Katie Young Gerald's career in textiles and fashion spans over 25 years, having worked with brands such as Soho House, The Ivy Collection and the Hospital Club, alongside her own ventures as founder of Bespoke Textiles.
Taking inspiration from her number 1 bestselling debut book, The Textile Touch, she's launched her first workshops here on Obby; inspiring others to ditch fast fashion and find a passion for second-hand and vintage pieces.
We spoke to her all about her fashion journey, how creating her own pieces brought her closure in her personal life, and sharing her passion for upcycling and slow fashion with the next generation.
(Author's note: Katie's responses have been edited for clarity and length)
When was the first time you started working with fabric and making clothes, and what drew you to it?
The first time I remember making clothes was when I 9 years old, making dolls clothes from old clothes! Then, I began to make clothes for myself, I remember using an old PJ top and an skirt my Mum and Dad were discarding and combining to make a new garment. It was also at around the time when my parents were separating, and I now realise it was my way of healing; I couldn't repair their relationship, but I could repair and join their clothes together. It was like giving myself a hug wearing it.
I then went on to discover charity shops, during the frustration of not being able to find clothes worthy of both their weddings. I found these wealth of clothes that had been treasured by their owners for life, made of rich fabrics and exquisite cutting that you could never find in the high street of Weston-Super-Mare, the biggest shopping town to Burnham-on-Sea which seemed to attract holiday makers and old people coming to retire!
What made you realise that teaching might be for you? And was it difficult for you to make that leap from creating for yourself to teaching others?
Very difficult! I've been designing and supplying B2B (business to business) for over 25 years, or doing commission pieces. I had a label called ForeverYoung in 2004 which was the first time designing for my own label. I relaunched as a upcycled brand during lockdown called ForeverYoungEmporium.
What encouraged you to join Obby as a teacher? And how are we helping you grow?
I first heard about Obby through Gabriela Shulzman as I do her decoupage classes! I needed to pivot from a B2B approach in lockdown, and find a way to reach customers directly from my almost 30yrs of designing and developing. So I started with turning my book (The Textile Touch) into an online course, which is what I offer on Obby today!
How do you maintain your inspiration for your craft, and how do you pass that inspiration onto your students?
I love buying unusual secondhand pieces, customising them and improving their fit to make them a beautiful, premium, more wearable addition to my wardrobe! Or using them as a basis for my collections that I design for ForeverYoung Emporium, Bespoke Textiles' collection, or my own clients' pieces.
Do you feel your craft helps people with their wellbeing and mental health? And why?
It's about being both patient, resourceful, and creative. You get to help your self worth, give your wardrobe a special uplift, and help the planet by stopping used garments and material go to waste or worse still, landfill! There's something so special about seeing people reconnect with their creativity and their clothes.
What has been your favourite student interaction since you’ve started teaching?
Actually, this will sound slightly weird, but seeing both my daughters start to customise and make clothes of their own from scratch! We need to help the next generation re-claim the skills that have been lost and dispersueded from due to fast fashion, modelling ideals of repairing and buying things to last a lifetime.
Any tips for aspiring creatives who are looking to start teaching their own classes?
Find a formula around something that you know others would love to learn, and break it down in a playful and accessible way.
Book with The Textile Touch on ObbyWant to know more?
Interested in finding out more about our amazing Obby Teachers ? Check out some blogs featuring our teachers and learn their stories below: