(Jamie Winstone stitting front row at the show, the gorgeous venue and a view from the front row with Glacéau vitaminwater for every guest)
About the Autumn Winter 2011 collection…
This year, more so than ever before, there was a great deal of drama with every piece revealed on the catwalk. There were people literally gasping for air as we saw Delaroche’s The Execution of Lady Jane Grey appear on a high-necked turtleneck and other masterful paintings transformed on both long and short dresses. Why did you use these paintings in particular for the collection?
I used The Execution of Lady Jane Grey as it is such a powerful evocative image, the colours and the simplicity are incredible.
Who do you see wearing the Giles Autumn Winter 2011?
I would love to see Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway or Florence Welch maybe? So many people it is hard to list!
About Giles and the future…
People often wonder what drives an artist to create. What you have presented over the past eight years is definitely art at it’s finest. Was there a moment in life that you knew this was what you were meant to do? Sort of like an “aha” moment?
The “aha moment” hasn’t really happened, I knew from starting St Martins School of Art I wanted to work as a designer professionally and having been trying at various degrees of success since then.
We love that you have a collaboration with New Look called Gold for Giles. These pieces are truly sensational and offer a younger woman a chance to wear a fantastic design from a well known designer. Many designers these days refuse to work with the high street in order to keep their brand “high brow”. Was it an easy decision for you to work with New Look and is this a relationship we can expect to see blossom further in years to come?
New Look are fantastic to work with, the collection has been a great success, I believe in good design everywhere if possible. We are going to continue working together making the collections stronger and stronger, I hope!
Speaking of collaborations…can you give us any further details on your forthcoming collaboration with Nine West?
The Nine West collaboration is a great opportunity for me to branch out fully into shoes, an area I love. The collection is really cool and sharp with a great print as well.
Lastly, with the launch of Mr. Porter, designer fashions for men is being talked about in a whole new light. Could we maybe look forward to a line from Giles for men in the future?
I love Mr Porter and who knows the possibility of Giles menswear could happen, We have done menswear at New Look and that worked a treat!
