FASHION DESIGNER | GABRIELLE BROWN THE LABEL
Gabrielle Brown is a young fashion designer based in Melbourne. She is currently working on her new range and completing her website. In the mean time she is collaborating with some big names on the Melbourne fashion scene as well as previewing her pieces on national television. We spoke to Gabrielle earlier today to get an insight into her brand and to find out what’s coming up for the young creative!
1. How would you describe your first collection and how does the new one differ?
The vision behind my new collection was for it to be Ready to Wear. My aim is to merge luxury design in a more wearable way than my first collection and to keep the label’s minimalist colour palette which allows all focus to be on detail.
2. What is your personal style like and how much of that influences your designs?
My personal style is quite minimal and I love to dress up in neutral colours. However, I definitely think I am a lot more daring when I design. The possibilities are endless.
3. You also create accessories! Will they be available to purchase? Do you prefer the production of the accessories or garments more?
I do! The accessories will be available to purchase on my online store which is launching in a few weeks. Feel free to follow my Instagram for information on when it launches (@gabriellebrown_thelabel). I love designing and producing accessories as I feel I can be as creative as I like. I really enjoy testing the boundaries of fashion with intriguing detailed pieces that you may not necessarily see in stores.
4. Have you always wanted to study fashion design and be a fashion designer?
Textiles was by far my favourite class at High School and I was always making things as a child. When I completed VCE, I knew I wanted to study Fashion Design and follow that path.
5. When did you realise it was what you wanted to do?
After graduating with a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) in First Class Honours at RMIT University, I was unsure what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I began collaborating and became involved in the Virgin Australia Fashion Festival – National Graduate Showcase that I realised I wanted to pursue the dream of having my own label.
6. Before focusing on your own label, you worked as a Design Assistant in Womenswear for Country Road who featured designs you worked on in their new campaign. How did that feel to see your work in print for one of Australia’s and the world’s most recognisable brands?
It was a surreal and rewarding feeling seeing many hours of hard work published in Country Road’s latest campaign. It was even more exciting popping by the stores and viewing the pieces in real life.
7. What or whom have been the biggest influences on your style and designs?
Some of the biggest influences on my style and designs stem from Dutch Designer, Iris Van Herpen and Australian Designer, Kym Ellery.
I absolutely adore their signature silhouettes as their pieces are thoroughly luxurious and push the boundaries of fashion.
8. Since completing your study at RMIT University, Melbourne your garments have been showcased at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (Fred Hates Fashion Runway), Fashion Aid at Crown, your pieces have been worn by celebrities such as Kylie Brown, photographed by Vogue Australia at the Spring Carnival and previewed on Chanel 10’s morning show -Studio 10! You are already beginning to make your mark in the Fashion world. What is next for the label?
It’s been an incredible few years since finishing at RMIT University in Melbourne. I am incredibly fortunate to have been part of these amazing events. There is always something in the works with my label, however I can’t reveal anything just yet. Watch out for some exciting projects coming soon!
9. With Instagram becoming an increasingly popular marketing platform for designers and clothing brands alike, do you feel a lot of your images and collaborations need to be “Instagram worthy” in order to keep up with other brands?
I think it’s very important to constantly collaborate within the fashion industry, as I have met so many wonderful creatives. I am mindful who I collaborate with when projects pop up, as I want to remain true to the label’s aesthetic and style. It’s a competitive market on Instagram, so it’s definitely important to engage users through quality imagery.
10. Do you run your Instagram @gabriellebrown_thelabel? Is there a specific theme that you use to create a “visual experience” for your
followers and potential customers?
I do run my own Instagram. As an emerging label I have the freedom of overseeing every aspect from research, design, production through to social media/marketing. I think it’s extremely important to be active in social media. Instagram is a megaphone for brand promotion. Since I am part of the fashion industry where visuals are most prevalent, it allows me to focus my creativity behind the image to delight users. It is also an effective tool in creating brand awareness and nurturing a social community who are interested in your work. Fusing feminine sophistication with detail, the label’s aesthetic is minimal, clean and often in the colour white. My intention is for these elements to reflect and tell a visual story about the brand when users are scrolling through my Instagram page.
11. I understand you are currently doing custom orders, is this available to the general public? Where can our readers make purchases or get in contact with you?
At the moment I am doing custom orders upon request as I am still an emerging label. I will be launching my online store in a few weeks, so keep a look out as my pieces will be available very soon! The online store will be linked to my Instagram account. For any enquiries/orders feel free to get in contact via email: gabrielletbrown@live.com
Instagram: @gabriellebrown_thelabel
Email: gabrielletbrown@live.com
Website: www.gabrielle-brown.com
