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Bootleg Bop Radio Presents: GDS

Bootleg Bop Radio
Jul 17, 2017
5 min read

London-based stylist, fashion blogger and content creator Clarissa Henry also known as Vintage Doll Risa has launched a new inspiring brand/multimedia platform called GDS, which stands for Girls Do Succeed. GDS fuses women’s fashion, sports and lifestyle.

Recently graduating from London College of Fashion with a focus on styling and production, Clarissa Henry is here to motivate you to succeed beyond your expectations and look good while doing it.

Today also marks the release of Clarissa’s documentary series, Fem-Sport. The first segment of the series takes place in different parts of the UK and shares the narrative of young athletes’ journey through womanhood. If these words (wavy, sporty, active, bold, confident) ignite a light inside you while reading then GDS was made for you.

How did your background inspire the creation of GDS?

My upbringing was a HUGE influence on the creation of GDS. My mother put me in many activity groups from a young age, from dance to performing arts and sports such as springing, tennis etc. I was that ‘do it all’ kid. I was that girl that could get rough with the boys and play football with them and still go back home to play with my barbies. This shaped my tomboyish character which later shaped my personal style. In terms of my personal values, I’ve always felt that every girl should be their own boss and lead their own life. Dress how they want and not be denied of their talents and abilities, especially when it comes to business and sports.

What is the Fem-Sport series documentary about?

The series is a visual story that aspires to inform, inspire and motivate. It shows girls sharing their experiences about the different ways sports have allowed them to grow more confident in themselves and be able to triumph through life. Throughout the film, success is the closing theme to show how society has created an image of what success is for young females and how they are affected by it. The Fem-Sport series allows these girls to voice their own definition of success.

Who are some major icons that you look up to which inspired this project?

I don’t really have individual icons but projects such as This Girl Can, Nike Women Campaigns, Sporty and Rich by Emily Oberg, MC Barao, Stylist Mellany Sanchez, Sweat The Style and Girlhood by Lauren Greenfield are a few of the people and projects that have inspired the project.

How would you describe the relationship between fashion + sports + lifestyle?

Fashion, sport and lifestyle, work collectively as they are the main sectors that influence young people today. Sportswear has become one of the most influential themes and concepts in fashion and has worked its way into people’s everyday wear and routine. Sportswear now has its own luxury, top class vibe around it, which has paved its position in the fashion industry. Being involved in sports and fashion is a lifestyle in its own right, as participating in sports creates a schedule and routine for people to live by. And this is how they fuse together for GDS.

What would you like to see change in the realm of fashion + sports + lifestyle?

More content and features of REAL girls that other girls can relate to. Not just of elite athletes or models, but girls that are different shapes/sizes, races and ethnicities.

What makes GDS stand out from other brands with a similar message?

GDS stands out purely because of its realness and ability to show girls in a cooler light. A light that doesn’t take away from their femininity but also doesn’t use femininity as a concept due to lazy branding and marketing.Its main goal is to show strength, confidence, inclusiveness and alternative sports style.