Graduate Profile: Georgina Bovill, BA (Hons) Fashion Design - Northumbria University
on 19/7/12
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© Georgina Bovill, Northumbria University
Personal Profile:
My design style derives from experimenting with shape and form which ultimately provides me with the foundations on which to build a collection. I aim to focus on my concepts because I feel that the ideas and symbolism behind a collection render the significant ideas. I take inspiration from art, ancient traditions, philosophy, life and most importantly the way in which human beings behave in life. I think if a collection can portray the feelings of the human psyche it supports the collection in embodying a mood and a solid emotion. Sculpture, cut and construction drive me into creating things that give the wearer an edge; Powerful naivety. It is experimenting with these elements that I intend to push the modern principles of fashion and create wearable, avant-garde designs.
What was the inspiration behind your final collection / project?
Powerful Naivety is a collection for AW 12/13 that is brave, sophisticated and seduces women into buying the outfits because the garments allow them to step out of their comfort zone while still feeling like themselves. My inspiration comes from the ancient art of mummification and the shape the body holds around the Mummies’ only remaining organ; the heart. The Egyptians believed that the heart held the soul and therefore the predominantly diamond silhouette is significant because the alchemy symbol for the soul is in fact a diamond.
Describe the key features of your collection / project?
Silhouette and fabric are key to create impact. The pieces in the collection are all about shape and structure and it is the way in which I bond interesting fabrics together that enables the garments to hold their powerful shapes. Form is also important, focusing on the shape of the female body. This is achieved by using strategic seamwork and an applied emphasis on certain areas of the figure. I have sourced the majority of my fabrics from the UK, mixing a contrasting range of silk, crepe, taffeta, leather and wool. It is the combination of textures in each outfit that balances the collection and keeps it looking sharp yet clean.
© Georgina Bovill, Northumbria University
Have you completed any work experience or industry collaborations?
In my second year at Northumbria I had a placement year where I worked at Religion Clothing for four months, Antipodium and Future Classics for two months. Throughout university I have completed a number of live projects with companies such as Topshop, Nicole Farhi and Abercrombie and Fitch.
What are your short or long-term career aspirations?
I want to go and work in New York, either for a two month placement or indefinitely. Ideally i"d like to work for a large high end brand designing womenswear. The brand needs to be of a calibre that epitomises elegance, tailoring and sophistication.
Do you have any words of wisdom that you could pass on to 1st or 2nd year students?
Make quick decisions and be confident in them. Make sure you love what it is that you are designing because it will be obvious if love hasn't gone in to the production. Organisation is key and source fabrics as soon as you can! Dalston Mill on Ridley Road is a hidden gem and brilliant for all kinds of fabrics.
© Georgina Bovill, Northumbria University
Quickfire Q&A:
What would your superpower be?
The power of hindsight
Who would you most like to meet?
Leonardo Da Vinci (if he was still alive)
What inspires you the most?
Designing womenswear through moulage. I love being experimental with shape on the female form, and from one shape comes another.
Your favourite book?
Of mice and men - John Steinbeck and The book thief by Marcus Zusak
Your favourite music?
At the moment I love M83
Your favourite location?
Zanzibar
Your favourite label?
Acne, Rick Owens and Haider Ackermann
