Page 13 - Cornwall Issue 2 2025

FASHION

t Gina Elegance, my motto has always been
Coco Chanel’s words: “Beauty comes when
fashion succeeds.” It is most satisfactory
Awhen a beautiful wedding dress or matric
farewell dress allows the person to transform into the
best version of themselves.

After teaching for two years, I founded Gina Elegance in
1986. Why Elegance? Because I agree with Giorgio Armani
when he said: “Elegance is not standing out, but being
remembered.” Gina says that starting out was not easy,
and building a name takes time and money. “The teaching
degree came in handy with extra teaching jobs at private
design schools and at the Technicon. However, before I
knew it, I had a studio, a boutique and a design school.
When you love what you do, it never feels like work.”

The fashion industry has changed a lot over the years.
I sometimes long for the times when we had the most
glamorous fashion shows with top designers in the
Presidential Residence. Some believe that haute couture
might become something of the past with social media
and online purchases, but I believe that as long as there
are still people who love fashion as much as I do and
who want quality and individuality, it definitely will not.

With my husband and daughters all being in the medical
field, I am the odd one out in the house. Both girls love
beautiful clothes and dressing up though, and I had the
privilege of creating the youngest one’s dream wedding
dress last December.

A figure-hugging pencil skirt
or a voluminous check, woven
silk skirt for a more romantic
touch. The silk bustier is
hand-beaded with ivory pearls
to give the outfit an elegant,
sophisticated look.

Cornwall View • Issue 2 2025 11