RAINE: What is the inspiration behind your line? HARDING: The inspiration behind my line is the amazing way I feel when I think of my time on the island of Mustique and the bliss I feel when I am there. When wearing my Kaftan, it always takes me back to the happiest moments of my life. RAINE: Tell us about Gillian Harding, the artist and the designer. HARDING: As an artist and a designer, I love beautiful things. I always want people to feel luxurious and beautiful. I enjoy creating things that move and inspire people to live a beautiful life. RAINE: You owned several businesses in the past—can you share a little about those? HARDING: I started out having a luxury-brand of high-end floral boutiques, two in LA and one in Manhattan. I expanded my brand to a lifestyle store in Sag Harbor. My lifestyle store in the Hamptons took my brand to another level. Stems became the go-to store for all things luxury for the home and the yachting community. I met the most amazing people from around the world and created the most incredible relationships. RAINE: Which is the most challenging experience you have faced as entrepreneur? HARDING: As an entrepreneur, and especially as a woman, you are constantly trying to prove yourself. The essence of my brand is being confident in whom I am. At the core of who I am is an island girl who came to the United States with big dreams. Business is often about the bottom-line, but at the end of the day, it’s really about what moves you. As women, we feel things, we are emotional, and we create. We are connected to what we do, and the success of my business is all about relationships. I live my life knowing that at every breakdown there is breakthrough. As an entrepreneur you will be faced with many breakdowns, but you keep moving and creating those breakthroughs. RAINE: What are some tips you share with a fellow designer trying to break into the industry? HARDING: Breaking into the industry is much more than a fashion degree. You have to learn the business inside-and-out. As a fashion entrepreneur, you have to bring the whole package: creating a business plan, knowing where you want your brand to go, establishing goals, and most importantly, seek legal advice. RAINE: What of your past experiences have shaped your viewpoints as a designer? HARDING: My mother was a dressmaker and designer in my country. As a child, I would stay up late in her sewing-shop, watching her work, helping her hand-bead wedding dresses, and learning all about design. My mom taught me you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it. RAINE: What are you keys to success? HARDING: Being intentional, being committed, being my best, and being touched, moved and inspired by everything I do. RAINE: Where and when do you plan on launching? HARDING: I plan on launching my line in January at the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. RAINE: Can you give us a hint as to what the launch will look like? HARDING: Sandy Lane is a world-famous luxury resort in Barbados. It is one of the premiere destinations in the Caribbean and I’m so excited to sell my collection there. There will be a cocktail party, beautiful people, and the debut of my new line.
Photographed by VITAL AGIBALOW for HENSEL Styling by MINDY SAAD Hairstyles by YASU NAKAMURA for ORIBE products. MakeUp by KATE ROMANOFF for STILA
RED Kaftan BY Gasparee by GILLIAN HARDING JEWELRY STYLIST OWN SHOES BY BRIAN ATWOOD
LEOPARD Kaftan BEQUIA BY Gasparee by Gillian HARDING ALL JEWELRY RJ GRAZIANO SHOES BY BRIAN ATWOOD GOLD KaftanTRINIDAD GOLD Gasparee BY GILLIAN HARDING ALL JEWELRY RJ GRAZIANO SHOES BY BRIAN ATWOOD RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 18
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