Everything You Wanted To Know About The Woman Behind River Island’s Latest Collab

Last night, some of the city's most stylish men and women came together in the Portico rooms at Somerset House to celebrate Fash/On Film. Nope, that’s not a spelling mistake. It’s the collaboration between River Island and the British Fashion Council to promote film in the fashion industry.

As the crowd sipped champagne and watched short films by the likes of fashion-film website Showstudio and accessories designer Fred Butler, we slipped away for a little one-on-one with designer Georgia Hardinge, who created the 14-piece collection for River Island’s Design Forum initiative. The short featuring her sculptural gowns was the highlight of the night.

Tell us how this collaboration came about with River Island?
Caroline Rush (BFC’s Chief Executive) and David Watts (BFC’s Business Support Manager) introduced me to River Island because they wanted to do a collaboration with me. We started having initial meetings about how we could work together and how the design aesthetic could work.

What are your favorite shops on the High Street?
I buy menswear from River Island, so I would have to say River Island.

What’s been your favorite High Street collaboration?
I love J.W.Anderson for Topshop. I love the fact that he’s got a minimal edge and is quite edgy for the High Street and I appreciate that the general public are enjoying it.

Where did the inspiration come from for this collaboration?
It is surrealist inspired. H.R Giger, who is a sculptor and set designer for the Alien films, inspired the collection. I liked his dark aesthetic and I wanted to recreate it in a more subtle way.

Who would you love to see wear your designs?
My muse and someone I’m inspired by every season is (actress) Jennifer Connelly. She is very classic and elegant yet has an experimental edge to her look.

One of my best friend’s is a person called Annabelle Willis and she is an actress. Whenever I think of the perfect woman, I think of her.

Apart from your own collection, what other shows at LFW are you most looking forward to?
My really good friend Eudon Choi had his show today. Totally amazing. I love his classic minimalism.

Any tips for budding fashion students trying to make it in the industry?
Listen to the advice around you. Don’t run into things. Make sure you know enough about the business side of things before you go into business. And just protect yourself.

How are you planning on celebrating the success of your collection and your Fash/On film?
When is there time? Tomorrow I’m pulling an all-nighter to complete a top-secret project I’m working on.

Which trend do you hope dies this season?
Hats. I love hat designers, I just don’t like the hats at Ascot. You know, the feathery, plumey ones.

Do you have any on-the-go beauty secrets?
Instead of Moroccan Oil, try olive oil in your hair. Make sure you don’t put too much on though!