Designer DETAIL - Gorman

Lisa Gorman proves green really is the new black.

Lisa Gorman can add another feather to her stylishly designed cap – not only has this Melbournite created a style of clothing all of her own recognised throughout the fashion world, but Lisa is also saving the world, one fashionista at a time - through her eco-friendly initiatives and her range of ‘Gorman Organic’.

Raising Gorman

Lisa’s career took shape through working with a premier bridal designer, living with the ‘Fat’ girls, and designing of a small collection which quickly became big.

“I started work at Marianna Hardwick, where I had the opportunity to work with experienced and skilled tailors to design and make bridal gowns. Although Gorman is a long way from the styling of bridal couture, my time there taught me about garment construction which is relevant across the board,” Lisa says.

“I then began sharing a house with the girls that started the ‘Fat’ stores and they asked ‘why don’t you put some stuff in our store’ and without thinking too much more about it I thought ‘ok’ and designed a small collection of limited quantity and off we went!”

Indeed. Celebrated for the customised prints, luscious knitwear and utilitarian styling, Lisa’s label soon found its way into leading boutiques across Australia. It was only a matter of time before the Gorman name could be found in the international market, stocking the wardrobes of fashion lovers from Singapore, Japan and the US.

Going Green

Lisa’s latest adventure is not only the design of a new collection or the opening of a new boutique, but the process of making Gorman and its shoppers ‘planet-wise’. Recently, Lisa released ‘Gorman Organic’, a range of eco-friendly designer threads fashioned from sustainable fabrics, dyes and inks.

“My main reasoning to release an organics range in Gorman was because there were a lot of organic and sustainable fabric options appearing on the market, so I thought why not take advantage and use them rather than using conventional fabrics? It’s the obvious choice for Gorman, and you'll see more of this as technology advances.”

Dedicated to the cause.

“I personally have been buying organic food and living life on the environmentally clean side for years now and see the two-fold benefit to both the consumer directly and to the environment. Demand creates supply and by putting an organic range of clothing out there means that we can further increase and refine the yarns that we use and ultimately have more people supporting organic which is better for all,” says Lisa.

Your invite to the Kaleidoscope Tea

The latest offering from Gorman reminds us of the true spirit of the label – it’s eclectic, it’s fresh, it’s unique and it’s once again just the right mix of utilitarian with girlie.

Lisa favours the Hexagon dress, which was “inspired by crayon drawings and cut-outs,” Lisa says. “I also love the Daisy dress which has almost kimono-like embroidery.” As for your summer footwear? The top picks are the “coloured clogs that are an all round winner shoe for summer, all the way from Sweden!”

For more information on Gorman, and a complete list of stockists, visit www.gorman.ws