Georgine Ratelband photographed by Ferch

Georgine Ratelband founded her brand GEORGINE in 2011 with a vision to empower women from all walks of life. Her designs celebrate individuality, emphasizing craftsmanship while also prioritizing a sense of playfulness and comfort. Each piece is designed to be both fun and functional, balancing structured silhouettes with a relaxed, effortless feel. The overall aesthetic exudes the spirit of a chic, put-together rockstar, inviting women to express their unique identities with confidence. GEORGINE is not just about clothing; it’s a celebration of personal style that invites everyone to embrace their inner strength and creativity.

Georgine Ratelband photographed by Ferch

Georgine is utterly feminine. What draws you in the most about femininity?
I find femininity to be a beautiful expression of strength and vulnerability. What draws me in the most is the ability to embrace one’s individuality while celebrating the female body. I love how femininity can take many forms, from bold and confident to softer shapes with draping for example. My designs are about empowerment and authenticity, allowing each person to express themselves in a unique way.

There is a stunning film-style advert on your website. Are you inspired by film and if so, which ones do you go back to?
Absolutely, I find immense inspiration in film! The visual storytelling, character development and costume design all fuel my creativity. Some films I often revisit are Roman Holiday, La Grande Bellezza, Saturday Night Fever and Casino.

Georgine Ratelband photographed by Ferch

Your thesis collection was bought right away. What have you learned in business that you did not learn in school?
The importance of networking and building relationships. While in school we often focus on theory, the real world thrives on connections and collaboration. I also discovered the value of adaptability, being able to be flexible and respond to changing market conditions or customer needs. Understanding the emotional aspects of leadership and team dynamics have been a key learning experience. School often emphasizes hard skills but soft skills, like communication, empathy and resilience are just as important for a successful business.

Other than Europe, what other countries’ fashion have caught your eye?
Burma and many other places I’ve traveled to in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.) The culture is so vibrant! They have beautiful textiles and I love the blend of tradition and modernity. Having said that, I am dying to go to Japan!!!

Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth

Your work feels like an amalgamation of many eras of fashion. Is there a specific era of fashion that you admire most?
The 1970s are my favorite era for several reasons. First, the fashion from this time was incredibly diverse and expressive, ranging from bohemian styles and flowy fabrics to bold prints and tailored suits. I love how this era embraced individuality and self- expression. Additionally, the music of the 70’s is iconic with genres like DISCO, punk and rock influencing countless artists today. Culturally, the 1970’s were a time of significant social change, with movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality and environmental awareness. The spirit of liberation and progress resonates with me, it makes the decade feel vibrant and transformative.

How do you come up with your designs? Or do the designs come to you?
My design process begins with inspiration which can come from anywhere.... I always have a sketchbook handy to take sketches and notes in and have an album on my phone with inspiration images. I think about my clients and their needs. Where are they traveling this season? How do I envision my client showing up at her next destination.

Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth

How would you describe your own personal style?
During the day I’m basically a cozy potato but when the sun sets – watch out! I transform into a disco queen complete with big hair and lots of sparkles!

Other than yourself, do you have a favorite designer?
John Galliano is my favorite designer because of his unparalleled creativity and theatrical approach to fashion. His ability to blend history, art and storytelling into his collections is remarkable. His designs often feel like wearable art showcasing intricate details, bold silhouettes and a sense of drama that captivates the imagination. What I admire most is his fearless experimentation with fabrics, colors and textures and pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion. He evokes emotion through his designs and each collection tells a story and invites viewers into a world of fantasy and inspiration.

Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth

What motivates you the most?
Receiving a message like this from one of my clients:

“The dress is beyond any expectations I had. Just wonderful and feel like a million bucks in it. You’re a miracle worker.”

“Whenever I wear GEORGINE, I feel sexy, sophisticated, edgy and elevated. When I slip on a GEORGINE, I think about and embody the sayings that you and mama boss have told me before: first impressions matter, you can never be overdressed and there is never a problem with being the best dressed woman in the room!”

Do you have a creative routine?
My creative routine starts with a combination of inspiration, research and experimentation. I start by gathering inspiration from various sources such as art, music and everyday life. I look at different eras and cultures, museums I visited, movies I watched and trips I took... Once I have a theme in mind, I start sketching and start playing with different fabrics, textures and colors. I love to mix and match elements until I find a combination that feels right. I focus on wearability and functionality of the designs, ensuring they are not only beautiful but also practical.

Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth

What advice do you have for young designers that are just beginning?
Work hard and don’t give up. Embrace failure as a part of the learning process.

“For the off-duty rockstar” is the motto. Who is your rockstar of choice?
My favorite rockstar has to be Bowie. His ability to constantly reinvent himself and push the boundaries of music and style is truly inspiring. He was an artist who blurred the lines between genres and embraced a myriad of identities, from Ziggy stardust to the thin white duke. His fearless approach to self-expression coupled with his eclectic style, makes him a timeless icon!