Julian Garner - Tick Tock

A happy new year to one and all. Already a month and a half into the New Year…YIKES. Alright stop panicking.
Last year, as some of you know, I left my career in Buying and Product Development to focus on my dream…creating my label…Julian Garner. Forgive me if I repeat myself constantly.

When I reflect back on last year there are a couple of questions that I ask myself.

Did I do enough last year? -OR- Could I have done more?

Bear with me whilst I reflect and hopefully through this what I did will outweigh that feeling that I should have done more.

Here goes…

Left career in February 2014 - Sad times as I loved my job and everyday wonder if I will ever work with great people and the talents I did.

New job..DRAG QUEEN! - Yikes…kids, is this what happens when you don’t study? Fuck it…what a job, it’s a creative outlet and an opportunity to reach that goal and dream.
Set up www.JulianGarner.com - check it out! - Still a lot of work to do and new pieces to add…watch this space.

Focused on brand logo and re-branding of business cards making it definite! Hooray - happy with the outcome. Always proof read and research market to get best rates!

Then we moved house in May. Our new home and my new studio. Moving house, another excuse I ask myself, a stressful thing to do. House is amazing and coming along bit by bit. Finally got round to painting the living areas white. Need more storage in tiny studio.

I booked my course in Millinery at the London College of Fashion. Right, do I create product using my self trained learning’s or do I wait until I have trained in this ART and then crack on with work? I wait as that’s the standard I want Julian Garner to be. Training is booked for August. No work done in 5 months until course completed. A waste of time or soul searching?

Battersea Power Station rises. My course starts. Amazing time, amazing teacher (Thank You Chloe), amazing people. What a course - great decision.

Right which block to get? - Order of the blocks, a milliners tool, these and many more. Whoa…that was expensive…shit…get another job to tie you over.

Third job, at the same venue, working as a waiter, Wednesday and Thursday. Is my week been chewed up again, am I going to be sucked into the rat race and sticking my middle finger up to the biggest opportunity I have ever had.

Time to create Julian Garner.

Right - price comparisons and commissions. Not many commissions but more than the previous year. Hooray! My biggest commission comes along - thank you to a client who believes in Julian Garner and my ability. Work begins on the biggest commission I have ever had.

 

The most expensive commission I have ever made.

Right, what does my first collection look like - “designers block” kicks in! FUCK!!! What will be my first ever collection? FUCKITY…FUCK, FUCK! One day when walking home it hits me like a tonne of bricks and the juices boil. They boil over and images are pulled to create a mood board. To broke to print in colour - hit slideshow and put your music on. Draw, Drew, Drawn! Yippee, hooray, fuckilicious.

Apologies for the swearing!

Approached by a friend to talk to her students about my career path and journey at the Ashford School of Art and Design. Great time and good luck to all the students on their paths ahead. Amazing creative space.

Venue - presentation - set date and a goal. Date set and goal to work towards. Venue found, feet sore! Inspired - shit is that how much public liability insurance cost for a three day presentation? But these hats aren’t going to kill anyone? Swallow and carry on.

First lot of fabrics arrive for collection - GREAT - that extra work is paying off. 

 

Labels arrived...

 

Rehearsal for new cabaret show. Shit where is my time going?

Applying to be a British Citizen - I don’t have a certificate to prove that I can speak English…application refused!!! Doing a pretty good job writing it. 10 minute assessment arrives - marked within two minutes and the remaining 8 minutes spent talking Hats and exchange of business cards. Could that £125.00 for assessment be the price of a very expensive networking event?

December - WHAT THE FUCK? December a blur. WERK, WORK, TWERK - Happy New Year.

 

 

Madame Mu Mu's New Years Eve Bowler Hat

January… FUCK!!! 9 months till the first presentation.

Right stop panicking you have time. If you can make 5 beautiful hats in two weeks you have this covered! Waiter job changes to one full day! Brilliant. Always good and I encourage this…ask for what you want and make everyone aware. By doing this you are perking up peoples ears and possibly making things convenient for others and more important…you. Gain, 2.5 hours extra from original shift of two days rolled into one day.

Tick tock! Body Clock! Fuck!. Come on, cant sleep, relax, get out of bed. Don’t waste the day! Why am I worried? Don’t be, remember, don’t paddle in your fear, swim in it.

Blocking begins, commissions come to an end, and new ones begin. More fabric arrives and more is found. Relationship built with suppliers. By comparing prices and asking, able to get desired fabrics at an affordable price and better quality!

Turn 30 and my partner proposes to me!!! Very happy!

Conclusion - although time is ticking, I spent a good amount of time settling into our new home before studying and learning my skill. This skill now allows me to make well made product. I did enough that my budget allowed me to do. Rome wasn’t built in a day and one must pay their due before success.

The road to success is always under construction.

Major lesson learnt last year, don’t paddle in your fear, swim in it.

New lesson to learn this year, be your boss. Take yourself seriously in your chosen goal in order to achieve it. Not going to be easy.

I found this small statue in a boutique shop in Maidstone. It‘s gesture suggests shouting. I stuck my business card to it and placed it by my bed. Each day I go to sleep then wake up and its there to remind me why I left my career and became a drag queen.

 

Don’t lose sight of this opportunity, remember you had no time and were increasingly frustrated that your creative energy was not been exhausted.

Roll on 2015 and my first ever collection.

xoxo

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

Labour for Fashion

So as some of you may know I am a part time waiter in the same restaurant I drag up in on the weekend. This is for a little extra income to help towards the creation of my label Julian Garner. So a quite Wednesday bought me some joy amongst the dirty glasses and coffee stained cups.

 

As I approached the front door to the bar, exiting with a tray full of drinks, I spotted two people that stood out amongst the generic society that roams the streets of Maidstone. Their individuality stuck out amongst the council workers on their lunch break and I got excited.

 

Whilst balancing a tray full of drinks I stopped them in their tracks, I just had to show them off to the world.

 

 

"Pleased to meet you Charlotte and Daniel." 

 

Daniel is a labourer and to be honest I thought he must be part of the media sector but nope he works hard and plays hard. Another lesson on how not to judge a book by its cover.

 

His outfit is incredibly individual and I was pleased to learn that he was wearing a couple of pieces from the closet and department of a woman. Finally a real man.

 

His shawl like cardigan comes from Primark and his scarf from his Mom's wardrobe. Both pieces have this Aztec/ Asian look to them teamed well with his Ralph Lauren chambray shirt, Funky Monks tracks and Puma leopard print trainers. His shades, a pick from the many treasures found in Camden and his unruly hair tops it all off. His height just makes this individual style stand out amongst the crowd.

 

Charlotte a Chef and the lady on this mans arm had to mention how everywhere they go people stop Daniel to get a snap of what the MAN is wearing. I don't blame them however do believe she looks just as cool as her man. A well suited couple.

 

Her block colour shawl found in Camden teamed with her wild print tracks found in the fabulous charity shops we have here in the UK. Again, Puma trainers complementing her alien print tote bag found in the gorgeous city Barcelona.

 

Its people like this that make me happy and believe that it is always important to remain individual in a town where there are so many generics running about.

 

xoxo 

Julian Garner - "...Strapped"

Each day I wake up and there is this overwhelming feeling that I am not doing enough. I have created the longest list possible of all the things that I need to achieve… gradually.

Slowly the list is been ticked off, however there are so many steps and actions still to take. First action to take was to get more work for more money.

A couple of extra shifts a week at Mu Mu find me slowly but surely achieving the end result. It also gives me the opportunity to promote the in house show, The Madame Mu Mu House Dinner Party Show. Check it out.

I am constantly asked the following two questions.

Are you Madame Mu Mu?

What are you doing back here?

Working in a provincial town and at a popular venue, your life is constantly on display, especially here in Maidstone. Everyone wants to know your business and where you are going.

It’s been really refreshing as so many people have been very encouraging about my decision, and surprisingly the Kent County Council employees keep letting me know about the schemes available to new businesses starting out.

Not only is it a great way to promote our show, but also my label. The amount of people that say, “I love hats!” is staggering.

Right so where am I right now?

I have completed my course at the London College of Fashion; Millinery Summer School. I met some incredible people who had travelled worldwide to attended this course.

When I started I promised myself that I would write about the days spent working and learning on the course. This has now resulted in me writing out my epic amount of notes and re-sketching the diagrams that I drew whilst learning. I believe that this is good enough for me as a way to store those pleasurable memories of doing what I love to do.

What I will note is the amount of talent in the class. These gals and guys are a Petri dish of talent waiting to explode onto the scene. It was a great lesson to see how each person’s imagination works, prep for when I can one day afford to employ a talent such as these to be creative and work towards a great result. A great experience.

Here are the five hats that I made whilst on the course. I would highly recommend this course and our teacher, Chloe Scrivener, was brilliant. Calm and constantly reassuring us all as we panicked over a difficult block or flimsy felt work.

 

I took this picture of the college halls one morning whilst walking up to our classroom. I imagined the talents that have walked it and was so pleased to be apart of it.
 

 

The last day was most exciting as each of us were privileged to be filmed and photographed for the LCF Website. Very exciting, and yes, vain. I keep searching for when it is uploaded so I can see how shaky my hands were as I tried not to prick myself with a needle then swear it out. Watching this space.

The work continues and the support I am shown by my family and friends is still inspiring me to continue this, dare I say it, journey towards my goal.

Talking of support, a very talented artist called Kate Hayton has made me two beautiful heads as my studio models. Rose and Lea made out of clay help me illustrate the direction I want to take the label in.

Here they are constantly pouting. I have also re-shot all the product available on my website using these gorgeous studio models.
 

  

My mother, Mums the Word, helped me buy my first lot of blocks. I would highly recommend Hat Blocks Direct for quality and service. James is incredibly helpful. Thank you Mum for the help and constant belief, support and love.

The day they arrived it was like Christmas came early. It sure did come early. Nine crowns, three brims, a collar and a hat stand. I am yet to bring my file-load of ideas and sketches to life.

There are days when I get so depressed because, financially, starting out is so hard and money goes towards the important things you may need. As it comes in its already been allocated to a section on that epic list. I keep saying to myself, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

The other morning I walked down our stairs from our bedroom and noticed the lovely light the dawn was spraying through my studio window. That day I tidied it up; as you can see, it was beautifully messy.
 

Moments like this remind me of why I am doing what I am doing. I am forever in doubt of my decision and suppose I will be until I can see a confirmed result. The question that keeps ringing in my head is; do I give myself a time frame when I give in and look at being employed by another milliner (ideally Phillip Treacy or Stephen Jones or Jane Taylor or, oh my god, Victoria Grant!)?

I suppose practice makes perfect, so whilst I’m a drag queen in a local cabaret restaurant one must try and keep working through that epic list.

Each time I sketch, the piece is created in my head into a 3D finished product and stored safely away in my mind. Every one is constructed, line by line, as I sketch the idea into my records. Notes are made on each sketch to remind me when making them, the thought process.

I know there are other creative people, all working from the same zeitgeist. At least if my idea is sketched and filed away and I see it being executed by another milliner, I know I am on the right track. But this can also be a huge frustration for me when I am strapped financially, choosing to be until the time is right, then I see another creative person executing their ideas.

My partner keeps telling me (and rightly so) that the sales from one piece should fund the creation of the next. I agree, but I also believe the risk is worth taking.

For me it affirms that I am doing it and putting myself out there to be criticised and seen as someone serious about my decision. As my sisters always say, “all fart and no shit.” I don’t want to be that person.

Only time can tell and we shall see. I have said before, and will do time and time again, how I cannot wait to have created this monster and let it roam amongst the public. It’s a scary thought, but I will always be faced with scary things to tackle. I just take a setback on the chin and realise it wasn’t that bad.

I have become a reader of all these inspiring quotes about life in general, that I used to brush by. Some of them resonate with me and I shall leave you with this one for now.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

 

Abraham Lincoln

Thank you.

xoxo  

"The winds ensemble..."

Sometimes when I walk with the sun against my back with my shadow cast out in front of me, my winter coat and scarf adding to its shape. I catch myself falling into a trance as I am mesmerised by the way the shadow moves. The wind enters in between the fibres and lifts the cloth into a dance only the wind knows. I wish I could capture that dance.

 

Tonight my partner got home, Mister Rob, and he put his work shirts onto wash. The cycle finished and he promptly hung them up to dry. One shirt he decides to wear the following day and he hangs it outside in the English summer.

 

Stood by my back door I notice something going on in the corner of my eye. It's his shirt. It's doing that dance with the wind. As it dances with the wind its true fabric movement is restricted by the hanger that runs along its shoulders. It dances and I stand still mesmerised yet again. Although no shadow I can see the edge, that line, where the fabric is moved and bent by its dance partner.

 

I stop the trance and decided to film it. As the shirt dances along the washing line to its position in the chosen view.

 

Watch the wind and the shirt dance...

 

 

The wind adds to the way this shirt moves as it would when you wear yours and go about your day. Just like in my shadow, that will always be attached to me, the winds picks up the fabric and moves the garment in a dramatic dance depending on its mood.

 

We can't see the wind blow but we can see the winds ensemble. What it does when it joins its unexpected partner in that dance.

 

The dance got a little rough and Mister Rob had to pick his shirt up off the ground. All danced out yet the wind still blows egging it on.

 

xoxo   

Julian Garner - When does inspiration strike?

"The Day" I decided that Julian Garner needed to be executed and all those ideas, sketches and designs bought to life.

 

From thought, to paper, to stitch...then that "doubt"...to finished pieces of my imagination staring me in the face there was one thing that scared me.

 

Would I ever run out of ideas?

 

Obviously I do not know but when you branch off on your own to work on your own business that initial thought, the IDEA, needs to be there. 

 

I keep reminding myself that I need to create something commercial for people to buy into. Keeping in the brands identity and genre so to speak. I need the product to be professional and handmade well enough for the client to get there monies worth, but most of all...

 

...as unique as you are.

 

All the above I have at hand and just need to make sure that I don't lose sight of it. What I set out to do.

 

Now where does that idea come from, when does inspiration strike?

 

Last night, at 02:16 whilst sat on the sofa I was hit by a wave of inspiration with a dash of get up and go. This meant a trip to my studio to sketch, research and do.

 

 

...my tiny studio!

 In a world where so many people are designing and pulling inspiration from the same pool, the world we live in, its difficult to not end up with something of similarity to another.

 

This is where that stamp of individuality, well made product and most importantly part of the puzzle...your CLIENT...comes in.

 

Just a little tip...your CLIENT...they are an ocean of inspiration and ideas. There have being so many times when I have met a client and talked to them about their wants and needs.

 

The outfit, the occasion, the place, suddenly my mind will be bubbling with inspiration and in each bubble ideas...lots of ideas.

 

So when does inspiration strike? The answer is I don't know but when it hits you jot it down, draw it, file it, work with it and more will come.

 

I was scared and I am sure that question will always haunt me however the mind is a beautiful thing. Inspiration is everywhere and those ideas will come.  

 

My mind is as unique as I am.

 

xoxo

Julain Garner - MUM is the word...

23:40, 30/06/2014, An Instrumental Sunday (Spotify) playing in the background and here I am sat at our dining room table. Having just kissed my partner goodnight I told him that I missed him. Earlier we had a conversation about how I felt lonely.

Coming up to 4 months since I left my job in the hustle and bustle of London in the vain hope of creating my label, Julian Garner. Since I have left and I run into friends and acquaintances they ask me..."What are you doing now?"

I ask myself that everyday since I decided that a road full of challenge and possible disappoint was the one to take. However a big sacrifice for me now is, I am working alone.

 

There are times that I have found myself talking about my first collection as if I was presenting it to a room of people. If anybody were to see me they would think me mad. I assume that taking this road is rather mad. It's an eye opener and look forward to when my partner gets home or someone calls. I suppose not having distractions, beside me rambling on, is a possible piece to the completion of a vast puzzle.

 

So what have I done? I have set up my studio, shelves went up, although some not straight I did it!

 

I have rebranded my business card...if you see one please pick it up.

I commissioned a very talented artist, Kate Hayton, to make me a sculpture so I can re-shoot the headwear I have created on my website, www.JulianGarner.com. Isn't she beautiful...

 

The headpiece she wears is from the Hat Factor Competition that Grazia magazine held. Phillip Treacy, Stephen Jones, Paula Reed and the Editor of Grazia were present to judge. The feedback I got was overwhelming and inspired me to go on. Thank you.

Multimedia seems to be taking over my life, @TheJulianGarner on Twitter, THEJULIANGARNER on Instagram and Julian Garner Headwear on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/JulianGarnerHeadwear, thank you for the LIKES..I always wish there was a LOVE option. 160 and growing!!!

I have sketched some great ideas, even if I say so myself, some have been bought to life and others are yet to be created. 

I am now added to the Hat Academy Milliners Map. Follow the below link to see...

 

http://hatacademy.com/profile/ChristopherGarner

 

At the end of this month I shall be attending the Millinery Summer School at the London College of Fashion. One cannot wait and look forward to meeting new talents and inspiring people as well as been in London. 

 

This of cause would not have happened if it wasn't for a woman that supports my choices and always gives me an honest answer, as well as answering the phone when I am working alone and need a pick up. My Mum...

 

 

A huge thank you Mum, it means the world that you are helping me on a journey that I am glad you will see unfold. Although at times I am sure you think I do not appreciate your efforts but I can guarantee you it's my nerves and pride talking. I will always be grateful and listen to your words of encouragement.

 

I am currently working on a commission for the Goodwood Horse Races for another supporter of Julian Garner. Sue Parham, thank you as always for your encouragement and belief.

 

These are all small steps towards something greater, hopefully one day. For now in my loneliness, I look forward to the day when I have created a monster and can sit in my studio chair in the early hours of the morning, fingers sore, and remind myself why I chose this road. As mentioned in the post, Julian Garner, I will document my journey and I have made a deal with myself as a way to remain grounded whether I fail or succeed that I will start to smell the roses when I spot them.

 

Life is too short to not try, to me not trying makes life seem shorter. 

 These smelt beautiful...

 

 

Keep going...01:28.

 

xoxo 

Lucy Mason

A couple of nights ago, well let's be honest here...a while ago I met a lovely lady who stood out amongst the generics mingling at the bar, pre cabaret show. Her name...Lucy Mason.

 

Celebrating a special night with her partner, they graced me with their presence at Madame Mu Mu. Lucy Mason is a Dental Nurse and I am sure that she would certainly look after you with her all round originality...her sky blue hair!!!

 

Dressed to kill in a rouge red, figure hugging, sweetheart neckline, pencil skirt dress as her weapon of choice she oozed an air of sexiness and elegance. The dress is from a hospice charity shop in the weald. Just goes to show that "This Old Thing" (great new programme on Channel 4) still has it.    

 

 

 

Teamed with a patent leather belt, a hat from M&S, umbrella and gloves from the gorgeous Hoopers in Royal Tunbridge Wells and that perfect little rockabilly, leopard print bag in a vanity case shape this look would not have being complete without the WOMAN wearing it.

 

She told me that sometimes she does Burlesque...for her partner...this lady is the femme fatale and a salute to an era wear sexiness and elegance walked the same street.

 

Lucy...I salute you.

 

xoxo