images courtesy of POSED Magazine.Tell us about your new boutique?
“I love my new boutique and recently moved to Ingram
Street to bigger premises. Since opening Ma Mode two years ago I
have changed the direction of my business and want to concentrate on
developing my own fashion label called GM Black Label, therefore I
changed the boutique’s name to represent this to GM Mode. The new
premises has two floors – one which is allocated solely for Scottish
fashion designers and artists to showcase their work – we now have
William Chambers, Mark Ross, Mark Conlin, Betty B Fashion, Loula
Creates and Rebecca Torres in stock. I also have a work studio within
the store where we can create our designs and offer a bespoke made to
measure service if required.”
Finally, what’s next for GM Black?
“Designing garments is my true passion and I when I am sitting
sketching new ideas I can honestly say that I am truly in my happy place.
I currently have an agent who is keen for me to start selling my ranges to
other upmarket boutique and department stores so I will be focussing
on this area too. I am also launching a new collection with a fabulous
Scottish Designer called Marc Ross called Cry Coco which we intend
to launch in September. Marc is an extremely talented individual and is
a pleasure to work with. He is also launching is own collection called
Marc Ross which will be available to purchase in my boutique. I am also
organising a GM Mode charity event and an Exclusive store launch
for September in the aid of Multiple Sclerosis. I have a busy couple of
year ahead but I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for their
support.”
BLACKLabel
interview by GeorginaLennon
GM Mode is the newest up-and-comer on the Glasgow fashion
scene. Defying the recession, Gail Martus has developed her brand and
gone from a small boutique in Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square to a
spectacular two storey in the cities Merchant City.
In-between promoting the various leading fashion brands
stocked in her boutique, showcasing up and designers and creating her
own GM Black collection, POSED Features Editor had a quick sit down
with the lady herself to find out exactly what makes her tick.
Your collection has been out for six months now – how have
things been going?
“I am absolutely thrilled with my first collection and am
overwhelmed with the positive feedback it has received from my clients
and also from a variety of stylists from a number of fashion magazines.
I have found the whole experience amazing and aim to always add
a new design regularly to my collection to try and keep it fresh and
desirable.”
Tell me a bit about the design process – where do your ideas
come from?
“I get my ideas from everywhere but mostly I find visiting
different cities and discovering new experiences very inspirational.
When I travel, whether for work or for pleasure, I like to seek out
the interesting, the unique, and the different. I love people and how
everyone is distinctive with their own style, it’s amazing. I also am
extremely influenced when I go on buying trips to European markets as
it helps me offer my clients something unique. I carry a sketchbook and
pencil everywhere I go and am constantly sketching ideas down which
help me in then in the design process.”
Do you plan to create a new collection each season?
“Yes, I am currently working on my new collection which will
soon be in my new GM Mode boutique. Again this collection will be
broken into two ranges, as I intend to offer all my clients something
special. I will be offering a range of classic dresses with the focus of
mixing a variety of materials, offering powerful statement pieces.My
second range will be ‘Punk meets Rock!’ Studs, spikes, leather, mess,
feathers and zips. That’s all I want to say for now as want to keep it a
surprise for my clients.”
Which designers do you admire and why?
“My inspiration for the classic side of my own GM Black Label
would be Gabrielle Bonheur, also known as Coco Chanel. I just find
it inspiring how one person revolutionized today’s fashion industry.
Known for her classic little black dress, I just love the history behind
this Parisian Fashion House and find it breathtaking that season after
season they continue to deliver a signature of classic sophistication
and pure elegance. Coco Chanel’s designs in my opinion helped set
the fashion tone for the 20th Century. I truly adore the whole concept
and even named my Chihuahua puppy Coco after this designer. Also I
would say Balmain for their military lines and their vision of modern and
edgier creations – they’ve heavily influenced my second collection.”
You have your own boutique which stocks many fashion
forward brands – why did you decide to move into designing your own
collection?
“I am and will always be looking for new designers for my
boutique as this has been my concept from the beginning. I believe that
if you offer your clients something different they will always be loyal and
travel to find the sought after pieces. Designing my own collection has
been something I’ve always wanted to do. The whole process has been
great fun and I’ve loved every minute of it. I oversee the whole process,
which allows me to monitor all aspects from start to finish. I am very
lucky as I love my job and what I do but running our ladies boutique and
designing my own collection is extremely hard work but it is my life and
I would not change it for the world.”
