A 2002 graduate of London College of Fashion, Gavin Pierre Medford in his own words “designs for both masculine or feminine women and straight laced or eccentric men”. His collections are beautiful and draw upon his obsession with surface design, attention to detail and inspiration from the past/movies. Ask Gavin about his Spring/Summer 2006 collection and his eyes beam with excitement and passion, without a doubt Gavin Medford is one to watch!
Describe the type of person you design for?
My aim as a designer is to see a broad range of ages, backgrounds, lifestyles etc wearing my clothes so I find it a (welcome) challenge to try and incorporate as many styles as possible into my collections. I want to see teenagers to older business people finding something in my collections that they can easily incorporate into their everyday wardrobe.
What one thing would you change about the fashion industry?
I would like the fashion industry to use a wider range of ages, ‘looks’ and body shapes to exhibit and promote their clothes. I have no problem at all with current agency models but I do think showing a broad range of people would give teenagers a greater choice of role models so they don’t feel the need to conform to a stereotype they see in magazines and on TV.
What do you have in store for us for Spring/Summer 2006?
I won’t give too much away but this will be the most advanced, technical, challenging and creative show to date. I’m also using some new cutting techniques and lets just say it will be a fashion ‘show’.
What changes do you think need to be made in order to help fashion designers establish themselves?
I think there should be some sort of sponsorship each season that helps fund shows at London Fashion Week but designers should only be allowed sponsorship once to give exposure to as many as possible.
What the designers do and how hard they work to stay where they are with their new found fame is up to them but at least they will all at some point have the stage to been seen at the most prolific event – London Fashion Week – to be seen by buyers, journalists etc. From there they can eventually, with hard work, get more established in the fashion arena.
Which 2 designers would you credit as being an inspiration to you?
Erte
Parisian designer from the early 1900’s. Erte was one of the most beautiful and extravagant illustrators and designers, very innovative and creative. Nothing like the quality of his work has been seen since.
Madeline Vionnet
Designer from the late 1920’s – early 1930’s. Created the bias cutting technique making garments drape and mould to the body of the wearer. She was another wonderful innovative designer.
They both created looks, ideas, techniques that have influenced designers over the last century. I aspire to do the same.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never give up.
For further information contact gavinmedford@hotmail.com
Visit gpmedford.com
