Gomez-Gracia : the brain behind the brand

Classic with a rock ‘n roll twist. Good girl gone bad. Effortless transition from day time chic to twilight diva. What am I talking about here? No, it’s not the introduction to a new rock star on the block (although it very well might have been!) Gomez-Gracia entered the British fashion industry with a bang and before London had time to say “Hello?” it created a stir of sorts with regular features in Drapers, red carpet appearances and a presence in some of the best stores in the UK and the US.

So imagine my excitement when Patricia (the creator and designer of Gomez-Gracia) agreed to give me 30 minutes of her precious time in the middle of a busy sales season to let me see the mind behind la mode!

Let’s back up a little. So while Gomez-Gracia’s steady rise to fashion Everest is apparent, what is the story behind this honest, no pretences brand? It is as sweet, simple and honest as the creator herself. Patricia’s tryst with destiny began as a young University student in the United States of America in 1998/99 when a tiny handbag-making venture with a friend struck a chord and brought in popularity and the realization of her true calling. The friend eventually made an exit, but Patricia stuck on and expanded the venture to include T-shirts and jeans with the same hand embroidery and beading detail that made the bags popular. "However, I realised that although I had the talent, I needed technical expertise to truly succeed in this industry." This subsequently led to the big move to London, work experiences with Julien McDonald and Alexander McQueen and ultimately the birth of Gomez-Gracia.

The lovely Miss Patricia Gomez-Gracia with her favourite piece from the SS11 collection

London, to Patricia, is representative of a cultural potpourri where everyone is not only welcome but also blends in easily and makes it their home. Of course, the fact that it is one of the important fashion capitals of the world is an added bonus.  Therefore, when the time came to make a decision regarding the birthplace of her dream, London was the obvious choice - not her hometown Miami, Florida. "I wanted the tag of a 'British brand' when I entered the US  market with Gomez-Gracia so as to have a better reception as opposed to just another American brand" she admits candidly. And now, with the latest SS11 collection, Gomez-Gracia is not only fast capturing the UK market, but also creating a mini ripple in Europe with orders from Paris. It’s only a matter of time before the European market is abuzz with this British contemporary brand for the uber confident woman.

And here with one of my favourite pieces from the collection
(psst..she's also wearing her creation..beautiful huh!!)

So what is it about the present collection that is special? In the words of the designer herself, "It’s the 'wow' factor that is the USP of this collection". Targeted at the sexy, saucy, confident woman, the SS11 collection promises luxurious silk jerseys and light-as-air cottons. As I run my hand along the surface of a gorgeous jersey dress, I think of the most delicious tiramisu that simply melts in the mouth. Bizarre analogy, I know, but fitting nonetheless! Rock n roll accessories are combined with form-fitted silhouettes while drape detail is beautifully used to create unique textures on the garment surface. The colour palette is the cherry on the cake with classy corals used in combination with blacks, whites and shimmer. Makes me wonder where she derives her inspiration from! According to her, it’s day-to-day life that inspires her. Could be a stunning photograph, fabric texture, architecture or just plain colour! Guess it also helps that Patricia reads a lot and keeps abreast with the world of art and fashion.

Aah Coral!! 

A part of the SS11 collection 

As I watch her rearrange the garments on the rail so the visual display correctly brings out the nuances of the collection, I can’t help but be impressed with her dedication to the brand. Here’s the passion that maketh “The Brand”! So Clandestine Cigarettes wishes Gomez-Gracia the very best and hopefully, one day soon, when it would have captured every by-lane of the fashion world, we’d have the honour of another meeting  and maybe, just maybe, walk away with a free dress ;-)

Much Love,

TD for CC

Memoirs of a French Poser

I closed my eyes and went back to 2006. The streets of Cuffe Parade, Mumbai that led to the classroom of Alliance Francaise in GD Somani school. “Je m’appelle Tejasvi. J’habite a Mumbai. Je suis etudiante.” I smiled. It’s funny how things always make sense in retrospect. One may not realize it right then, but there is always a plan, a bigger picture. Who knew the casual French language classes I took four years ago would one day come in handy when Egomark -the company I interned with- gave me the opportunity to travel to the city of my dreams! How many times had I imagined strolling down the streets of Paris and sipping café-au-lait at a corner shop while watching the beret-sporting junta pass by? How often had I dreamt of visiting Chanel’s first shop and trotting down la rue something-or-the-other in Louboutins? And I’ve lost count of the different scenarios in which I could fake the language! The captain’s sudden “Bienvenue a Paris” broke me from my reverie.

Ahem...The Business class

I shifted in my seat and checked to see that I had my passport and documentation within easy access. I alighted and immediately took a deep breath of the French air. Aah! I didn’t smell pain-au-chocolat or fresh butter croissants. But I did smell a dream coming true :-)

Gare du Nord 

The streets outside La Gare du Nord were as busy as I imagined Paris to be. The world (to use a line from Shawshank Redemption) seemed to have gone and gotten itself in a great big hurry! All I could hear around me was “zis iz ze zoo zee zish”. 

Champs Elysees

I saw a guy with a thin linear moustache cycle past me. The traffic rules were completely opposite to those of the UK (and India). I smiled again. It was all I expected it to be.  I went to the information desk for directions to the famous Metro that would take me to where the trade show was being held. This time I was surprised. I’d heard so much about the rude and unhelpful nature of the French. But here was this guy going out of his way to help me get to the Metro! I thanked him (in French) and mentally thanked London Underground and the Mumbai locals that helped me understand even complex train networks like the one in Paris. The 3 days I spent there were all I had hoped my first trip to the city of my dreams would be! Starting with the trade show (which is what I was in Paris for) gave me the chance to interact with some interesting buyers from the industry.

Now, does THAT even need a caption!

The Eiffel Tower left me awestruck with tears streaming down my face as I struggled to fathom what it was about the thousand-foot phallus (as described by Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code) that evoked all these feelings in people.

Champs Elysees again

I strolled down the Champs Elysees taking in the sights of the flagship stores of all my favourite brands.

L'arc de Triomphe

L’arc de Triomphe brought back images of the same in my French text books and the visit to the Louvre rounded off my maiden trip to this fantastic city!! It was perfect! I talked the talk and I most definitely walked the walk!

Le Louvre!!

As I boarded the Eurostar to Kings Cross St.Pancras, London, I couldn’t help but thank God for small mercies. Not only was I living in London, but also travelled to the Haute Couture capital on work! Was I lucky or just plain blessed? I flipped through French Vogue as I smiled to myself (for the umpteenth time)  wondering when I would set foot on Italian ground ;-)

Can't get enough of La Tour Eiffel

Much Love

TD for CC

Bisous!