VICTORIA GILL: THE FUTURE OF FASHION IS RENTED
Victoria Gill is on track to changing the fashion industry. Previously a mentee at our 2020 Break The Wall programme, she is now a Creative Director at SmuttySnack; a sustainable brand that’s changing the way we see clothes.
It’s ethical in its practices and poetic in its mission.
SmuttySnack has vowed to support and always employ local womxn freelancers at every step of the making process, whilst also offering the option of renting their statement pieces.
When asked to describe the brand, Victoria replied:
“The pieces are for your body , your movements, and your power. The brand was created through the philosophy that clothes are so much more than what we wear. They are our history and our future.”
We spoke to Victoria about her time as a mentee and how it supported the journey to where she is now.
What made you want to become a mentee at CMN?
I was looking to take the next step in starting my brand and I really needed guidance.
I felt like I needed someone outside my current role to allow me to focus on my dreams, not their business. Coming from a working-class background in which none of my family had creative careers meant that every time I got my foot in the door somewhere I never felt like I could mention my fashion brand, so I needed an outlet.
How did your time with your mentor help you?
They helped me so much. They saw me through a time in which I was freelancing and trying to focus on the brand.
From reading over my PR emails, to encouraging new shoots, to connecting me to their network. I still speak to my mentor two years after the programme has finished!
Where do you hope to see yourself and Smuttysnack in 5 years?
I would love a show at Fashion East. I know this is big, but we can do it. Remaining in the high fashion but sustainable fashion space, continuing to push boundaries as we have the budget to do so. As long as I am able to collaborate and come together with other creatives to build the brand, that is success for me.
What is your relationship with your mentor like two years on?
Because of my mentorship taking place over covid we never got to meet in person during the mentorship. A year on, I’ve been able to visit their workplace for lunch, meet their colleagues and we often have monthly “Zoom check-ins” regarding my brand development. I also ask them for advice, like when I launched the SmuttySnack website, I sent it straight to them for their honest opinions.
Mentors are busy people, so it’s essential to respect their time. CMN programmes allow you to really get to know your mentor and have a long-lasting professional relationship with them, which is essential!
To support and keep updated with SmuttySnack, you can follow their Instagram here.
