We had a bit of a crush on this dress that Kelly Rowland wore on her Ms Kelly Diva Deluxe album cover back in 2008 and we just had to find out whose handicraft it was.
As it turns out, it is none other than the emerging British designer, Gavin Douglas. The 27-year-old has been loaded down with awards ever since he appeared on the fashion scene over seven years ago. He has been described by none other than designer extraordinaire and former Gucci creative director Tom Ford as having 'demonstrated the will, the drive and a certain amount of charm, which doesn't hurt'.
Douglas started winning awards back in 2004 when he was named Avant-Garde Designer of Year at the London Fashion Forum. He was also the winner of the prestigious Fashion Fringe Designer Award back in 2006, an honour that led to a first ever slot at London Fashion Week in 2007.
Just last year, the Birmingham-born designer showcased his work at BET's Rip the Runway. Afro Boudoir caught up with Gavin recently. Afro Boudoir: How did your interest in fashion design start?
Gavin: I’ve been creative since being a child and have always had a major interest in art and design. I excelled at school in my chosen design subjects, Art and Design Technology.
I then went on to study for a BTEC National Diploma in Design at Sutton Coldfield College in Birmingham, which is where I first started studying fashion design and realized that I wanted to further my career in this subject. I then graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles from Northampton University.
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| Gavin agrees that every girl needs a little black dress |
AB: How difficult did you find it to break into the industry?
Gavin: It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, self-discipline and time to create a successful career in fashion design. You should always be prepared to dedicate these factors into your career. It becomes your life!
AB: You won the prestigious Fashion Fringe designer award in 2006 (especially with the likes of Tom Ford on the panel) – what difference did that make to your career?
Gavin: Fashion Fringe has given me a great platform for my career and start up help needed to help build and develop my design label.
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| Gavin Douglas 2008 |
AB: Part of your prize of winning Fashion Fringe was a slot on London Fashion Week – can you please describe that experience?
Gavin: The first collection I presented at LFW after winning Fashion Fringe was called Queens of the Ocean. The collection looked towards 1940s fashion and lifestyle. It referred to the return of luxury after World War II, the new consumerism rearing its head and the prestigious and lavish lifestyles it created.
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| Gavin Douglas' Queens of the Ocean collection |
The collection was about ladies dressing up for ocean travel with updated 1940s silhouettes and raised the glamour stakes with broad, square shoulders, nipped waists and round hips. There were military influences, apparent from the period, but stylised, such as a pearlised leather double-breasted long coat. Elegance was also introduced with Swarovski crystal buttons used throughout the collection. The collection was purchased by both Harrods and Yoox.com
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| Gavin Douglas' Queens of the Ocean collection |
AB: How important was that opportunity to show at London Fashion Week for your career?
Gavin: London Fashion Week gives you a great platform to showcase your work and acts as a great portal to gain international press.
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| Gavin Douglas' Queens of the Ocean collection |
AB: How difficult (or easy) is it to get a slot at London Fashion Week?
Gavin: Hundreds of designers apply for a limited amount of slots each season at LFW so it is very competitive.
AB: What message do you try to convey through your clothes?
Gavin: The woman that wears Gavin Douglas is eclectic, unique and not scared to try something different. She doesn’t tend to follow trends and is a confident dresser. This reflects the message I portray in my garments’ individuality, luxury and elegance.
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| Gavin Douglas 2008 |
AB: You are from Birmingham in England, has that city provided any of the inspiration for any of your collections?
Gavin: Yes, The collection that I won Fashion Fringe with was inspired by an exhibition I saw at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
AB: How do you go about coming up with a concept and then translating it into a full catwalk collection?
Gavin: From season to season I’m inspired by a variety of different things. It’s not necessarily the environment I'm in. I’m often inspired by historical eras and traditional cultures. I enjoy visiting museums and looking at their archive of fashion pieces dated back as far as the 1800’s for inspiration.
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| Gavin Douglas Fall 2007 |
AB: Your creations really fit in with my personal style sense. I love clothes that drape, rather than cling – that seems to be a major part of your design ethos. Am I right? If so, why?
Gavin: Yes, I enjoy creating new shapes and silhouettes with fabric. Draping fabric around the body can visual enhance it and create illusions of size and proportions.
AB: Many people view 90% of most catwalk collections as unwearable? Where do you stand on that? Is that deliberate because designers also want to provide entertainment in your shows? In that case, how do you translate your catwalk designs into ready-to-wear?
Gavin: I think it’s generally down to the designer’s vision. Some designs are extremely creative and present shows to deliver their vision where’s some are much more commercial and driven by finances/ sales. I think it’s important to have some pieces that aren’t necessarily “wearable” as they can create media attention and press coverage.
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| Estelle with designer Gavin Douglas at BET's Rip the Runway |
AB: You have some big-time fans and clients (with the likes of Kelly Rowland and Estelle) – what do celebrity endorsements mean for an up-and-coming designer like you?
Gavin: I think celebrity endorsements can be very influential when managed correctly. They can offer a tremendous amount of publicity and clarity to a label.
AB: What’s coming up for you in 2011?
Gavin: I have upcoming fashion projects that I’m currently working on which are still in there early stages.
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| Gavin Douglas 2007 |
AB: Finally and probably most important, where can we buy your clothes?
Gavin: We currently offer a bespoke/ made-to-order service, all inquiries should be sent to info@gavindouglasfashion.com
