|
the tailor
by Maria Cataldo on Aug 6, 2008
YSL may have the trump card with the sexy Le Smoking suit, but we've spied a Melbourne tailor who might just be hot on those coattails with an old-fashioned take on modern suiting. We chat to Godwin Hili about his label Godwin Charli, what every woman needs in her work wardrobe, and why the little details make all the difference. Look sharp ladies.
Name: Godwin Hili
Age: 27
Title/Occupation: Creative Director / Business Owner
How did Godwin Charli come about?
Godwin Charli (GC) came about after the realisation that dressing myself and consulting other people on what to wear came naturally... plus dreams of doing something amazing for a living. I did not see myself forging a corporate career and was fed up working 9-5. My 2 sisters, brother-In-law and I established a performing arts school in 2002 and I discovered the power of living and sharing your passion every day. For me it was a balanced mix of fashion, design, style consulting and meeting new and interesting people that influeneced my decision.
Previous experience before starting up the label?
I hold 2 bachelor degrees in Accounting and Marketing so I’ve spent the past 8 years working in financial, advertising and marketing companies. The time spent establishing the performing arts school, MDX, was tremendous and a spring board to where I am today. I also spent a short but valuable amount of time working under Robert Buckingham during his reign as Festival Director with the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. But it was the years spent at my now business partner’s tailoring workshop that exposed me to traditional tailored fashion, allowing me to develop my craft. |
 |
 |
What's the best/worst thing about owning your own store?
The best thing would be that I am in full control of my destiny. Where I take GC is up to me.
The worst thing would be that GC demands my continuous attention, working 6 to 7 days is not unusual for me, actually, it’s expected.
How you deal with competitors?
I am fully aware of my competitors however, they are not my focus. I’m dedicated to establishing a new and exciting brand in the market place and want the world to influence me, not my neighbours on Lt Collins Street. Yes, I am surrounded by amazing local and international designers and retail stores but i’m too busy creating my own identity, my own flavour to pay too much attention.
Name your favourite highlight so far of working in the fashion industry.
It would have to be opening my first store on Little Collins Street in Melbourne 11 months ago and having the general public embrace me, my product and what I am doing. |
What drew you to the suiting and tailoring side of fashion?
Being a relatively slim guy my pet hate was any form of clothing that fitted me incorrectly. My mother, a talented dress maker, would alter almost every piece of clothing I would buy. I guess I grew up around a sewing machine and didn’t know any better! In my early 20s I set out to find the perfect fit and in doing so stumbled across a friend who’s families business had been tailoring in Australia for almost 60 years. They took me in as one of their own and the rest is history!
Talking fashion, what should every girl have in her work wardrobe?
I’ll keep it simple: beautifully tailored suits (trouser and skirt combinations) in shades of blues, greys and of course black, perfectly fitting shirts with strong collars, and a selection of simple but sexy heels and flats to wear across the entire wardrobe. No sport shoes to and from work please!!!
And lastly, what do you think makes a person the best in their field?
Passion and trusting your instinct. |
 |
|
comments
No comments
Be the first to add a comment!
Sign in or get your free account to comment.