From Charli XCX to Travis Scott, the life of a designer

What is it like to style the summer phenomenon?

Timothy Gibbons, from Ballyhackamore, east Belfast, has made his way to some of the biggest cities in the world.

He has styled some of the biggest names in the entertainment business, including Travis Scott and singing sensation Charli XCX.

While Brat Summer May Be Officially OverGibbons told BBC News NI how he created costumes for the 360 ​​singer.

Gibbons said his contact with Charli XCX came from her stylist, who “reached out” to him.

“She (Charli XCX) had actually worn one of my New York (tops) before wearing one of the black ones last year.”

He then took on the task of creating some custom hoodies for the singer’s summer shows.

“We decided on the color palette and all the diamonds and stuff that were going to go into it. So it was a pretty quick change, but yeah, it was fabulous.

“Then I had to go to the album launch in London and she was wearing the green.”

Gibbons described how the life of a fashion designer works and using social media to promote that work.

“People see your work. It’s annoying that you have to post so much all the time and have a presence on social media to keep getting work, but that’s what happens.

“So someone sees a stylist or someone sees a job, likes it, and sends you a message. But you know, there’s no formula for it.

“A lot of it is just taking advantage of opportunities when you think you see them, luck and delivering when someone asks you for something,” he added.

For Gibbons, growing up in east Belfast helped shape him.

“But I didn’t actually know that costume design was a real job until much later. I always loved making things.

“I was always doing art at school and after school classes. Then I went into technology to learn how to sew when I was 15 and then I went to university in London.”

This led him to create a corset rugby shirt.

“I think as a piece, the rugby corset says a lot about my experiences growing up gay in Northern Ireland, finding ways to express challenges in my masculinity and feminine traits, or challenging those things, trying to harmonize them with each other,” he said.

From there he went on to create his signature piece, the corset hoodie.

“I’ve always loved corsetry, I was in New York once and I bought this hoodie on Canal Street, I cut it up and paired it with the corset.

“All my classmates immediately wanted one… I didn’t realize it was going to be such a big hit.

“Last year, Travis Scott had one for his album campaign and this year, Charli got all three customized for her Brat shows in the summer.”

Gibbons told BBC News NI: “Starting working with Charli and her stylist on those sweatshirts, it felt like a farewell to sweatshirts because it was like a big crescendo to get to make them for her.”

He said that although he doesn’t know what’s next, he wants to “work on a big piece” that will come out sometime late next year.

“I love making clothes.” he added.

“I hope next year is as big as the last because I didn’t expect even half of what happened.”

Gibbons has been living in London and New York for over a decade, but credits Belfast for getting him to where he is now.

“Belfast gave me a sense of work ethic, respect for people and being down to earth,” he said.

“I haven’t lost my accent.

“I’m grateful to have grown up in Belfast despite all the problems and all the complexities that come with the place.”