Based in Joburg, but originally from Cape Town, Georgie Rattle is a social butterfly who is also a determined and hard-working fashion creative that we love to follow! Today we get to learn a little more about her so let’s jump in!
How would you describe your relationship with fashion? And how has this influenced your business?
I have always loved fashion and clothes. I remember when I was young and working at The Old Biscuit Mill, every cent I made I would spend on clothing. I am also a huge people watcher and I’m constantly inspired by what people around me wear! In my days at varsity, when I would attend a lot of the Cape Town festivals, I would always approach girls wearing the most amazing outfits, and ask where they bought them from. Their answer was almost always ‘overseas’. This is really when the spark for GRA started
You’re quite the fashionista, has fashion always been a career path that you were interested in? And what inspired you?
I have ALWAYS wanted to have a clothing brand. Growing up with a mother who was a fashion designer, I was constantly intrigued and inspired by her creativity. So I always knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. As previously mentioned, after attending many festivals and never finding anything to wear, I realized there was a gap in the market. Firstly, no store in Cape Town sold anything vaguely on-trend. Secondly, nothing was within the price range of a student, and lastly, no one sold anything that I was ever looking for. This made me realize how much of a need for basic, funky, custom outfits there was. I started my brand at the right time, and it has grown from strength to strength since 2018.
According to LinkedIn (yes we looked you up) you studied at FEDISA, what was that experience like? And did it change your perspective on the fashion industry?
I should probably update that at some point. My experience at FEDISA was great. It taught me how to make a pattern, how to sew, photoshop and how to think in terms of design. I didn’t know any of these things before I started studying so I owe that to them. It made me realize how hardcore and cutthroat this industry can be, but it just motivated me more to get completely involved and follow my dream. The friends I made and the fun I had at FEDISA I will always cherish and look back on with the biggest smile.
You’ve not only obtained a BA in fashion, but you have also completed your post-graduate studies in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. How has this, coupled with your BA, helped you in your career?
To be honest, I owe the entire success of my business to my postgraduate year. The amount I learnt in that one year is second to none. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to apply. I took subjects such as finance, entrepreneurial strategies, organisation & management, marketing, creativity in business – the list goes on – which taught me to think and act like a proper businesswoman. It was incredible. It was the perfect combination of theory and practical work and taught me everything from time management to people management which has been extremely important in starting GRA.
While studying, was there ever a time where you thought to yourself, ‘Nope, this ain’t for me!’?
Never.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to start a career in fashion?
It is hectic. Make sure you know that this is definitely what you want to do because it isn’t easy! Have a vision in mind and do everything to achieve it. Make sure you plan your week so that your time is managed well and you maximise your days. Make sure you plan your social media ahead of time so that you’re constantly keeping your followers happy and inspired. Make sure you have all suppliers and production in place so that the process, from start to finish, is streamlined and your lead times are fair. Dealing with difficult and irrational people is extremely demotivating, but keep your head up high and ALWAYS be subjective and professional, even when you feel emotional. That’s just a few.
What are some mistakes that you’re actually glad you made? And what are some of the more memorable moments?
The biggest mistake I’ve made in the past is making my number public. There is nothing more stressful than being constantly contacted (and harassed) on the weekend. Nothing steals my peace more. I have now learnt to ignore (unless necessary) and just reply on Monday during business hours. Another mistake is not having checked quality after receiving production back from my seamstress. There have been 2 cases where there were holes in the side seam of the garments which I never bothered to check. I will never make that mistake again. The most memorable moments are seeing girls out in my clothes. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your handmade garments in all their glory on gorgeous girls at festivals – especially Afrikaburn!
There’s a misconception that clothes simply just ‘happen’? Please shed some light into the process.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Once I receive an order, I go and buy the fabric. Then I cut the fabric according to the custom measurements. Once I finish cutting, the order gets sewn. When it’s sewn, it’s ironed, packaged and couriered. It might sound basic, but it takes time! Especially when I work with intricate fabrics like sequins, and especially when it’s a completely custom look where a new pattern is required.
What are some of your favourite pieces to make? And do you have an all-time favourite piece or outfit that you’ve made thus far?
My favourite pieces to make are customised Bachelorette outfits! They are always just so over the top and I can get extremely creative, which are the pieces I have the most fun with. Also, most of the themes are festival inspired which makes it even more exciting for me.
And lastly, where do you see yourself/your business in 5 years? Any plans to go international?
I hope to take GRA international within the next 5 years. I want to be somewhere in Europe or the UK. Loads of festivals happen all around the world, all year round, and my brand is very international already. I cannot wait for that next step!
Words: Francesca Rattle | Photography: Courtesy Images
