The Interview: GEORGINE
Originally from The Netherlands, the eponymous women’s collection GEORGINE has made a big splash in international waters since launching in 2011. Produced in Italy and designed in New York City (or during her various trips abroad), this emerging label combines inspiration from around the world, from classic German film noir to the architecture, art and nature found in exotic destinations. Resulting in an aesthetic embracing the strengths of masculine and feminine for an overall new perspective into the wardrobe of a modern yet timeless woman.
You might have recently seen GEORGINE’s work in a variety of publications, including L’Officiel, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Nylon or on the cover of October’s Seventeen, but join me and revisit a recent chat with the young designer about her latest inspirations, how she discovered her love for fashion design and a few aspirations for the future. (And be sure to take a look at the beautiful Fall/Winter 2013 collection below).
What inspires you to design?
Initially it was a natural feeling and hunger that inspired me to design. The whole design process is a lot of fun! Besides my natural hunger to design, I also get to travel quite a bit due to various work requirements. The different destinations I go to act as great inspiration. For example, I recently stayed in the Siam hotel in Bangkok where I felt like I was on inspiration overload! In addition to travelling, I am frequently inspired by the women I dress, architecture, art, furniture, music, film, theater, antiques, people and nature (just to name a few).
Can you tell us a little about your current collection?
For the Fall/Winter 2013 collection, German Expressionism, specifically its influence on cinema such as film noir, inspired me. Classic movies like Sunset Boulevard and the iconic Metropolis, specifically. Additionally Helmut Newton’s infamous 1979 photo of Gia Carangi and Robin Osler inspired the GEORGINE muse who likes to play up both her masculine and feminine sides. A modern Veronica Lake whose style, attitude, and clothing transcends gender and embraces a new view of the modern woman.
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing from your current collection?
I have several pieces I cherish. One of them would be the Taroni Plaid Dress because the Taroni silk is beautifully hand-woven and the colors are so vibrant and beautiful! My other favorite piece is the Black Blazer Jacket with hand-braided suede cuff. This piece is very versatile and can be worn both day and evening.
How would you describe your line’s vibe?
Our main objective is to create chic and beautiful clothing every woman can feel great about wearing. GEORGINE clothing is tailored, well cut and promises to make you feel more confident and beautiful. My designs emphasize the most beautiful parts of a woman.
Who do you think your ideal customer is?
She is an elegant and confident woman! My customer does not have an age. She is timeless!
When did you first know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I have always loved the arts! I get a natural high from creations that are well thought out, whether that includes architecture, art, advertising, design, etc. Growing up I had many creative outlets (painting, fashion, interior/furniture design, scrapbooks), although I didn’t realize fashion was more than a hobby until the prestigious multi-brand boutique SIEN in Antwerp placed an order prior to my graduation. Before I knew it, something I loved to do became my company and something I could make a living pursuing.
What do you love most about being a designer?
A whole new collection to wear every season! Haha, I most love all of the amazing, interesting and fun people I meet, as well as the beautiful things I come across because of my travels. Another very rewarding and motivating thing is to see women wearing my designs, mixing and matching my designs with their own personal style!
How did you make that dream of becoming a fashion designer happen?
I attended Istituto Europeo di Design and had countless internships. Every summer for five years, I interned at various fashion houses in different cities. I interned at a couture house in Antwerp, Maggie Norris and Zac Posen in New York, a contemporary brand Kimberly Ovitz in Los Angeles and Zac Posen took me to Paris for Paris Fashion Week.
I was very fortunate as the prestigious multi-brand boutique SIEN in Antwerp heard about my collection and placed an order before I graduated! This was huge, especially since my first collection was hanging with the likes of The Row, Hussein Chalayan, Jason Wu and Proenza Schouler!
To be an “entrepreneur” or to own your own company can be challenging at times and requires a lot of discipline and work, but all that matters is that you absolutely love what you do and work toward your goals every day.
In what ways do you think your designs or abilities have evolved since you started designing?
My designs have definitely evolved because I have grown as an artist, learned a lot and have the ability of being able to source from the best fabric mills in the world. In addition to that, every season I better understand what my customer wants and what I want to create and provoke as a designer and brand.
What advice would you share with aspiring fashion designers out there?
Work hard, work smart, listen and absolutely love what you are doing!
So since we are “The Aspiring Fashionista,” what are a few things you are looking forward to (or “aspiring” to do) in the future?
I am most looking forward to introducing my cruise and pre-fall lines in the upcoming year or so. I am also looking forward to future collaborations, as I love teaming up with other designers and companies. And I can’t wait to open my boutique and to have our first official fashion show during New York Fashion week!
For more information about this emerging designer, visit Georgine.info or interact with her on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Roam the racks exclusively at Heist in Los Angeles or shop at her store at 15 Broad Street, New York City. Other retail destinations include Belgium, Singapore, England, France and Hong Kong.
