Five Minutes with GFW Gold Award Winner 07 – Nicolas Thomas
03-07-2007
JoJo: Congratulations on receiving the GFW River Island Gold Award what did it feel like to hear your name being announced?
Nick: I was totally shocked. I think my mouth dropped considerably and I was quite shaky. I had butterflies for most of the day, mostly because I still couldn’t believe I’d been shortlisted – so when it happened they got a lot worse!
JoJo: What was it like meeting the judges, particularly the much-respected Alber Elbaz?
Nick: It was strange. I was a bit late as I got stuck on the tube so as soon as I arrived I was whisked into prep with my two models and then not long after I was invited in to the panel room. I don’t think my mouth has ever been so dry, which made me very self-conscious, and it didn’t help when Alber asked me to try one of my garments on! It was tricky to pull over my head and was heavy and hot so I felt embarrassed but he said he loved it and that it really suited me so I felt more comfortable. He was a so approachable despite his position!
JoJo: Was it a relaxed meeting with the judges or did you have to give a formal presentation of your collection?
Nick: I did have to talk about my collection but they didn’t ask any tricky questions and they all seemed very interested and were complimentary of my portfolio. They made me feel very comfortable so despite my nerves I was pleased at how it went.
JoJo: Tell us a bit about the winning collection and the inspirations behind it?
Nick: It’s inspired by a National Trust property near Bristol, Tyntesfield House. I visited it last summer and came away really excited and suddenly found myself designing in my head. With the heritage themes from the house I also took inspiration from tailoring of the same period. The collection is predominantly knitwear, and I chose to use fairisles to apply colour and design to it, patterns include Agapanthus flower and paisley. The idea of the eccentric British male was also important and helped carry the eclectic colour story and mix and match knits.
JoJo: So will some of your pieces be appearing in River Island stores in the near future?
Nick: Not that I know of, although they were in the window just after the show. I had thought of trying to get my collection out somehow, so I’m looking into production as well as stores that might be interested in taking it.
JoJo: What about your experience at UWE – how was that?
Nick: Well, I had considered moving to London but there were things that I needed to stay in Bristol for, especially my boyfriend (!) and as I had taken my foundation at UWE I already knew the campus and some of the BA staff and it felt really right. I’ve not regretted my decision for a moment, particularly as I may not have had the opportunities that I have had, including my work experience as well as the award.
JoJo: What now, have you been receiving some interesting job offers?
Nick: I’ve had an interview with John Smedley which is where I had a short work placement. They selected two of my designs to use in their Autumn collection this year, so fingers crossed! I’ve always wanted to work with them so I think it would be the perfect start for me.
JoJo: Can we expect to see a Nick Thomas label in years to come?
Nick: Perhaps. I’ve never thought of being a big name, I’d be quite happy working alongside one though, being creative and mixing with likeminded people is what I want the most, I just want to design forever. Watch this space I guess…
JoJo: Finally, what do you plan to do with the £10,000 prize money?
Nick: Well it’s paid of my overdraft first and foremost, and the rest is benchmarked to help me and my boyfriend (the same one!) move to wherever we may end up, also if I take my collection into production it’ll help with that too.
Contact details:
07869 122 950
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