Networking – it’s a great thing. You meet someone, whether it’s through friends or work events, and then if you’re a chatterbox like me, you find some common ground. Favourite pastimes, interests or quite simply, your perspective on a number of things. That’s kinda how it went when I met Gudrun Vickery a couple months ago. And we literally spoke about everything before stumbling on to her underwear range.

In all honesty, I’d actually heard about Gudrun’s range long before I had the pleasure of meeting the mind behind its innovation. Its quirkiness is what struck me first; Gudrun’s desire to create an unorthodox line that focuses on the needs and wants of women first. So when we spoke about the brand we covered just about everything, including motivations and inspirations and so forth. Here’s what Gudrun had to say for herself.

1. GV Underwear is pretty much a baby brand. What was it that encouraged you to start making your pieces in 2013?

I’d worked as a media consultant since graduating university and was craving something creative after studying art at school. Plus I’d also wanted to learn to sew, it started from there really. I’ve always really been into clothes and underwear, I wouldn’t say fashion as such, but the way people dress, and very sporty. So making sports inspired items was quite natural.

2. Did any of your past experiences help you in launching your brand? If so, how?

Hmm… I think my friends have helped me more than anything! I would have given up a long time ago without them. They definitely gave me the confidence to believe in what I was doing. Also spending a few years doing something I didn’t feel was quite right for me helped spur me in difficult times. Oh and my research skills, to find YouTube tutorials for sewing! There are some really funny American videos out there made at least ten years ago.

3. Your creations are perfect for this modern age in British fashion where girls are layering, trading in heels for brogues and entertaining the thought of comfort as a decisive factor. What was it that encouraged you to take these factors into consideration way before they took over high-street outlets?

I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy – I have four brothers – so being comfortable in what you wear has always been my approach to clothes. And I think its important that women wear underwear they feel comfortable in but that also makes them feel sexy and confident.  

4. On your website, it says that you are inspired by female athletes and the muted chicness of French style – what is it about these sources that inspire your creativity?

Having always been a very sporty person – I’m doing the Hackney Half Marathon in June – I admire the strength and determination of female athletes. It takes a lot to push your body that far, and of course athletes have to dress for the peak performance of their bodies while being comfortable. I’ve always loved the relaxed sexiness of french women and the subtlety of their style – the colours and cuts are what influenced mine to be so simple. 

5. Underwear is a pretty interesting choice of garment to design. What drew you to creating and specialising in underwear? 

It was sort of by accident. After learning to sew I started to experiment with making pants, and then the kind of sports style tops I like wearing, and the more I learnt the more interested I became. It was me challenging myself I think as it’s actually a very specialist area as opposed to tailoring and making clothes. It’s a difficult area and I’m going to be getting some more detailed designs produced by sewers much more talented than me! 

6. If you were to create another garment, what would it be and why?

A pair of classic cigarette pants, the ultimate in simple comfortable chicness.

7. If you were to choose 3 words that best described GV Underwear, what would they be and why?

Comfort, sex appeal, fun.

8. Do you have any advice that you could give to others interested in creating their own brand?

Have faith in yourself and work hard.

Such good words there. As a relatively new brand, this is one that I’ll be keeping an eye on for sure. The subtle shades that Gudrun has incorporated into her s/s 2014 range are simply gorgeous and I’ve particularly have fallen for the Maxime and Torraino Set and, additionally, the Lilac Jo shorts which have all been captured for you above. They are all just stunning.

Interested? Be sure to have a peak at Gudrun’s website here.