MEET THE FINALISTS: GABRIELLE DARNÉ

5 Jul 2012
Comments: 8
5619 Views
8

Gabrielle Darné is the third of the eight finalists in the ELLE Rising Star Design Award in association with Mr Price.

When did you know that fashion design was what you wanted to do?

When I was around five I raided my grandmother’s fabric cupboards and drape myself in it and play with the buttons, lace and trimmings. I think it was then that the addiction began and my life later revolved around deconstructing garments to see how they were made, adapting original garments and coming up with my own creations.

Tell us one thing we need to know about you as a designer?

I’m optimistic with fashion, always open to new ideas and aim to create clothing that appeals to the spirit of our time. I like to use SA and its beauty and diversity as my inspiration.

How did you feel when you heard that you are one of the finalists?

Overwhelmed and excited, almost as if I had won the lottery.

What do you think differentiates your collection from the others’?

I think my range provides modern women with a diverse and multifunctional wardrobe that they can interchange and interact with. I like to create something beautiful with various styling options.

When it comes to working, are you a night owl or an early bird?

I like to work during the day, take a break and then work till about 12 at night.

What do you listen to while you work?

At the moment I have been listening to a bit of jazz, Beirut, Mike Snow and Jamiroqui.

Describe your favourite outfit?

A pair of black leather pants and cream faux fur cropped jacket worn with black suede, lace-up ankle boots and a silver cuff.

If design weren’t an option, what would you have done?

I would probably do architecture or fine art and sculpture.

What would winning this award mean for you?

I would love to win the Rising Star competition as it is such an amazing platform for young SA designers to get noticed in the fashion industry. It would mean so much as fashion is my life!

How did you get into design? (self-taught/studied/interned?)

I have always sewn and been creative since a very early age and it was only natural that I went on to study fashion design. I have a national diploma in fashion design and am currently in my fourth year at NMMU. I have done a six-week internship at House of Monatic in Cape town and my design studies are sponsored by Mohair South Africa.

First fashion memory?

 

Wearing my pre-primary school shirt back to front on photo day because I thought it looked better that way. (Ha-ha.) And draping myself in fabric from my gran’s fabric cupboard… it was love at first drape.

Who would you love to dress?

Hmm. Tough one. I would love to dress ‘the Gaga’ as I think she would be daring enough to pull off my designs. Another celebrity I would love to dress is M.I.A.

 

Look out for the rest of our finalists online in the course of the week. 

Comments

Leave a comment
*
*

*

Jacqui MacKilligan on 7/13/2012: Well done Gabz. All the hard work and long hours have paid off. I am holding thumbs for you my girl. Your design is wonderful and love the SA flavour you incorporated in your design.
beryl easson on 7/16/2012: we always knew you would go out there and do your very best. you have made us very proud, from a gran who needs some fabric for a dress. ha ha
Rohan Greyvenstein on 7/16/2012: YOU ARE AWESOME!
Kerry-Ann Easson on 8/1/2012: Go girl, good luck for tomorrow. You have worked hard you deserve all the rewards. Love Kerry
Barbara on 8/2/2012: I think your work is just amazing. a true reflection of our beautiful country. south africa at its best. you rock!
Bobby on 8/3/2012: oh wow! you are so amazing Gabi. proud of you and you deserve it all. all the hard work and years of dedication - all culminated in this. a star!
chubi .m on 8/8/2012: This is brilliant G'Darne It!
Damien Clayton on 8/22/2012: great stuff Gabs..