Recently celebrating 10 years in the fashion industry Vanessa Gounden is an accomplished businesswoman. She has been operating her global fashion brand Vanessa Gounden as the Creative Director for a decade, an impressive time in the saturated and competitive industry.
In this instalment of GLAMOUR: Women In Charge series she shares with us her entrepreneurship journey , sustainability in the fashion industry and her inspirations.
GLAMOUR: Congratulations on your ‘Vanessa Gounden 10 Year Anniversary’, please take us through your journey in starting a fashion label, what have been your highlights and how has the brand evolved over the years?
Vanessa: Thank you, as to your question, the brand has transitioned over the last 10 years, to more seasonless collections. The brand evolved from the lessons that we have learnt from its inception, if we didn’t, it would have not made business sense. The biggest highlight is always the launch of a new collection and to see how it is received by our clients. It’s more about constant progress and we are constantly learning in a volatile market.
GLAMOUR: Describe the Vanessa Gounden customer or woman?
GLAMOUR: Running a fashion business is hard work, what has contributed to the longevity of the Vanessa Gounden brand?
Vanessa: Running a business, especially in fashion, in an ever-changing market requires a lot of hard work, dedication and tenacity. The continued support from my loyal clients and the Vanessa Gounden team, has contributed to keeping the brand alive. It also requires oneself to be constantly learning and keeping up to date on what is happening in the world around us.
GLAMOUR: What do you enjoy about being an entrepreneur?
Vanessa: With great risk, comes great reward. It’s always daunting to be a pioneer or start something new or go into new fields. But nothing great ever happens in your comfort zone. So, in hindsight is a great privilege to be exposed to different industries because it helps inform your knowledge of the business and fashion.
GLAMOUR: What made you take fashion more seriously and make a career out of it?
Vanessa: I have always wanted to create my own fashion label, but like anything it’s a business and it has to be run like one. I am privileged that I can afford to have this label as a part of my career because it is my soul food and was always one of my goals.
GLAMOUR: What is your relation with sustainable fashion?
Vanessa: By nature, luxury fashion demonstrates a slow-fashion approach due to low quantities produced and artisanal methods applied. A lot of my pieces, produced locally at my Cape Town atelier, are natural fabrics, which are often more sustainable. When you buy a Vanessa Gounden garment, it is crafted with the highest standard of quality, treasured for years.
GLAMOUR: What are the main problems you see in the fashion sector today?
Vanessa: I think the hardest part is getting people to appreciate your creativity and product offering, because fashion, in particular fast fashion, tends to downplay the creative process in creating beautiful and sustainable pieces. It has become a mass market for multiple consumers.
GLAMOUR: What advice would you give to young designers?
Vanessa: First and foremost, understand how to run a fashion business. It is a competitive environment. The creative process needs to be seen but it can only work if you have a sound business mind. Invest in a few courses on business and understand what markets you are operating in. Also, authenticity goes a long way, so keep being yourself and your art will speak for itself.
GLAMOUR: Where do you look for creative inspiration?
Vanessa: Life experiences and constantly observing what is around me. Being in tune with the environment and world as well as the challenges it poses.
GLAMOUR: Where do you look for creative inspiration?
Vanessa: Life experiences and constantly observing what is around me. Being in tune with the environment and world as well as the challenges it poses.
GLAMOUR: Is it hard to stay innovative?
Vanessa: Yes, it is hard to stay innovative- case in point- the pandemic we find ourselves in. But it’s how you adapt and how you think. The glass is either full or half empty. It’s all about your perception of life.
GLAMOUR: How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
Vanessa: I think with the Vanessa Gounden prints, they are what make us unique but it’s also about how you translate that print onto a more commercial product or silhouette so that the market sees value. You have to be smart in how you create your silhouettes, especially if it's ready to wear.
GLAMOUR: What’s your motto?
Vanessa: Impossible is nothing.
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