River Island have taken a huge step into the fashion lime light. Continuing with their fashion film showcase launched with the British Fashion Council last year, the high-street super chain has embarked on some of the most exciting designer collaborations to date, including Rihanna, launching at London Fashion Week tomorrow night, and young British designer Georgia Hardinge. Celebrating their pretty riotous success, we caught up with Georgia to chat about her love of menswear, architecture and muses.
How did the collaboration with River Island come about? About a year ago the British Fashion Council contacted me saying River Island wanted to have a meeting to discuss a potential collaboration. This kind of collaboration was something that I have always wanted to do and I absolutely love the direction River Island are going in, so I jumped at the opportunity.
Did you have a muse, or imagine a girl/ woman when designing? As a designer I’m more art inspired. The collection has a strong surrealist influence, particularly the work of sculpturist and set designer H.R.Giger, who designed the set of Alien. I drew inspiration from this for the print design. In terms of a muse, Jennifer Connelly embodies the Georgia Hardinge brand, she has this incredible androgynous yet experimental style.
What does ‘street style’ mean to you? I am not really inspired by street style as such, although I do find myself admiring details on men’s suits when I’m on the tube. I am fascinated by menswear and tailoring. It is really interesting to see how your whole persona can be changed by what style you adopt – I find this idea of dress up fascinating.
What are you wearing right now? As I write this I’m wearing black jeans, a Georgia Hardinge print shirt and a vintage Saint Laurent blazer.
What three things could you not live without? A collar, fizzy water and a hot bath.
Text: Ger Tierney
