STYLE SPACE: @Justauniform heads to Julian Garner Headwear
Style Space columnist Siobhan Maroney gets to grips with Maidstone milliner Julian Garner Headwear
Hello you incredible lot and welcome to a new style space. A place where we get to meet a whole array of talents that are based here in wonderful Kent.
This time we are putting the spotlight on the incredible Chris from Julian Garner Headwear. Chris creates beautiful bespoke millinery pieces that have been seen on the likes of Princess Beatrice.
This time I’ve mixed it up a bit and briefly introduced you to Julian Garner Headwear over on my Instagram (@justauniform ). I put the interview over to you guys and got you to ask the questions. So without further ado, let’s find out what you asked.
Tell me about life before Julian Garner Headwear?
Life before Julian Garner Headwear was full of creative frustration and nerves. One day I said to myself, don’t paddle in your fear, swim in it. Although I work part time for someone else - to help with household bills and food the majority of my time - I cannot stress this enough, my time is spent on doing what makes me happy. It’s so important, happiness. Yes, of course Julian Garner Headwear has its ups and downs but it’s my ups and downs, the results of my decisions. Be responsible for you and your happiness.
What made you start Julian Garner Headwear?
I have wanted to have my own label since the age of 11. It’s the results of a social studies class and a wonderfully fashionable teacher. What made me start it was simply a moment in time when I was able to see clearly an opportunity where I could earn a living whilst establishing a fashion label. Not for the faint hearted. I really do mean that. It’s a labour of love and you really have to love what you do and accept that in fashion it doesn’t happen overnight. Know this from the outset and it will help you get through the years of wondering when it is going to happen.
When did you start Julian Garner Headwear?
Julian Garner Headwear launched late 2015 with my first ever mood Ki Mi for SS/AW 2016. They say, to call yourself a milliner you have to work in the industry for five years. At first I was taken aback by this but it makes complete sense. This past year has really seen the “START” of Julian Garner Headwear. Hopefully there will be many more.
How did you get started in the millinery industry and do you think the industry is still thriving?
I first started making small headpieces back in 2009, once I had free time to create. I was self-trained at this point and would only make pieces through experimentation. I was incredibly frustrated, creatively, and this simply helped me deal with this. After about a year or so I started getting people interested in my work and wanting me to make them something for the events they were going to. I would only ever charge them the cost of fabrics and never my time, as mentioned before I was self-trained. As far as I am concerned, if there are magazine covers there is a need for hats. Nothing says look at me more than someone in a wonderful hat. It is thriving at the moment and I do believe it is because of the total dedication and hard work of the people within the industry, from suppliers, to event organisers and of course the milliners. Like anything you can start it but if you don’t do the hard work, you will not see the results.
What is your favourite design that you have ever created?
This is really difficult to say, because I love each piece differently. I say this because making hats you don’t have a set guideline to follow. Some designs come together perfectly and others there is a bit of a struggle in the making of them. You really have to immerse yourself into the making of them and there are hurdles, especially when it comes to a new design. Nowadays I face less hurdles purely because there is a relation between the struggles. I can figure out a hurdle quicker nowadays.
What is the main source of inspiration when designing a collection?
Anything. I usually have a word that I then relate my designs to, then from that word the story begins so the collection works together as a whole. With the way social media affects sales, I have found that being as reactive as you can to a trend and getting your work out there helps. It’s the reason why I don’t use the word collection on my site (JulianGarner.com) as I find the “collection” has become more of a MOOD.
When in a creative rut, what gives you inspiration for new ideas?
Get out of the studio and go and play. Go and explore. People watch. Sit and think about other stuff besides work. I find the days when I can’t work creatively are best to get the admin side of business done or stuff that doesn’t require you to think. Like stitching sweatbands or brim edges. I believe it is actually my brain telling me to give the creative part of it a rest. It’s also learning to teach yourself not to feel guilty that you aren’t working, that’s a tough lesson to learn but you need to let this happen. That’s why a running ‘to do’ list is so important. It allows me to deal with this guilt we create unnecessarily.
Can anyone wear a hat/headpiece or are there people who just don’t suit them?
I believe anyone can wear a hat and I would highly recommend that you try. Go to a hat shop and try on as many hats as you can. Try a hat hire shop or even a charity shop and go and play dress up. It really does boil down to confidence as people have come to think that wearing hats are only for special occasions. Isn’t life a special occasion? Wear the god damn hat...life is too short. Also before wearing a hat at an event, I would highly recommend you wear it around the house a week or so before. Allow yourself to get used to the added height, width, weight (although a hat should be light) and style. Never put a hat on and let it wear you. You wear the hat. As a milliner I can always tell a first time wearer in a hat...they fidget. I can also see someone who wears a hat well. There is a confidence in the walk and the line of the neck is strong and proud.
Which celebrity would you love to see in your designs?
This is another tough one because all I really want to see is my designs being worn. Every time I sell a hat, be it a bespoke commission or off the shelf, there is a moment of bliss knowing that working on your dream is worth it. Everyone is a celebrity to me when they wear one of my hats as they are helping me celebrate my dream. There is nothing better than getting a picture of your work on a happy face. It is joy.
Why Kent for Julian Garner Headwear?
I am originally from Zimbabwe, in Africa, having fled the unsettled times the country still faces I moved to the UK in 2004. The job I had was in landscape design as well as accommodation. I moved here not knowing a soul. I have family in the UK but in Devon and Cornwall. Maidstone welcomed me with open arms and I have built a life. It may not be the most glamorous of destinations but that is what goals are for. Also I love finding beauty in everything. It is there, you have just got to look.
What is to come in the future for Julian Garner Headwear?
I have a few things in the pipeline that I cannot mention but I am excited. I don’t know what the whole future holds but I hope it’s working on my love for creating and being an artist.
Thanks to Chris and to you for reading. Follow Chris on Instagram @juliangarnerheadwear to see everything that is happening in his world. Whilst you're there come follow me too @justauniform and get involved in the next Style Space. Until next time!