As London Collections kicks off today we continue our series of 'Get to Know' with Gordon our Design and Development Director. Check out our interview as we get to know the man behind the Topman Design collection being shown today...
Name? Job Title?
Gordon Richardson, Design and Development Director at Topman.
When and how did you get your job?
I started working freelance for the Burton Group early 1996 having been approached by the the then Head of Design at Burton Menswear to work on a childrenswear range.
What's the best part of your job?
The diversity of my role is what makes it so great. From travelling globally, sourcing trends and street cultures that then make up the fabric of the forthcoming seasonal trends. To working on specific ranges in house and with up and coming young designers to fronting the brand from a press point of view. And of course the Topman Design show.
What's your typical day consist of?
My day is a mixture of any one of the above. Some can been purely practical and figure based meetings to full on creative days developing new products and ideas for the brand.
How would you describe your own style?
A mixture that's part gentleman part rock and roll depending on how I feel each morning in terms of the percentage mix.
Who/what is your main inspiration within fashion?
I never cease to be inspired by the way people present themselves, young or old. The way a shirt works with a trouser or a hat with a jacket. The kind of things you see on the street daily. And David Bowie is also one of my all time inspirations.
What's the most embarrasing item of clothing I own?
I dont know if I still own anything embarrassing although others may have a different opinion. I've made a conscious effort not to wear jeans for the past 2 years and that in itself has made me radically alter my wardrobe in a more sophisticated way relative to my age.
If you didn't do this job, what else would you like to be doing?
Playing guitar in a rock and roll band travelling the world!
Do you have any advice for anyone that wants to get into the fashion industry?
Glamorous from the outside fashion is tough within. You have to be very strong minded and dedicated to make it. Don't go into this business unless you have 100% passion for it.
You can see Gordon's work today at midday (GMT) as the Topman Design S/S '13 show will be live streamed HERE!
