Goga by Gordana

San Diego, the beach community that usually exemplifies “casual chic”  has recently, been drawn into the style spotlight predominantly due to a fresh San Diego fashion designer who is changing the way the world views San Diego in the fashion arena.

Gordana Gehlhausen, owner of Goga by Gordana, recently gained notoriety as a top designer on “Project Runway.”  Hosted by super model Heidi Klum, a select cast of up and coming fashion designers are selected to compete to win the title of the “next top designer.”  Additionally, at stake for those few who survive until the finale is the coveted chance to create and show a collection of their works on a world stage during the annual “New York Fashion Week” in New York City.

Although this innovative designer did not eventually claim that crowning title, the international buzz created by this hit reality show has become synonymous with the imminent fame of those designers whose fashions are showcased.  And, for those of us who are fashion-forward in San Diego, the entrance of Gordana Gehlhausen onto the clothing design stage has been a fortunate surprise. 

Gordana knew at an early age her ambitions were unique from those around her; that there was so much more to life than farming with her family in the small village of Padjena, Yugoslavia. Eventually frustrated by the isolation and single-mindedness of her home village, her resolute nature started her on a journey which lead her to the United States, and ultimately to downtown San Diego where her latest boutique 'GOGA, by Gordana, at 4^th  and Market, features one of kind of whimsical gowns as well as ready to wear separates.  

What follows are select questions from our interview and, in her own words, the revealing and open answers I received.

How did you become interested in fashion, & when did you know you wanted to become a designer?

For me I got into fashion out of necessity.  I come from a very humble background and when I was a child I was teased a lot about how I was dressed, and how I didn't really have much.  So when I started making my clothes I actually really liked it and could be very creative.  I never knew about fashion design school; I got into fashion almost by accident.  I have a Masters in Linguistics and always thought that I would teach German as a Professor and it took time for me to realize that designing clothes was my passion.

Knowing you create your own distinct lines, could you describe for me your specific design style? 

I have two lines; 'GOGA, to Go', and 'GOGA Couture'.  'GOGA to Go' is a line that I wanted to give to a woman to feel comfortable in and maybe a little edgy, appealing to a woman more in her 30’s up to her 60’s who is professional yet still wants to be youthful.  Then I have the 'GOGA Couture' which are gowns crafted from texturized fabrics and silks; obviously more evening.  And, I have been working a lot also on Bridal.

How do you typically find fresh inspiration for new collections?

The biggest dilemma for any designer, is to focus on what aspect they really want to go after because you do get inspired everywhere.  So to focus and decide where it is that you really want to “tune into” is very important.  And, for me, traveling does inspire me a lot!  For every collection that I have made, there was a trip involved.

 In continuing along that same theme; what was the inspiration behind your current collection?

My current collection was inspired by my recent trip to China and I was actually most inspired by the Mongolian influence.  So in the Fall of 2010, I used a lot of knits and textures that tribal Mongolian people would use: natural fibers, leather, wool, fur - everything was circular in shape.

What's your favorite color & why?

Currently, I love shades of gray.  There are so many shades of it; from charcoal, all the way to blue, and I think that it's such a noble and elegant color that looks good on everybody.  It's timeless.

If you could work alongside any famous figure who would it be & why?

For me, it would be John Galliano!  If I could work with him on just one collection that would be amazing! His last collection was so inspired; the music, the hair, the fashions...!  There is something about him – every time I see his collection I'm like “Oh my god!”... it's almost like I can feel him or something.

What’s been the highlight of your career thus far?

The thing that I was most excited about was my first boutique.  I am really an example of  living the 'American Dream'.  I came to the United States not speaking English and I never got financial help from anybody.  Of course, “Project Runway” was like the icing on the cake, but doing something through just my own efforts was really amazing for me.

What advice would you give to those who are contemplating a career in the fashion industry?

For me, I feel that I was born with a gift and that if you do that which you were born to do then that means the gift was given to you from the universe to use.  That's why I feel confident.  I feel that as long as I am creating then I somehow have the fate that I won't fail because my gift was given to me to use.  And, if you know what your gift is, and you use it, and you know that that gift was given to you to serve a purpose - then you won't fail.  Take advantage of that!  Because, in the end, if you are given a gift it is up to you to use it.

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