Part 2
REBELLA HAD THE CHANCE TO SIT DOWN THE RUSSIAN CREATOR & DESIGNER OF TESS VAN GHERT. THE DESIGNER FILLed REBELLA IN ON THE INSPIRATION, IDENTITY AND THE FUTURE OF THE BRAND. Check out the interview below!!
REBELLA HAD THE CHANCE TO SIT DOWN THE RUSSIAN CREATOR & DESIGNER OF TESS VAN GHERT. THE DESIGNER FILLed REBELLA IN ON THE INSPIRATION, IDENTITY AND THE FUTURE OF THE BRAND. Check out the interview below!!
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The creator of TVG showcasing the 'Boho Bag'. |
REBELLA: WHEN DID YOU BECOME A DESIGNER? WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COME UP WITH YOUR OWN FASHION LINE?
TVG: I was always into fashion; I used to work as a buyer for some high-end fashion brands and was always interested in new trends. People always said that I have a very good sense of fashion trends and although I never had any fashion education, I love putting together looks and predicting the next trends. I was always interested in the idea of starting my own line but finally went ahead with the idea about 2 years ago.
REBELLA: WHERE IS YOUR FASHION BRAND BASED? I UNDERSTAND YOU ARE BASED IN MIAMI BUT YOUR FABRICS ARE FROM MILAN?
TVG: Since I am based in Miami, I guess u can say so is the brand. But it is actually registered in London, as I would love for the brand to be associated with the chic and trendiness of the city. Also for branding purposes, I prefer for it to be TVG London, rather than Miami. For my first boutique I would want it to be in London as well. And yes, my products are made in Milan. And the python pieces are manufactured in New York.
REBELLA: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME OF OUR BRAND?
TVG: It was almost out of the blue. I knew the way I wanted it to sound. I was looking for an edgy rough name- something like Dries Van Note, I like Dutch names so I decided on Tess and then just by putting together different names, came up with Tess Van Ghent. I would prefer for it to be more personal, I tried using my kids or my own name, but it never sounded how I wanted it to for the brand. So I just invented one!
REBELLA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE?
TVG: I am quite diverse with my dressing, I love mixing up styles and making an impression. I’m not scared to take risks; therefore I am quite experimental with my clothes. I also love to invent or make my own little accessories, such as hairpieces. I believe in fashion like in other things, often less is more.
REBELLA: WHAT WERE ON YOUR MOOD BOARDS FOR YOUR READY- TO- WEAR COLLECTION AND ACCESSORIES LINE? WHAT WERE YOUR INSPIRATIONS?
TVG: I knew that I wanted to work with leather, as it can allow long lasting pieces that wont wear out and can stay in fashion for ages. I wanted pieces that can be everyday, but if dressed properly can suit any occasion. My inspirations are Lanvin, hermes (for their quality especially) Prada, Bottega Venetta..
REBELLA: WHAT KIND OF WOMEN/MEN DID YOU HAVE IN MIND WHEN YOU WERE COMING UP WITH YOUR SPRING COLLECTION? WHAT AGE? SENSE OF STYLE?
TVG: Since my line is quite pricey (justified by quality and materials of coarse!) it’s for the successful, sophisticated and spoiled. As my slogan dictates to people with a sense of style, and understanding that one key piece can make the outfit and last for seasons and seasons to come. So for ages raging from early 20's (depending on the piece) - I have some shorts or more funky stuff, for younger people, as well as ageless classics, which can be worn up to any age.
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The current 'face' of TVG - modeling the creator's favorite piece from her ready to wear spring collection. |
REBELLA: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PIECES FROM YOUR READY TO WEAR COLLECTION? AND WHY?
TVG: I love the cotton candy skirt...its super convenient for day, and at night with a pair of heels it becomes very dressed up. My all time favorite is the alligator pencil skirt with red lining. it is definitely a piece in season. it can be worn anytime! You also feel a million bucks when wearing them! ( check out the cotton skirt on the left )
REBELLA: YOU HAVE A LOT OF LEATHER IN YOUR COLLECTION, IS THAT THE DIRECTION YOU’RE GOING WITH YOUR DESIGNS? IS LEATHER A SIGNATURE TO YOUR BRAND?
TVG: I would say so...I like experimenting with it, and also there are not many brands that do pieces in leather...Hermes or Bottega will do an occasional garment, but they are ridiculously priced because of the name and not many can afford it. I also try other materials like tulle or lace...especially mixing them creates very beautiful and unusual effect- like my spaghetti skirt, which is made from glove thin leather interlaced with tulle.
REBELLA: WHEN ARE YOU SHOWCASING YOUR COLLECTION? OR HAVE YOU HAD AN EVENT ALREADY TO INTRODUCE YOUR LINE?
TVG: Unfortunately since the brand is all my own funding. I haven’t been able to properly launch it yet. This is where my lack of fashion background and connections is really missing! it is a huge investment as is to purchase all the materials and manufacturing costs. Launching hasn’t happened yet. I sell through word of mouth at the moment, through friends and now also through the website.
REBELLA: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HOPE YOU DO WITH YOUR FASHION LINE BUT HAVEN’T DONE YET?
TVG: I wish for a boutique! haha Of Course I want to expand so badly! i have so many ideas... if only it didn’t take so much time to produce them. It is very hard being a newcomer to this business. Since I aim for such high quality, I make my bags and clothing in same ateliers in Milan where Marni and Valentino make their collections. So i of course get put at the end of the line to make my collection, which is very frustrating! So in future of course I will have all sizes, much more pieces and much more diverse designs. I would like to look into making moccasins as well.
REBELLA: WHO ARE THE DESIGNERS THAT YOU ARE INSPIRED BY?
TVG: Lanvin, Jill Sander, Chanel, YSL.
REBELLA: ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON A NEW COLLECTION?
TVG: Yes… I have new prototypes being made in Milan, but I can’t reveal anything just yet…I hope all goes well! You wait and see…
REBELLA: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY YOUR BRAND IDENTITY IS? AND WHAT DO YOUR HOPE BRAND IMAGE IS TO YOUR CLIENTS?
TVG: I WANT THE CLIENTS TO THINK OF EFFORTLESS CHIC, CLASS, LUXURY, THAT IS NOT BORING, BUT COOL. SOPHISTICATION!
REBELLA: WILL YOU BE OPENING A BOUTIQUE SOON? WHERE CAN YOUR CLIENTS PURCHASE YOUR ITEMS AT THE MOMENT?
REBELLA: WILL YOU BE OPENING A BOUTIQUE SOON? WHERE CAN YOUR CLIENTS PURCHASE YOUR ITEMS AT THE MOMENT?
TVG: I hope so, but so far I am looking for sponsorship. To kick off a brand, it needs to be in a prime location. I’m thinking Mayfair, Bond Street or Mount street in London. Currently all inquiries can be made through the website. Our clients can express his/hers desires through the website or email and I will then create the bag from the ready made collection, or adjusted to the size or color desired.
REBELLA: IT IS A DREAM FOR A LOT OF YOUNG FASHIONISTAS TO BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER LIKE YOURSELF, AND FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?
TVG: Never ever back down! Only the tough ones make it in this industry, you’ve got to be tough, attitude and believe in yourself most importantly, cause it’s not an easy journey! If you feel u have something special, make others believe it too!
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A/W 2010 Ad Campaign Model: Kristina Pokrovskya |
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