Gabrielle Shiner-Hill
The future of fashion is transparent
Gabrielle Shiner-Hill is a trained weaver with over 20 years experience in fashion sourcing and production who works with brands to turn their design concepts into reality. Working on exciting projects such as Enda Sportswear who have created the first ever running shoe to be made in Kenya and with cult east London retailer Luna & Curious to produce their first range of womenswear.
Gabby is also the UK’s sole authorised trainer for Pointcarré, a textile software programme for printing, knitting and weaving. With Gabby's assistance this software has enabled companies such as Knockando Woolmill, established in 1784, to combine centuries old tradition with modern technology, Mac's communicating with looms. Streamlining processes so that production can be more cost effective whilst retaining the beauty of the cloth.
As a senior lecture at Ravensbourne University (Ba Fashion Buying and Brand Management) Gabby believes it’s essential to work in a transparent, ethical way that supports craftsmanship. By instilling the importance of each individual element and person within a fashion supply chain she aims to make the future of fashion (students) aware of how their choices can make a significant impact.
Over the past year or so Gabby and I have often talked about fashion production, transparency, juggling kids and life so it's with great pleasure that we can share one of these conversations with you.
“Your decisions have to be sustainable, it’s not as if we say this is sustainable fashion and textiles and this is not, it’s this is the way you need to think in a sustainable environment because we cannot carry on in the future the way we have been going. If we can get the students walking into the industry with that mindset they will question the decisions they are being asked to make. ”
“Ask a busy person to do something for you and they’ll do something for you. ”
“Sourcing transparently and ethically the benefits are the people you meet as a starting point. If you talk to one person they are very keen to tell you about another company that are doing something similar. As opposed to the traditional manufacturing routes you’ll get a lot of people who will say we are the only people who make cotton here (when you know that’s not the case).”
gabrielle shiner-hill portrait photos by bec o'conner for black neon digital
luna & curious shirt dresses via instagram @lunaandcurious
SOURCE directory via instagram @shinerhilldesign
lupita nyongo wearing enda sportswear shoes via instagram @lupitanyongo
