Gillian Carter has always loved fashion, especially delicate and feminine vintage finds. She spent several years working in the industry as a fashion model, which gave her the opportunity to wear styles and colours that she had never considered before. Featuring in advertising campaigns for the likes of L’Oreal and Nivea, it was during her stint as a model that she developed a taste for accessories and customization, resulting in her unique, personal style. Two years ago she left the unpredictable world of modelling behind to work for the Dutch furniture company - Ahrend. As stylish as ever Gillian talks to Fashion Capital about her favourite places to shop and her enthusiasm for a good bargain.    

Q How would you define your personal style?

It really depends on my mood - some days I feel like wearing a dress or skirt in bright colours and other times I want to look really strong and wear lots of black. I like to change my appearance regularly or I get bored! From the 50’s look to the 20’s flapper, I’ll pick up on the bits I like - rather than be a slave to trends. I have also noticed that my style is becoming more conservative the older I get!

Q What are the key items in your wardrobe for this spring/summer season?

I have a selection of white vest tops that I’ve customized myself, (with embroidered flowers, painted designs) which I’ve been wearing a lot, a long black skirt with corseting detail at the back and a short green 50’s style summer jacket.

Q What do you wear to work?

I have to look fairly smart, but as long as I don’t wear jeans or very skimpy clothes, I can wear most things (including the above!).

Q Do you have a weakness for any particular labels or brands?

Not really. If I like something I’ll buy it regardless of the label. People often ask me where I bought some of the outfits I wear and they are always quite surprised when I say…H&M or Warehouse. I love bargains and have been known to rummage around in the sales and charity shops. I think it’s more about how you put items together, a bit of customizing and accessories can go a long way.

Q Whose closet would you like to raid?

I think Kylie Minogue has some lovely clothes nowadays, although I would draw the line at the bum-cheek revealing hotpants!

Q What attributes do you think makes a good fashion model?

Self reliance, confidence and level headedness are essential when you have to organize yourself to attend castings, travel alone or work with people you’ve never met before.

Q Any favourite UK designers?

I love Ghost dresses for the summer; they’re very feminine and really good for special occasions. I wait for the sales to indulge.

Q Any High Street preferences?

H&M, I always find loads of stuff I like in there, Reiss, Whistles and Oasis Vintage also have gorgeous clothes which I buy occasionally.

Q Do you indulge in second-hand/vintage shopping?

Yes, I love vintage clothes from charity shops or markets. I’m a big fan of 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s styles. Steinberg & Tolkien on the King’s Road has some gorgeous pieces but I find it a bit too expensive for my bargain mentality. I have managed to find some great stuff in regular charity shops around Chiswick and Hammersmith. 

Q Tell us a bit about your unusual wedding dress…

My wedding dress was copied from a Pre-Raphaelite painting and it was made from sky blue silk with a dropped waist and flared sleeves, which were lined in dark red fabric. Around the hem of the dress (all the way round) was a wide band of gold silk with a lion rampant design printed on it. The neckline was a very wide, boat neck shape with gold embroidery at the front. Instead of wearing a veil, I had long, dark hair extensions; I looked and felt like a Pre-Raphaelite princess and was really pleased with the end result.
 
Q What item of clothing would you consider as an investment buy?

A good winter coat – I have a beautiful leather coat which I bought a couple of years ago and wear it constantly throughout the winter.

Jo Iles

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