Gemma Garnham

One of my favourite things about fashion is the amazing amount of talent that exists. While there are a great many talented, well-established designers who show at the big fashion shows, we can sometimes pass over the smaller, up-and-coming designers of equal talent. One of these very talented designers in Gemma Garnham.

When I came across Gemma's line, I knew I had to share it with all of you. The best way I can describe the clothes in 'darkly romantic.' I think the clothes speak for themselves here, but Gemma also kindly answered a few of my questions as well. You can contact Gemma at studio@gemmagarnham.com.

1. First things first, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a womenswear designer who is in the process of setting up a small label after realizing to be fully satisfied in my design career I will need to do it all myself! I have just shown my collection at Alternative Fashion Week Show, Spitalfields, London and my outfits will be appearing at Oxford Fashion Week during May. Currently researching for my SS2010 collection and readying the business to launch later in the year.

2. Please tell us a little about your line (inspriations, reason for creating it, etc.).

Taking cue from my Northern (England) roots it looks back to when Northern Industry was at the pinnacle of the Industrial Revolution during the mid to late 1800’s- a period of new beginnings, strength in the British Empire and prosperity moving North of London. Playing with shape and volume creating extravagant silhouettes. Ruffles and frills are in copious supply while billowing sleeve detail adds authenticity to the Victorian homage. I consistently use natural materials. All cloths used in my collection are either: 100% cotton, 100% silk or the softest calves leather. My favourite colour is black, closely followed by grey so these have a strong emphasis in my colour palette. I like to keep things simple but striking colour wise

3. What sort of woman do you envision wearing your clothes?

The woman I am dressing is a strong, independent, stylish woman. She isn’t a slave to fashion trends and has a unique style of her own. She power dresses and likes masculine influences, whilst dressing in luxurious fabrics with beautiful, intricate detailing.

4. Having a fashion line, you must know a thing or two about style. What, in your opinion, makes a woman stylish?

In my humble opinion style is all in confidence and the way you conduct yourself. Knowing what suits your shape and being confident to dress however makes you happy and not worrying if it is this seasons ‘trend’ there is nothing worse than a fashion slave who over thinks their look. Style is effortless.

5. Any final advice for readers?

I am still fairly new to Industry myself so I don’t know if I’m qualified to give advice; I need all the advice and help I can get! One thing I would say is be full of steely determination to make things happen and believe in your own creative abilities, the rest you learn!