The rise of independent fashion: interview with Goo Collective
What sparked your interest in making clothes?
GOO initially started when I was 17, just buying t-shirts off Amazon and embroidering them as a hobby – it then when on hiatus during my first year of uni. During lockdown I began experimenting with second hand fashion and taught myself how to use a sewing machine and overlocker (which I stole from my mum oops). I love making new and unique garments out of old boring clothes in my wardrobe that I didn’t wear anymore – by the end of lockdown the contents of my wardrobe were pretty much unrecognizable as I had altered nearly every piece.
What are the main sources of inspiration behind your designs?/ what influences your designs?
Obviously reworked fashion has become a massive trend within this past year, and a lot of my inspiration stem from other small designers that I have found through Instagram like @lois1xblue and @grac.i_p. Another inspiration is unconventional street style, at the moment I’m obsessed with FKA Twigs as everything she layers together just looks so cool. However, I do like to experiment with my work, I never really plan what I’m going to do to a garment, the garments I love the most are purely experimental.
Why do you think younger people are preferring to buy thrifted or customized clothes from sites like depop rather than clothes from high st stores?
I think especially with this generation there is an increased sense of responsibility, and it’s hard to escape all the headlines detailing the mistreatment and exploitation fast fashion brands inflict onto their workers. Also, by buying off Depop you are more likely to find something unique whilst supporting a designer’s craft.
Do you think DIY fashion has been accelerated during lockdown?
Definitely! People are now more open to upcycling their clothes when they get bored of them instead of throwing them out – Instagram and Tiktok really helped share what people created.
What would you like to achieve with your brand in the upcoming months?
Get even more experimental – testing out unconventional materials with my designs and really refining my style. I also really want to branch out into menswear and unisex wear to make my brand more inclusive.
Would you ever want your designs mass produced or do you prefer them as one offs?
One offs most certainly – I like the idea of each person’s order being their own and I value my clothes more when I know it’s a one off. Mass production (to me) feels like I would lose the experimental side to my brand that I love, and I would have to compromise on the quality and care that goes into my garments.
insta: G O O (@goocollective) • Instagram photos and videos
depop: ✨GOO COLLECTIVE✨'s Shop - Depop
photography by beth alexander (@bethalexanderfad)