SAMANTHA GEHRICH

Gehrich is the eponymous label of Melbourne designer - Samantha Gehrich, Established in 2013.

Inspired by Melbourne cafe culture, rural upbringings and a love of nature, Samantha blends classic style with elements of contemporary flair and 60's mood to design wearable garments that seamlessly fit into any modern wardrobe.

Gehrich incorporates core values of sustainability and ethical trade with the use of exceptional quality materials and construction techniques to offer pieces that are considered in design, limited in quantity and crafted to stand the test of time.

Describe yourself and your designs to us?

I am the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Melbourne label, Gehrich. The Gehrich style is refined, feminine and timeless in design with a focus on creating pieces that can transcend trends and be worn for many seasons.

How did it all begin for your brand?

Gehrich started as a hobby while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do after graduating, and what job I wanted within the industry. I really wanted a job that was hands on and would allow me to do a bit of everything from sourcing to designing, pattern making and sewing, but there were no labels or brands I could find where I would be able to get that so I decided to create my own experience in the industry.

What is a stand out moment in shaping your brand?

Becoming a mum. It completely shifted my priorities and put into sharp perspective what is most important. It has challenged me to reflect on how I have been running the label as up until now the lion share of the making I have completed in house myself, as well as the pattern making. I also managed the majority of the grading and everything else involved in running a business and I just no longer have the freedom of time or resources to continue that way. I am fortunate that my husband manages the business side of things, thank goodness - it is a huge help as it allows me to focus on the creative aspects of the label. It has made me realise that finding or building a very small skilled team of craftsman is paramount to the brand and is what I need to invest in moving forward.

What creative work INSPIRES YOU?

As a designer/maker, I am always excited by different pattern making techniques and how garments come together. I love the work of Spanish design house Delpozo - for their play with colour, silhouette and finish and designer Simone Rocha - her pieces are so feminine, detail oriented and fun.

What do you love to do most to relax?

Haha, there is a sharp contrast here between what I would love to do most to relax and what I actually do. I have a one year old so generally to relax I stay caffeinated…and then clean the house, that’s as exciting as it gets nowadays. What I would love to be doing is fabric sourcing. Textiles really inspire me and help draw a complete picture for me of my collections.

I can't design with a blank piece of paper in front of me, I have to work with fibres and colours and feel the fabrics, see how they fall on the body then I can sit down and get lost in the design process, which I love and find recharging in a motivational way.

do you have ADVICE for emerging designers?

Surround yourself with other creatives and make sure you are prepared to be in it for the long haul. Building a brand requires a huge investment of time, perseverance and patience and having a creative community around you is invaluable. Having people you know that are facing similar challenges and can give some perspective or advice is so important.

I didn’t have this for the first couple of years when setting up Gehrich, and it has made a big difference to the way I work now. You don’t realise how isolating it can be working from home trying to build something from scratch and its very easy to feel disheartened when things take time or don’t go according to plan. Finding people that have gone through similar experiences and that you can laugh with and bounce ideas off really helps!