In our weekly Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
“The transformative effect of clothing is something I really believe in,” says Rabia Lockwood, the owner and chief designer of Australian women’s clothing and accessories line Ginny & Jude. For Rabia, that process of transformation begins with her materials—a habit that dates back to her post-university days fashioning elaborate headpieces out of antique hat trim for a local Sydney costume designer. “Normally, I start with a fabric that I think is absolutely beautiful,” she says of her design approach today. “That will be my key fabric, and I’ll work everything out from there.”
Explore the Ginny & Jude collection
The end result? A deceptively simple range of party dresses, separates, and jewelry that’s informed by Rabia’s background in costume design, her appreciation for vintage silhouettes, and the techniques she learned in early sewing lessons at the hands of her mother. The influences behind her line are deep and varied, but the output is unmistakably chic and wholly of the moment. “When I started, I was trying to create a look from a different time—but I don’t want Ginny & Jude to feel like a throwback,” says Rabia. “Now, I’m dressing people for today.”
Read on to learn how Ginny & Jude evolved over the years and discover Rabia’s favorite dress for the holiday party season—then shop the Ginny & Jude collection.
Let’s start at the beginning. When did you begin making clothes?
My mum made all my clothes when we were growing up. I don’t remember exactly when she taught me to sew, but by the time I was in my teen years I was making pieces of my own. I started off making dodgy crop tops in horrible polyesters, but eventually I got better. I really loved making corduroy skirts—I still have and wear one that I made when I was 14!
How would you describe the Ginny & Jude aesthetic?
I create clothes with a vintage feel, but they’re not a facsimile of the past. I want everything to feel like clothing you can wear now. Ginny and Jude are characters I invented to embody this classic aesthetic—two different types of women who wear different styles. There’s practical, sensible, and functional clothing, which is the Jude, and there’s something more whimsical, poetic, and esoteric, which is the Ginny. Everything I design caters to the unification of these ideas.
When you sit down to design a new collection, where do you start?
It begins with me asking myself: What do I want to wear now? And then I start with the fabric. But the process for my new collection, which I’m calling Hot Thoughts, went a bit differently. My inspiration was the bright, 1980s colors in the movie Call Me By Your Name. I decided to work with an artist, Lea Eva, who created a one-of-a-kind print in pink and red. That print is the centerpiece for this season.
What’s the most popular item in your shop?
My Grass Script dress always sells out, in whatever fabric I make it in. It ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people: It’s a very versatile shape, with a midi length, a V-back, pockets, and a bust that can accommodate a larger chest. The silhouette really flatters a range of shapes and sizes. It’s so easy to wear.
How do your handmade accessories fit into your design philosophy?
The jewelry and headpieces meld with the ideas behind the clothing—it’s that juxtaposition of practicality, whimsy, and a poetic femininity. I’ve scaled the headpieces back a bit, because while they are beautiful, they’re not for the everyday. But I still try to do a straw hat every summer, because I think that’s a deeply practical thing, especially in Australia where it’s very sunny all year.
What’s your tried-and-true method for getting through the busy holiday party season in style?
When it comes to party dresses, you want to look great, but comfort is key. In terms of the ultimate party dress, the Mood Indigo dress in blue silk velvet or floral is great because it’s a sheath, and you can adjust the waist as needed. That’s important for eating big meals when you want a bit of room! It’s a real showstopper—everyone remembers a beautiful puff-sleeved dress. It also layers up really well, and can be as warm as you need it to be.
What does success mean to you?
Success is not immediate, and it can be hard to measure. I’ve had this label for 10 years. It’s not a full-time job—I work by day as a creative producer for a media company—but I still think it’s a success. It’s changed a lot of people’s lives and it’s made a lot of people happy. For anyone thinking about doing something creative or making something, just remember that it doesn’t have to be your job to mean something. Sometimes, you have to do other work to live your life and keep your passions going. If you’re creative, you can hopefully find something beautiful and inspiring in whatever you do.
So, what’s next for Ginny & Jude?
Besides launching Hot Thoughts and working on the next winter collection, I’m getting ready to do a market for the first time in two years. It’s nice to meet customers and connect with them in person. If you take something into a changing room and no one is there to give you that extra attention, the item may not have the magic you hoped it would have. I want to give people that magic whenever they wear my clothes.
Follow Ginny & Jude on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Photographs by Vienna Johnston.
34 comments
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 2 years ago
Your line of clothing is supremely beautiful! Thank you for sharing your talents with the world! Congrats on the feature and best wishes for achieving all your goals and dreams :)
Tiana Kotskulich Precious Embroidery from TianaHandmade said 2 years ago
Congrats on the feature and my best wishes! Great and creative colections!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 2 years ago
I love, love the style, beautiful fabrics makes comfortable fashion. Congratulations Ginny & Jude!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
The clothing line is creative and superb! Awesome selection of colors, designs and prints. Congratulations on the feature!
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Very cute collection! Congrats!
branda Moreno from branda said 2 years ago
Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!!! :-) :-)
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 2 years ago
How beautiful ! Cheers to much continued success !
ciaffi from ciaffi said 2 years ago
Compliments for your great work!!! Lovely designs!!! :-) :-)
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
I love your velvet pieces! They are so romantic! Congrats on the feature and wishing you much success!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 2 years ago
Lovely items and shop. Congrats on the feature.
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
Very stylish collection, the velvet shimmer is gorgeous! Congratulations of the feature and continued success to you
maggie from BlossomBouquetStudio said 2 years ago
Great story! Love the looks behind Jinny and Jude. Love the Deco Drop Earrings! Congratulations on the feature! Well done!
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 2 years ago
Love the vintage vibe. Congrats on the feature!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 2 years ago
I love that green velvet dress. I agree that clothes with vintage feel are the best. Congratulations on the feature.
bluewine studio from bluewinestudio said 2 years ago
Beautiful patterns and fabrics. love the style of your clothing. Congrats!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 2 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature : )
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 2 years ago
Great designs! Congrats!
Elena Golovina from DressEmbroideredRU said 2 years ago
Comfortable clothes for everyday life, quality fabrics. Thanks for posting! It is always interesting to look into the designer’s workshop.
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Beautiful collection! Congratulations on the feature!
Patricia from FromNanasHopeChest said 2 years ago
Very nice feature of this shop! The fabric choices are fabulous and the designs are timeless! Wonderful!
Ritisha from abeautifulprojection said 2 years ago
Wow. Your line is absolutely STUNNING. Congrats on the feature and warmest wishes for continued success.
Jeannie from MysticalRaindrops said 2 years ago
I like the bell sleeve blouse. I've loved fashion designing and sewing since high school, but don't have room so just make Barbie fashions.
Kelly from CedarMillStudio said 2 years ago
Amazing work and love your workspace too!
Cointrelle Vintage Clothing from Cointrelle said 2 years ago
Wow! They use such beautiful quality fabrics. Everything looks so well made too. And timeless indeed : )
Sharon from YearsAfter said 2 years ago
Love the fabrics especially luxurious velvet! I'm getting a 40's vintage vibe from the collection. Congrats on the feature!
Crystal N from RadandFriends said 2 years ago
So many beautiful pieces!!
Rosita from pillowlink said 2 years ago
Elegant.. I love this story for sure..
Carol from MasCollected said 2 years ago
Thank you Rabia Sharon and Vienna for a fine feature. I can't wait to go see what Rabia has in her shop!
FuchsiaMoon from TheFuchsiaMoon said 2 years ago
Sublimely beautiful clothes for every body that transcend time. Thank you Sharon and Vienna for showcasing Rabia's shop, her story and fabulous lines. I'll take one of everything, starting with the Mood Indigo dress in velvet! Best wishes Rabia!
Meg from hamiltonprintables said 2 years ago
I really love those earrings! They're so pretty! :D
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 2 years ago
I am in love with the velvet dress! Great collection!
Susan Peterson from LuvtoMakeit4U said 2 years ago
Lovely dresses. Congratulations
Watts DryGoods from WattsDryGoods said 2 years ago
Beautiful!
Lara Korotenko from ETSforYou said 1 year ago
Великолепно! Я люблю тоже создавать платья) Но, я сначало создаю ткань для них;) Великолепно!