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 

Julian Garner

Five months since I last posted on ensem-BLAH, the last topic I wrote about was the incredibly inspiring Isabella Blow Fashion Galore Exhibition, held at Somerset House, curated by the brilliant Daphne Guinness. Whilst walking amongst the garments and beautiful headwear created by industry mentors Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy and many, many, more I felt this urge of envy as I gazed upon their artistic expression. I felt my heart sink deeper into my body as I grew frustrated that this creative energy I have was not being used.

 

In a job that I thoroughly enjoyed and a company that has been by far the best I have ever worked for. An establishment with over 100 years of experience and knowledge, in retail, that I was reaping on a weekly basis. I was working for an in house label that had being grown from just cashmere jumpers to a leading brand amongst competitors that are the fashion world greats. I was inspired yet again by the energies that went into driving this forward however found that envy feeling creep in when designers were executing their artist ability. If anything I discovered that I was incredibly jealous of people who were doing what they wanted to do or at least working towards what they wanted to do.

 

Living in Kent and having to commute to London on a daily basis the travel added an extra cost to my dream of working in the fashion industry amongst overwhelming talents and inspiring people. I had to have a second job. The second job started at my old place of work, former manager, now I was a waiter. A step back but I felt when confronted with that remark..."you are back...why?" I would attack it with honesty and simply say..."I need the extra money." Then I would proudly mention where I worked because I was proud of it and enjoyed the environment thoroughly.

 

The owner of Mu Mu, the restaurant I am working in, decided to open another restaurant above the existing one and call it Madame Mu Mu. A cabaret restaurant with an atmosphere of decadence and an abundant amount of eccentricity. He would want a Drag Queen called Madame Mu Mu who will host and be the personality of the premises. 

 

My time in drag all started back in 2009 with a Halloween dress up night when I decided to dress as Doctor Frank 'n Furter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. On this night comments were passed and a memory stored that would one day assist me later on in life.

 

 

He asked me to do it and I would start out on a much better wage for doing what I do best...being myself. It was a way to express my creative side, following the waves and feel for the place I started to create Madame Mu Mu. I told my then boss, another inspiring being, and chose to keep it on the down low given the fact I worked in such a traditional co-operate environment. It all started November 2012 and it just spiralled. My money went up and I started to be the in house DJ. I must admit, the worlds worst DJ.

 

 

Juggling my time between my full time job in London, working in Buying and Product Development and being a Drag Queen, I found yet another frustration...not been able to have time to execute enough creative energy as time was something I didn't have. Not only that but I didn't have enough time to be with the man that has supported me through so much, Mister Rob.

 

 

We started hosting Burlesque evenings and always up for a laugh, I stared compeering with a natural, off the cuff banter, ad lib, with the audience which eventually leaded into me doing my first ever burlesque striptease. Having gathered my garments, sweaty holdups and underwear, I returned back stage to be met with a comment that would start the ball rolling and allow me to execute this creative energy bring sketches to life. I couldn't believe it and started many a restless night and day dreaming moments before I even started giving each job equal consideration.

 

 

 

 

Should I leave behind a career that I worked so hard for and was good at for the luxury of working 2 days a week, (8 days a month), as a Drag Queen or give up being a Drag Queen to focus on a job that could really have taken me places. I seeked so many peoples advice and so many people said..."do it, take the jump." I was so scared as any normal human being would be but I had to reassure myself that if I took that offer and followed my dream I would not be losing out only gaining something. That something was time, we are all so short of it and here I was faced with it. Time to be able to focus working on an idea that I had when I was back in Junior School, Barwick School, Zimbabwe, of having a label called Julian Garner. My middle name and surname. 

 

I decided to take the jump and nervously handed in my notice to an establishment where I gained so much education and worked with an overwhelming amount of talented people. It was a sad occasion and remember after a phone call from a dear colleague , in accounts payable, the tears began rolling. It was later followed by a gorgeous leaving present and drinks in the hustle and bustle of SOHO!

 

 

The 28th of February was my last day and I felt so torn between a rock and a hard place and whether or not I was making a mistake or doing the right thing. A very inspiring person, after asking him, if I was doing the right thing his answer was simple..."I don't know." An answer with so much depth too but also confirmation that the only person who could answer that was myself.

 

 

I know I can do it but I just need to constantly reassure myself that all good things take time. Creating a label is not going to happen overnight. Where does one start? Slowly but surely things are coming together however having not sold anything I still have a job that pays for a living and most importantly time. If one thing life has taught me is that time, really is of the essence.

 

So my journey begins. In July I will begin a course in the beautiful Art of Millinery. An art that is so expressive and requires the full imagination in order to push boundaries and create a name attached with quality. Having self trained myself so far I have set up my website for the Headwear I have created. Check it out:

 

www.JulianGarner.com

 

 

 

 

 

I am slowly but surely putting together my studio and working on future ideas that will create collections that one day I hope to see amongst, industry mentors such as Phillip Treacy and Stephen Jones, the crowds of Ascot and many a beautiful event where Headwear is essential to complete a the clients look.

 

As the great Isabella Blow said;

 

"I don't uses a hat as a prop. I use it as a part of me."

 

So many days are yet to unravel in front of me and yet that feeling of envy, nerves, wanting, needing, waiting (alright Madonna) still haunt me yet guide that passion I have to create something I have longed for so many years. I have decided to document my journey of an up hill climb that I am undertaking as a way to look back on and appreciate why I started this in the first place.

 

Here goes...

 

xoxo