Interview with a DIY Genius fashion student…

Jodie Dorling is a full time student whose passion for fashion has lead to her latest talent of customising clothes. It started with just a few of her her own items but now the requests are pouring in for Jodie to revamp many of her friends old pieces too. Her once small hobby, is well on the way to developing into a money making business. She embraces whatever she can get her hands on, transforming old, dated pieces into enviable one-off DIY masterpieces, encompassing GoodnessGracious’s vision to never let budget restrict your style…

Talk us through your outfit today. 

I’m wearing a beige cross vest top which I paired with a tweed blazer, black leggings and brown tassel brogues.

What are you studying?

I’m currently studying Fashion and Textiles at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication

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When and why did you first become interested in fashion?

I’ve always been interested in fashion, it started at a young age when I made a dress from Topshop bags (and dressed my poor cousin up). I studied creative subjects throughout my school years, which allowed us to put on a fashion show. I’ve always been fascinated with clothes as any girl would be, I think it’s a big thing in everyones lives – looking good.

Where do you look for fashion inspiration?

My favourite place is Tumblr. It’s a great place to start blogging your own photos and taking inspiration from other peoples photos, like me! It’s a great place for young people to show off their talent, especially if you follow the right people.

What got you into customising your own clothes?

A whole bunch of things really. Wandering around clothes shops, seeing something I liked and straight away thinking ‘thats easy to make, I could do that’ then actually giving it a go myself! As people started to pick up on it, the more I did it. For my final project at uni I have chosen the title ‘customising’ this will be a good opportunity to experiment and create as much stuff as I can! (the cheap and easy way).

So far, what items have you customised?

I’ve customised two pairs of old Converse, ten pairs of jeans which are now sassy shorts for the summer, a few tops and my next big project is going to be bikinis.

Has anyone asked you to customise their clothes for them? And if so, have you thought about making money from your hobby?

It’s funny you should ask that! Everyone’s been telling me to start up my own little business. My uni friends have already got me customising their jeans/shorts for their summer holidays, as well as Converse. More recently, I’ve been in contact with an up and coming singer Syron so i’ll be busy customising her a pair of shorts to wear in style on stage!

Celeb style crush and why? 

Fearne Cotton – Her style is her own and i love that!

What will be your key items and trends this season?

For the summer my number one wardrobe must have is going to be denim cut-off shorts. They’re great for festivals. Also look out for neon colours, I’ve seen many around and with a tan, they look fab!

Any advice for other students, strapped for cash but want to stay on trend?

If you like something, ask yourself – can i make that myself? You’d be surprised at how easy some things can be. Another big thing is charity shops, dont be scared to go in there you find some amazing bargains if you dig around.

 

Some of Jodie’s customised items…

 

To keep up to date with Jodie’s hobbies, follow her on:

Twitter: @jodedorling

Instagram: @dorlingjodie

Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/dorlingjode OR http://jodestylex.tumblr.com/

 

GG

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