Meet Garance Priez, winner of the Childrenswear Award at GFW22. She studied BA(hons) Fashion design at Birmingham City University.
How do you feel about winning a GFW22 award?
I still can鈥檛 believe it, it was a very surreal moment. I had worked so hard on my two projects all year, it was awesome to get recognition for my work. I had a great time meeting the judges and presenting my work, it was an awesome experience and I can鈥檛 wait to start my journey in the fashion industry.
What was the inspiration starting point for your award-winning FMP?
The main inspiration for my two childrenswear projects was my nan鈥檚 rebellious childhood growing up in France in the 50鈥檚. The first project was focused on her childhood developed into a high-end Autumn/Winter collection. Going through her old photos and listening to her childhood memories, I found out that my nan was actually a 1950鈥檚 wild child. Like most girls at the time, she went to a boarding school run by nuns, but she was expelled after a few months because of her rebellious behaviour.
For the second collection I wanted to explore something else so I decided to create a Spring/Summer collection about my nan going to girls scout camps when she was young. The first collection was a design and making project where I made two full looks, the second one was focused on the branding, creating a logo and developing some merch so I created 鈥楢LO鈥� which is a ready-to-wear/activewear brand for adventurous kids.
What skills did you learn and develop during the production of your FMP?
Most skills developed in my course like designing, pattern cutting, creating textiles and sewing were all refined during the two projects. All these skills were brought to the next level, by designing smarter to be even more productive, my pattern cutting skills were challenged as I had to trace out my initial patterns from existing garments and also to make the patterns for the jumpsuit which were like a jigsaw.
I really enjoyed developing different textiles especially using different print techniques on my final garments, my sewing have also really improved I challenged myself by using piping cord and binding into wavy shapes.
As part of my second project I worked on the branding, packaging, I developed logos and created some merch so that was a good challenge and I really enjoyed using mock-ups on Photoshop.
What were some challenges that you faced in producing your FMP and how did you overcome these?
The main challenge I have faced this year was my dad鈥檚 cancer, he went through his treatment in France while I was in England finishing my degree. It was very challenging at times, I had to travel back to France in the middle of my module and I really felt under pressure to get all my work done on time. Thankfully, by planning ahead and working hard I have managed to submit all my work on time.
What is an aspect of the fashion industry that you want to help improve or have a positive impact on?
I decided to specialise in Childrenswear after working on external projects, before that I was doing Womenswear like most students, I just hadn鈥檛 thought about Childrenswear because it鈥檚 not something that is as common as Womenswear or Menswear. I think it is a shame and that it should be promoted more when you start University, that specialising in Childrenswear is also an option at the same level as Womenswear and Menswear are. Most brands also have a Childrenswear section, there鈥檚 a huge market out there also looking for designers who have a strong interest in Childrenswear.
What form does your FMP take? Is it a collection of clothing, book, presentation, etc? If relevant, how did you source the materials for the project?
My first project was a clothing collection in which I made seven garments including accessories. The second project was design based but there was no final make, half of the project was focussed on the branding, packaging, developing logos and creating merch.
What are your plans for the near future now that you've finished your BA?
Now that I have finished my BA, I am actively looking for industry experience in Childrenswear either in a permanent position or for an internship. I have been approached by a few brands since winning the award at Graduate Fashion Week so I am currently at the stage of interviews. I am so excited for the next couple of months, I can鈥檛 wait to step into the fashion industry.