This week Underlines catches up with Gemma Birtwistle, Design Manager at Gossard Lingerie. Now 38 she has been working with the heritage brand for 5 years (and prior to that she was Head Designer at Charnos for 10 years).
Why the world of intimates…?
Textiles and design have always been part of my life. My mother worked at Courtaulds in Research and Development, and before that she was a sample machinist, as were my Grandmother and Great Grandmother. I always had a passion for Design from a young age, maybe influenced by the women in my life. A turning point for me was organising my school work experience at Speedo at the age of 13. I was a keen amateur club swimmer and loved the idea of designing swimwear- it was there I was bitten by the bug and there was no going back! A few years later I enquired about work experience at Sara Lee Courtaulds and never left – the rest is history!
What is different about working in this sector?
The lingerie Industry is very specialised, everyone tends to know everyone as it is quite a small industry. Over the years you build long term relationships with suppliers & colleagues meeting up at trade shows or bumping into one another at customer meetings from time to time; it’s all very familiar but there is something very comforting in that.
What is your greatest challenge?
The greatest challenge we are experiencing at the moment without a doubt is the rising costs of raw materials, freight and manufacture. We are working incredibly hard to ensure our products still continue to offer amazing value for money without compromise on fit design or quality.
Your proudest moment to date?
Coordinating our latest shoot which has far reached even our planned expectations, we are so excited to share the imagery and for the season ahead as I feel it is a real step change for the brand.
Your biggest mistake
Not exploring overseas opportunities when they have arisen in my early career, it would have been interesting to see where that could have potentially taken me.
A Typical Week…in your life
In a week I can cover so many different aspects from weekly meetings with the digital team planning and creating new social content, to planning our next collection and fitting current Design samples with our garment technologist – a good mix keeps me on my toes & keeps the job fresh!
Those Special Moments in your career
Genuinely travel, visiting customers suppliers and factories in Europe & the Far East. After the last few years you really appreciate the experiences this job has given me.
If you were not working in intimates, then what do you think you would have done instead?
I have always had a passion for design this naturally filters through to my love on interiors but also cooking. You can be so creative with both.
The one product you cannot live without?
My Glossies bra! Seriously it is the only bra I ever wear, I would be lost without it!
Time out?
Lots of D.I.Y & cooking & walking our French Bulldog Hugo
Pet Hate?
Untidy desks & Design room- I literally can’t think when things are not in their place.
