The brains behind A Postcard from Brighton
Everything you wanted to know about A Postcard from Brighton
One of the pleasures of owning my own boutique is that ‘work’ now includes getting to search out new brands, fashion advice and interesting articles or help that I think you’ll love.
My ‘work’ this week found a fab question and answer session between fellow independent boutique Shirt Sleeves and the designers (Lainey & Mark) of A Postcard from Brighton.
A Postcard from Brighton truly reflects my vision of Just g Boutique – it’s not about age, it’s about being there for you to make you feel stylish, confident and fabulous.
A Postcard from Brighton designs and manufactures in the UK so you can also feel great about supporting the UK economy when you buy this brand. We also love that the designs comfortably fit sizes 8 through to 18.
Just g Boutique is the ONLY stockist of A Postcard from Brighton in Edinburgh.
Time to pop along and try it for yourself!
Thanks to Shirt Sleeves for the Q&A.
Q- When was the brand established?
A – “4 years ago. ”
Q- Who was the founder of the brand ?
A -“Both myself and Mark. We met through a mutual friend in fashion, we decided to put our heads together and create the brand. ”
Q- What age group do you target with your brand?
A -“All ages. I design with 16 to 90 year olds in mind. I don’t believe we should be pigeon holed by age, it’s just a number. ”
Q- How would you best describe Postcard’s look?
A – “I see it more as a friend to you, a lifestyle. I want my designs to work as hard as we do. We shouldn’t have to worry about what we are wearing. I want people to put it on and instantly feel fabulous. My clothing should take you from day to evening with a change of shoe or piece of jewellery. It’s 24 hour dressing.”
Q – How many people design for postcard?
A – “Lainey and Myself alone, I have exact visions of how I create the brand.” Mark *laughs* “she wont let anyone else in.”
Q – Is the brand based in Brighton? If not where does the name come from?
A – “No most of our design and manufacture takes place in Leicester and Manchester. Lainey-” Brighton is my spiritual home. As a child my mum was often ill. However, I never knew this was the case. I would often receive postcards from family as if she were away on holiday. Brighton was a favourite place of hers too. I visit at least a weekend a month for design inspiration.”
Q – Where did you train and what previous experience do you have in fashion?
A – “Lainey- I completed a fashion degree at Nottingham Trent University. Paul Smith’s wife trained me. Since, I have been honoured enough to work with big names such as John Paul Gautier and Dolce & Gabanna as well as designing for high street brands such as Marks and Spencer. I specialise in knitwear.”
Q – How much is the fabric content considered whilst designing? Do you prefer natural or man-made fibres?
A – “Very much so. Comfort is what’s most important to us. Man-made fibres have come on so much over the years. ”
Q – We think designing and producing in the UK gives a great unique selling point? Would you agree? Is it more costly?
A – Yes we are extremely proud to be a British brand, for us it has to be that way even though yes it is more costly.
Q – Do you have many males working for the brand?
A – Mark- Just me. There are 5 main team members- Lainey, myself, my daughter and two other female agents.
Q – Why did you decide to design for Postcard?
A – I had a great passion to have my own label. I wanted our customers to feel shopping was fun not fraught. I have recently started designing Jewellery for the brand as well.
Q – Where did your inspiration for S/S 15 come from?
A – Super nature is hitting the runways. Almost as if you are zooming in on nature under a microscope to create weird and wonderful shapes. I have done this with things such as snake skin and tree bark in my collections.
Q – Are you currently designing for A/W 15 or S/S 16 ?
A – Unlike many brands I am designing for A/W 15. Fashion is fast paced and can change according to things such as film and current affairs. I feel it is important to stay current and not design too far in advance. We design six collections a year and I have many 70’s influences for my up and coming A/W 15 collections.
Q – Finally, what is your favourite part of the job?
A – I have to say meeting the people who wear it and seeing how they make it their own. I also love the fast paced designing along with the research and sketching outdoors.
I’m sure you’ll agree that A Postcard from Brighton is a great brand with talented designers.
Visit us to try it for yourself and for free advice on how to style the look.
You can follow Just g Boutique on Facebook. Or there’s Twitter, Instagram at Just_g_fashion and I’m on Pinterest too!
Happy shopping,
Gail x