CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT
EMILY GIBB
STYLIST
Emily Gibb reflects everything we like in fashion. In her words, she strives for, “considered, creative magic” while prioritising sustainable, low-impact practices.
Like most 90’s kids with a proclivity for sartorial style, Emily Gibb figured out who she was within the pages of magazines like Interview, i-D, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
We love what she has been doing in menswear styling (see young icon, Budjerah), and couldn’t wait to invite her into our Paddington showroom to chat about her heroes, her idea of style, and the future of sustainability in fashion.
BT: What is the starting point when you begin working with a new client? Is it their current style, your vision or something else?
BT: Who are your top three cultural heroes? In a sentence, why?
BT: You aspire to create ‘considered magic’ using sustainable and low impact practices. This is something important to us and informs every aspect of what we do. Can you tell me what the future looks like for sustainable garments? Are there any fabrics or practices that are currently exciting you on that front?
Developing a circular economy not just across fashion but a variety of waste-producing industries, is the future. Our parents and grandparents lived in a society where they placed great value in purchasing and investing in pieces for the wardrobe, home and beyond. Repairing or tailoring things, rather than quickly throwing them out, was done without question – my dad recently shared with me that, as one of four kids, my grandmother used to darn holes in their socks!
BT: Style is nuanced and tricky to define, but usually we know it when we see it. What does ‘good styling’ mean to you? And, if different, what does being ‘well dressed’ mean to you?
I would say being well dressed is distinct predominantly via fit and tailoring. If something isn’t fitted properly to one’s body and is therefore unflattering, I personally can’t say they’re well dressed. But again, that’s totally subjective!
BT: One of my favourite parts of the measurement process with a new client is when they try on an overcoat for the first time. We do it to record the right length on it. I love watching how their demeanour very subtly changes the as they put it on. There’s always a moment that they glance at their face in the mirror as if they’re seeing themselves in a new way. I’ve also been on a lot of shoots where a new look will actually change the mood and energy of the room. It’s powerful. And it speaks to an obvious power in clothing. Can you comment on this? Is it something you’ve noticed before, or strive for in your work?
I would say I always strive for my clients experiencing empowerment, and therefore confidence, in what I style them in. However, I don’t hold any expectations over them as I can’t be sure what will provoke this in them, which is where I think the beauty in our roles lie – we’re not mind readers! Between fabric, the perfect fit without any tailoring (I’m proud to say this I’ve acheived many a time with clients) and trying something new to surprising delight – and everything in between – I really enjoy being able to facilitate confidence and joy in clients through clothing, and good styling.
