Georgia Lyne, a Nottingham Trent University graduate, has a penchant for creating award winning sportswear. Heading up on stage in a tracksuit, the emerging designer received accolades at GFW18, in the way she knows how.
With a collection that explores intercity subcultures and the ways in which gang affiliations alter the way young people dress, Georgia sought to 'combine the essence of the Teddy Boys and the new gang of the roadman' in her work. Tracing back the current youth movement to the Teddy Boys, Georgia's well executed and thorough historical context to her pieces, meant that she received the first ever Tessuti Sports & Leisurewear Award.
We spoke with the emerging designer on exploring youth identity, why you should never give up, and what 'Roadman' means to her.
Firstly, a huge congratulations on winning at Graduate Fashion Week 2018! What award did you win?
The Tessuti Sports & Leisurewear Award
How did it feel when your name was read out?
The experience was surreal, I wasn’t expecting it, I was late and still wearing a tracksuit and trainers, I was not prepared to go up on stage. The feeling was amazing and so encouraging and rewarding for all the hard work.
Which university did you attend, and how do you think they prepared you for graduation?
I attended Nottingham Trent University.
The tutors encouraged me to pursue commercial sportswear design and have prepared me for this industry, to be commercially aware through live projects with industry. They have pushed me and my designs and helped me achieve my full potential and equipped me with the skills form Pattern Cutting to CAD, that I need for a career in Fashion Design.
Describe the inspiration and concept behind your work
To start with I was investigating youth culture in Britain, which after research evolved into a more concise and considered concept which was driven by current affairs in the Capital. In particular I looked at the increase in crime and the involvement of youths in gangs. This turned me to look in the direction of the youth culture, the way they dress to intimidate, to adopt an identity as part of the gang and to really focus on whether this menacing style of dress can be seen as a new subculture. I wanted to capture the identity of British Youth culture and exploring adolescent masculinity. Through my research I found that the ‘Teddy Boys’ were the first teenage generation to shock and rebel, they introduced a Fashion that was totally working class in it’s origins, They made it acceptable for males to dress purely for show and to intimidate, this is why their appearance is deliberately rebellious or delinquent to emphasize their difference. I have combined the essence of the Teddy Boys with the new gang of the Roadman.
What one thing would you recommend our readers do whilst at the event?
I would recommend to get yourself and your portfolio to the industry hub, put yourself out there and approach the employers. Ask them about opportunities and if they would like to see your portfolio. This way I made direct links and contacts with the industry, I also made sure I took down their email address or a business card to contact them. This is the way I made contacts some valuable contacts and I now have interviews lined up. Get yourself out there!
What do you plan to pursue now, and where do you hope to be in five years time?
I am going to pursue a career in Design, I have some interviews within the up and coming weeks, which I would not have even been considered for unless I attended the GFW events. I want to be working for a successful sportswear brand, I do not know where I will be or with what brand but I am excited for the future.
If you could give one piece of advice to yourself in first year, what would it be?
DON’T GIVE UP (and never leave anything until last minute- annotate your sketchbook as you go! Haha)