“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~Coco Chanel

 As I discussed in last week’s post, I never realized how surrounded I am by all aspects of the fashion industry.  I have made many connections and relationships with some incredibly talented people.  The first person I would like to showcase is a New York resident, Gaia Simmonds. 

Gaia wearing one of her own designs on the Independent Film Makers Showcase Red Carpet

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to meet Gaia through our employment with Astor & Black Custom Clothiers.  I now can not only call her a colleague, but also a dear friend.  As this past year unfolded, I learned that my newly found friend was truly a remarkable designer.  She is filled with vision and inspiration, yet her designs are wearable and relevant to the lifestyle of today’s woman.  She takes a vintage feel and gives it a fresh new perspective…and puts in a bit of her own unique Gaia flare.  She recently granted me the chance to ask her some questions about her path to finding her passion.  It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you New York City’s own Gaia Simmonds!

Gaia, please first tell us a bit about yourself: 

I have never fit in, growing up I was a loner child picked on until high school. I think this has been something that has driven me to excel and prove everyone wrong. I was always obsessed with traveling and especially moving to the U.S.A something no one dreamed possible from a child growing up in small town England on welfare, but at the age of 15years old I made it happen!  

Where are you from?

Free As A...G by Gaia - Resort wear

Glastonbury Somerset, England.  It is a small country town known for its religious history and spiritual hippie culture. Most famous for producing Glastonbury Pop Festival which takes place once a year for 3days and has half a million people attending on average. 

What brought you to the States?

Determination. I convinced my mum to send me to an American summer camp and then extended the trip indefinitely...

What first made you interested in Fashion?

A vintage inspired original design

 I have been sewing since I was very small. I can remember making a little mermaid costume when I was only 4years old. I got into the idea of doing it professionally in High School in the UK when my textiles class was chosen to design the costumes for the high school play "Bugsy Malone", a 1920's gangsta period play.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 

 Everywhere, I love getting inspired by abstract things like a fence or even a piece of trash. I like to go to museums when I'm feeling like I need inspiration, but my greatest inspiration are fabrics. 

Are there any past or present designers that have influenced your passion for this industry? 

 My greatest influence in my own sense of style was Gwen Stefani, although I cannot claim to like or follow her clothing line.

Why?

Pre-Da-Teur by Gaia Simmonds

 Her personal sense of style and rebellion has always inspired me. I love the combination of vintage 1940's hair do's and glamour style make up with the rocker, reggae influences. 

When you create your designs do you have a specific person or market in mind?

 I like to always be designing to fill a need or for a specific theme. I feel when I have a person or theme to follow that I really can hone down the idea and concentrate on the important things. I have always designed things that I personally needed as well, either its club clothes, work clothes or just accessories, I find that if I am looking for it often others are too...

Do you feel the U.S. can compete as a fashion trendsetter?  Or will we always be a step or two behind?

 I think that the U.S will always have an influence on the fashion industry no matter what the fashion industry says. I believe the film industry is also not seen as a "fashion influence", when it really does influence the world by controlling what we see...

What is your own personal style?

I am all over the place, I don't like to conform to any one style but combine styles to create a balanced feel. I definitely would say that there is a rocker edge to most of my looks, and I am highly influenced by retro looks from 1920's-1940's especially. 

Gaia Simmonds Hoop Scarf

Gaia Simmonds Hoop Scarf

What are the 5 main fashion essentials you cannot live without?

handbag, one of my hoop scarves, killer shoes, my vintage leather jacket and my grandma's necklace. 

Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

I have a ton of great projects in the works. See gaiasimmonds.blogspot.com for all the details but as a quick summary:

1. Design Challenge Blog
2. Commercial Accessories Collection to be released 2013
3. Personal Business: Custom Clothing for clientele/Personal stylist/wardrobe consultant
4. Costume Design for the film Industry: currently working with Silverline Cinemas on the film "Last Man Stands" full feature. 

Lastly, but most importantly, how can someone be so fortunate to get a piece of clothing from Gaia Simmonds? 

Go to my website and submit order request form, or contact me via gaiasimmonds@gmail.com, gaia@gaiaclothinginc.com or [call]     646.510.5787       and set up a free consultation. All garments are made to order and customized to each clientele.  

I would like to thank Gaia for taking the time to complete the interview and provide me with some exclusive photos of her designs.  Her work speaks for itself as you can see!  Ladies and Gentlemen, she is a  fashion force to be reckoned with…and I am excited to join her on this journey as she sky rockets to the top!!! 

Please check me out again next week as I introduce to you another dear friend of mine, Lauren Luna, a custom shoe designer who’s designs have completely changed the game.    

"About half my designs are controlled fantasy, 15 percent are total madness and the rest are bread-and-butter designs."

— Manolo Blahnik