In a world filled with fast fashion options, the art of tailored, bespoke and hand made garments has become somewhat scarce. Yet investing in a quality tailored outfit that can be loved and worn for many years, is not only a more ethical and sustainable choice for our wardrobes, it certainly also ‘feels’ different.
Nothing can really compare to a bespoke piece of clothing that is made precisely to your measurements, likes and needs. And when you pop on a piece of clothing that is made specifically for you, and you only, the results are inimitable.
When I think of local quality couture, there is no-one that compares to Julie Goodwin, who designs and makes bespoke ladies clothing from her studio in Albert Park, Melbourne.
In this purpose built space, Julie goes about what she loves doing most: selecting and working with natural fibres, from silks and laces to cotton and wools, hand making bespoke clothing of the highest quality that brings out the best in her clients.
“My workmanship is of the highest quality and I have never let a client leave with a garment she is less than thrilled with”. – Says Julie, That is the Julie Goodwin Couture Promise.
From tailored shirts, pants and jackets, designed to hug your body in all the right places, to custom occasional wear lovingly made for special events such as the races, formals and weddings, a Julie Goodwin Couture piece promises and delivers quality, longevity and style that is uniquely you.
Read on below for one of my favourite interviews to date, as I speak to Julie about her incredible Couture business & what it takes to design and make a special bespoke Julie Goodwin Couture piece.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background and what led you to becoming couturier/designer?
I have always been a ‘maker’, and I learned to sew at a very young age, but I studied drawing, and ended up in the advertising industry to begin with.
Dressing up has always been a passion, but I didn’t think of making it my job until I realised how dissatisfied I was in my advertising career. As my interest in constructing truly bespoke garments grew, so did my understanding of how much difference the fit of a garment makes to the confidence of the wearer. I realised I could help women feel better in their own skin, and I was hooked.
I rented a shopfront, hired a team of incredible artisans, cutter, tailor, corset and beadwork specialist, and I learned on the job in my own studio. I call it the world’s most expensive apprenticeship. Starting out was elating but terrifying, and the sense of teamwork with those women was incredible. I owe each of them a huge debt.
The design aspect just developed along the way. I like to think my art and design training helped, and I have an eye for proportion.
How would you describe your work in 3 words?
Painstaking, honest, exacting.
You create special bespoke pieces which is a very different process to today’s fast fashion world. Can you give us some insight into your process? How do you work, create your pieces etc?
My work is bespoke, and that means it is individually designed, drafted, cut and made to each client’s measurements, from scratch.
As far as process goes, we start with an initial client consultation, a bit of a get to know you chat.
I take measurements, find fabrics, sketch out the design, and put it all together to be approved.
Then the measuring, cutting and making takes place.
I do between one and three fittings with the client, sometimes more. It is quite a lengthy process!
You have recently launched Julie Goodwin White Label. Can you tell us a little bit about your new brand and concept?
As I said, my work is bespoke, but making a shirt or blouse in the traditional bespoke manner is incredibly time consuming and costly. We are talking about around $1,000 for a shirt, but my clients were asking for them.
I thought if I could develop some of my designs into easily adjustable pattern pieces, that I could offer made to measure pieces that can still be adjusted to each client’s measurements, and White label was born.
A White Label by Julie Goodwin shirt can be customised in many ways, including variations to cut, cuffs, neckline, and hem shape, in a range of fabrics, made to fit every shape and size.
They can be ordered online but most prefer to come into the studio to try some styles on and select options in person, and I’m happy to say that they are extremely popular.
It’s my entry level garment, a taste of Julie Goodwin Couture at a more accessible price.
What does a day in the studio look like for you?
There’s just me and one seamstress, Edith, in my studio, so I do a bit of everything, every day.
From design development to fabric buying, pattern drafting, and admin, there is no job that I’m not across. It’s varied, and that’s part of what keeps it interesting for me.
What are some resources you use for inspiration?
It may sound cheesy, but truly, most days I see everything through the filter of my work.
I’m inspired by anything. Movies, street style, historical fashion, architecture, textiles, a colour palette, all sorts.
The past few years have been quite challenging for the Industry. Can you tell us about how Covid affected your practice and what changes you’ve made if any?
As has been widely documented, the creative sector was badly hit by the chaos of the last two years, and like many of my peers, Covid and the associated lock downs had me wondering who I was if I wasn’t working on my practice.
I went from working seven days a week to learning to take it slow, and as a result I am now more strict with myself about taking weekends off, which is definitely a change for the better.
Also on the positive side, I suddenly had the time to put into research and development for my White Label concept, which is now a reality.
And I was bolstered by the incredible Melbourne fashion community. We rallied around one another in a way that has laid the foundations of what I believe will be a real resurgence in local independent fashion culture. Watch this space.
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
I am inspired by anyone in the industry who is surviving and thriving. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but running this business is the second toughest thing I have ever done, and I take my hat off to anyone and everyone in the fashion and creative industries.
What would your dream project/collaboration be? Anyone you’d love to dress?
I am so, so lucky in that the women I dress every day are all so inspiring to work with. My best collaborations are with my clients.
What are your top 5 wardrobe must haves?
I am a classic dresser so my current go-tos are:
An investment overcoat
Great fitting trousers
A tailored jacket
Heeled loafers
And of course, a fabulous white shirt
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
I love a stroll around the CBD, especially now it is coming back to life, but I would have to say that the best places to shop in Melbourne are our many fabulous independent designers.
What’s next for Julie Goodwin Couture?
A holiday!
Visit Julie Goodwin Couture online & follow on Instagram at @juliegoodwincouture
Check out my most recent style posts for inspiring ways to style a bespoke Julie Goodwin Couture White Label Shirt: here, here & here