Fashion editor to mentor local designer
Nice girls don’t necessarily have to finish last — so believes Julia Gall.
The 27-year-old is the senior fashion and accessories editor at a top New York publication, Interview Magazine.
She grew up in a beach town on the New Jersey shoreline and was not quite sure what a job in fashion was all about.
She was, however, interested and managed to get a job with Mel Ottenberg, personal stylist to pop superstar Rihanna.
From day one her mantra has been to be kind and stay positive. In July, Ms Gall will bring her upbeat personality to Bermuda, to serve as a mentor to local swimwear designer Madeline White for the Local Designer Showcase.
The fashion editor said she could not pass up on the opportunity to take part in the Bermuda Fashion Festival for a second year in a row.
Last year’s experience “blew [my] mind”, she said.
“It is such a gorgeous place with so many amazing colours — from the houses, to the pink sand, to the flowers — it’s super inspiring,” she told The Royal Gazette.
“The people are so friendly and welcoming it took no time at all for me to feel at home.
“I can’t wait to visit the Swizzle Inn — I somehow missed this last time! I also can’t wait to jump in the ocean.”
Ms Gall was invited to take part in the showcase through her connection with Bermudian fashion consultant Shiona Turini.
“I’ve known Shiona as a work colleague for a few years now and was honoured and excited when she asked me to be a part of the showcase,” she said.
“It means so much to be included in such an amazing initiative to develop Bermuda’s design talents.
“I’ve learnt a lot through my experiences working in fashion and I hope I can share them and contribute to helping these designers grow.”
Ms Gall said she had been impressed by Ms White because she was enthusiastic, passionate about her fashion line and open to new ideas.
“It feels like a very balanced collaboration,” Ms Gall added. “[Madeline] is currently based in the UK, so the time difference tends to be challenging, but we keep in close contact.”
Making a name for herself in the fashion industry involved “super hard work”, she said. Instead of succumbing to some of the pressures of the business, she has tried to stay optimistic.
“I learnt quickly that the days can be very long and the demands, which are fast-paced, can be hard to keep up with,” she said.
“But if you are organised, confident and not afraid to get your hands dirty, the people you want to impress will take notice.
“It also helps to be nice to everyone you work with. I’ve made so many lasting friendships with co-workers by laughing and keeping positive through the craziest shoots and projects.”
Her personal style is easy and classic. She described it as “a nod to the 60s or 70s, but with a little bit of a dark New York twist”.
“I also love a ruffle, bow or a bit of a girlie touch,” Ms Gall said.
Her advice to any young designer is to follow your gut.
“It’s perfectly okay to not feel comfortable with the advice someone gives you or go along with what is ‘normal’ or ‘cool’. If it doesn’t feel right to you — don’t do it.
“The most innovative and legendary designers have always marched to their own beat and that’s why they’ve changed history.”
• Lifestyle will feature participants in this year’s Local Designer Showcase over the coming weeks.
It was just shy of a month ago that Madeline White officially launched her first swimwear collection.
But that is not stopping her from making waves in the local fashion scene.
The 24-year-old has been announced as one of six local designers taking part in the Bermuda Fashion Festival’s Local Designer Showcase on July 8.
Shiona Turini, who is overseeing that part of the event, said competition was fierce this year.
“Madeline’s application stood out for a number of reasons,” the New-York based fashion consultant said. “Her brand concept, ‘Live Life From Bikini to Bikini’, not only embodied the Bermudian lifestyle, it resonates with a global, stylish traveller. Her designs were young and fresh, and I thought that with the right mentor she could really develop her ideas.
“She’s also launching her first collection, and to be able to do that under the guidance of an experienced, talented editor [like Julia Gall] is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted Madeline to be able to take advantage of this.”
Ms White said she was excited that her swimwear line, Novah, will feature in the show.
“So much work and preparation goes into each collection and if anything this one will be even more so, as it means so much to me to be showcasing it at home,” she said.
“I want it to be perfect. I’m sure there will be many 3am sessions and weekends spent on it between now and show night.”
She said she was overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with Ms Gall, from Interview Magazine.
“I couldn’t have hoped for anything better. She’s great to work with and I’m really enjoying being mentored by her,” she said.
Ms Gall has already loaned a hand with picking good styles, colours and prints for the 2016 line based on fashion forecasts of future trends.
The senior fashion and accessories editor has also helped with planning for the showcase and shared her professional tips on what works and what does not.
