Kelly Goss is a fabulous and talented Fashion Designer from Swansea who now Designs and Makes for her brand Rock ‘n’ Needle. A great interview for all you fashion lovers 
Enjoy!
-Interview
Kelly Goss
Hello and Welcome to the Design Splat Kelly!
Lets get the readers started and tell us a bit about what you do and your brand:
My name is Kelly Goss the managing director of Rock ‘n’ Needle an independent fashion brand I set up in 2008 when I completed my Diploma from the Fashion Retail Academy in London. I am 20 years old , I promote the brand, design and make the clothing and accessories. For the Clothes Show London Collection I drew images, manipulated them on photo shop and then embroidered them onto tops and dresses. I have been using a lot of embroidery in my work and all the designs were limited.
Where did the idea for Rock ‘n’ Needle come from?
I have wanted to design since comprehensive school and it has been a progression over the last few years. The first collection I made for Swansea College was 5 outfits and that’s when I feel I truly found the style of clothing I wanted to produce. I love rock music and this has been a massive inspiration for the brand identity. I started making clothes for shoots in London when I was 18 and thought it would be a good idea to do this under a name. I came up with Rock ‘n’ Needle in a moment of inspiration!
Where did the name Rock ‘n’ Needle come from?
It had to be original but have meaning behind it aswell. My designs are often inspired by tattoos which is where the ‘needle’ part comes from and also embroidery. I didn’t want to name my brand after myself as I believe the brand itself needs to stand alone to have mass appeal.
What type of clothing?
When I started out in London I made one off outfits for shows and exhibitions. For the Clothes Show I had designs in size small and medium. This year I want to go into ready to wear collections. I have made tops and dresses but once I have a manufacturer I will be producing more developed and detailed garments. In the future I plan on having a jeans line.
Who is your target audience?
Women who exude confidence, love fashion, appreciates originality and loves the city life. I believe my customer experiments with fashion and loves mixing high street with boutiques and markets. It was an amazing experience to have a stand at the Clothes Show London and meet my target audience that I had once been describing! The brand was a success at the show and it was so rewarding to see customers buying my designs when they had the choice of many famous fashion brands.
Do you have your clothes in any stores yet?
I am currently working with the Princes Trust and Fashion Capital as the next step for Rock ‘n’ Needle is to be stocked in boutiques. I have a wide range of locations I am targeting.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I’ll be 25, I aim to be running my own boutique in London and stocked in boutiques across the UK and abroad. I hope to continue working with inspiring individuals and organisations and have a truly successful British brand. Regularly highlighted in the fashion press, raising money for charity and making some very cool clothes!
Anything big planned for your collection of clothes? Anything else being
added?
I intend to expand and develop my techniques , produce a wider range of products including the Rock ‘n’ Needle jeans line and lingerie. I will be working with different fabrics such as leathers and have it stocked worldwide and hopefully worn by certain celebrities.
How do you rate yourself as a fashion designer?
I have a lot of ideas which I believe will sell. So far, so good as my designs sold at the Clothes Show London and I have had excellent reactions to Rock ‘n’ Needle. There isn’t any room for doubt when setting up a business or promoting a product that you have created but it is important not to be arrogant. I welcome constructive feedback which is why I work with established businesses and organisations for help.
In your eyes what makes a good fashion designer?
Knowing what’s happening before it happens, understanding what the consumer wants whilst maintaining creativity and originality. Being knowledgeable of fabrics, garment construction and having common sense. People skills are really important as it is down to you in the beginning to sell the clothes and promote the brand to as many people as possible.
Do you think the Fashion industry is difficult to break into?
If you want to be very successful then I don’t think it is more difficult than being very successful in any other industry. Persistence and determination will soon break any barriers in the way!
What do you think it takes to become successful in the design industry?
To mix design skills with business skills. Have a strong work ethic, to be open minded and to understand the product you are designing thoroughly. You have to know who is going to wear it and not to just design things that you like. Have vision!
What to you is the most important aspect of creating a garment, the
planning, design or implementation and why?
The design is really important and needs to have appeal. The whole process is important and I don’t think one aspect is more important than the other. Fundamentally though the design needs to be wearable and appealing.
What drives you/give you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?
I want to be successful and I love running my own business. Having worked for other companies and been on Jobseekers Allowance in the past I don’t really believe there is an alternative for me personally for the lifestyle I desire. I love seeing people wearing my clothing.
Does fame attract you?
Yeah. I believe that if people are going to recognise Rock ‘n’ Needle in the fashion industry and the brand to be successful then fame has to come with that. There are many designers who’s brands are huge but they are not famous personally. Ultimately the goal is to have fame for Rock ‘n’ Needle.
Where does your inspiration come from for your designs?
Ideas just appear in my mind. I research what’s happening and what’s going to happen but I never set a theme and stick to it. My ideas change quite a lot but this is to continue my awareness and to produce the best design I can. I love tattoos ( although I don’t have any!) and I love travelling to different countries and looking at outfits musicians have worn in concert. A wide variety really!
Where can we buy your clothes?
I have an online boutique launching at www.rocknneedle.com, and at the moment I am negotiating with a range of boutiques/ retailers who want to stock Rock ‘n’ Needle.
Three words to describe yourself?
Independent, Instinctive, Risk Taker!
Hobbies and other interests?
I love music, everything from Dizzee Rascal to Motley Crue and reading books especially autobiographies about celebrities. I have a passion for make up and have recently qualified. Promoting Rock ‘n’ Needle is my favourite pastime, watching fashion TV and I love photo shoots. I’m a big fan of watching the Jonathan Ross Show.
Favourite Fashion Designer?
I love Gareth Pugh, I think he is an incredible designer and I always look forward to seeing his new creations as he is amazing at pushing the boundaries of garment construction.
Tools of the trade?
A very sharp pair of scissors ( there’s nothing more annoying than cutting fabric with blunt scissors!) A good quality sewing machine and a bodice.
Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?
Network, promote yourself/the brand, always carry business cards, ask yourself if you would wear the clothes your making and if not who could you realistically envisage wearing them? Be open to ideas, if they don’t work then keep trying new ones, work hard, keep positive and keep a good supply of coffee in your house for all the late nights!
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Links of websites: www.kellygoss.co.uk www.rocknneedle.co.uk
Email: Kelly@kellygoss.co.uk
Facebook Profile Link: http://www.facebook.com/www.kellygoss.co.uk?ref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RocknNeedle
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Here are some of the Rock ‘n’ Needle collection:
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