London, UK-based Georgia “Georgie” Robinson is everything a quirky boheme ought to be. She dabbles in just about everything artistic, and has recently turned her appreciation for vintage threads into a lucrative business; add fine artist and entrepreneur to that list! Robinson is quite the busy femme, with plans to establish her own boutique on The Rock, in the summer of 2019, dubbed Come & Swop. If her Elie Saab dress is an indication of the labels in store, we can’t wait to see more.

We caught up with Robinson recently at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel at a private affair for army vet and retired businessman George Jograg, where, in between sips of Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon, we shared lots more notes.

Tell us a bit about your foray into the vintage/thrift markets .

I have always been one for a bargain, and love shopping, therefore enjoy markets and charity shops. My first-ever purchase from a charity shop was in London. I bought an outfit for my mother’s second wedding. I was dressed top to tail in a ’20s navy blue drop-waist dress, with matching shoes, hat and gloves… looking totally fabulous [even if I say so myself].

Why vintage, and how do you source stock?

I have been for some time very aware and concerned about the negative impact that the fashion industry is having on the environment, hence my new business #comeandswop, a recycling clothing membership club, where we invite people to swop out their closet. We have enough clothes to give them a second and third, even fourth life cycle, and allow someone else the pleasure of your choices. Most of our stock is sourced from events, donations and house clearances.

What are your thoughts on the current reshape of downtown Kingston as a developing art district in Jamaica?

I love it! It’s been a long time coming. The waterfront is my favourite place; I used to have a clothing store at the Seabed arcade near there. It’s the perfect place for food, music, art and theatre. Hopefully, they can tackle the crime, so people can feel more comfortable walking and enjoying all the attractions that I hear are being planned for the near future.

Were you to pack up and relocate to a ‘blip’ on the map, where would you go and why?

It would have to be Jamaica, land I love… it’s a beautiful place with so much potential, great people, night life is amazing with good vibes. There are forever changing landscapes through development and redevelopment. Every time I visit, there’s something new and exciting to see and talk about. Yes, I am an optimist, #thinkingJamaicaGreatAgain

How has living in the UK reshaped your artistic sensibilities?

After leaving Jamaica, I studied fine art in London, so I felt privileged as I had access to all the museums and galleries. This in return gave me an appreciation of art history and got me interested in sculptures, which tends to be my preferred practice now. My ideas and works changed radically, with a more informed approach when considering and applying ideas or concepts from many great artists who have influenced my new work today.

What gets your creative juices flowing?

When I need inspiration, I ride the London buses and people-watch. I am a little short-sighted, so sometimes I wear glasses and take them off. I then have to make it all up as I see it … that’s the fun part. That’s when it gets really crazy and creative altogether.

What are three vintage pieces in your closet that you will never swop?

My 40s hat.

My 60s black shawl.

My almost-falling-apart 1940s winter coat.

Jamaica or the UK?

Jamaica!

LBD or LWD? LBD.

Flats or heels? Heels, an extension of my legs…

Jeans or joggers? My blue jeans.

Red or white wine?

Most definitely red!

Fruitcake or sorrel?

I don’t like fruitcake, so sorrel…

My days off are often occupied with… mate dates, charity shopping, galleries, coffee shops… and maybe an evening drink with friends.

And workdays involve?

On a typical day, I tend to create structures and patterns. This helps me to stay focused. I am an early riser; I start with a coffee moment and a cold shower to jumpstart my day. I do a very short workout, like five-to-seven-minutes…reluctantly. I am studying at present, so research, writing and surfing the Internet is what I do before leaving my apartment. I visit lots of charity and vintage shops, sometimes up to seven a day, depending on the area. I meet with at least one member of my team for coffee or lunch to discuss projects.

Sometimes I work from home, which involves me being on the phone continuously in front of my laptop, a bunch of paperwork scattered me, radio on and a piece of artwork that I’ve been working on, trying to finish up. This helps me creatively and reduces my stress levels.

My Sundays are special because…

Sundays are a time of rest for me. I love a Sunday morning big breakfast. I cook early so I have the rest of the day to lounge about the house and chill on the sofa with all my creature comforts at arm’s length… I avoid planning adventures on this day.

What phrase best describes you?

“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she’ll conquer the world.”

My two guilty pleasures are…

Rum and sexy underwear.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

To be the best I can ever be and to stay true to myself.