair obvs) and H20.
Where does your inspiration come from?
The Ocean. The Desert. The Jungle.
What advice would you give someone who’s keen to get into fashion design?
Be ready for a tough time, but if you love it, it will reward you beyond your wildest dreams.
What are your workplace wardrobe staples?
G.A. everything! Haze shirt, Aquarian Denim, Kingdom Knit, Fools Paradise Vest, and the Leather Meadow Shorts.
Can you tell us about your latest collection?
WAVES is my SS14 collection. It came about from my obsession with cult documentaries –The Source Family, to be exact. It’s inspired by oceans, and places where you can taste the heat.
Who are some of your fave designers?
Phoebe Philo, Raf, Jonny Johansson, Nicolas Ghesquière.
What are your future goals for the label?
Too many. Watch this space.
