From a small idea to runway shows, 22-year-old fashion designer Tia Knowles has struck gold with her alternative fashion brand.

GOFF C*NT, Tia’s home-grown clothing brand, celebrated its second birthday on the 18th of June. After dropping out of education, Tia took a risk and threw herself into her passion, unaware then of the huge impact this would have on her life.

“Growing up, I struggled to be myself as I am the only girl out of my siblings. I felt the pressure of always being presentable and ‘girly’, but when my dad bought me my first pair of Doc Marten shoes, things really kicked off.” Tia admitted.

Tia Knowles. Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart

“I had always wanted to start my own business. Since I was young, I have been very creative and different. I hated being the same as others, so I always tried to do anything to make myself stand out more.”

Since its launch, GOFF C*NT has developed its own striking identity, with pieces from the collection featuring in several runways, photoshoots and modelling portfolios across Scotland.

Tia told TMP, “I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since I started the brand properly, it feels like yesterday I was thinking of a name to shock and grab the attention of future GOFF C*NTS. Mainly shocking family members more than anyone. I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d be doing without this brand.”

Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart

“It’s been a long time coming as the designer, photographer, model, editor and director. It’s amazing to finally put myself out there as someone who struggles with anxiety, and feel noticed for being myself rather than blending in with the crowd. I’d rather be called weird than called normal.”

Tia is big on sustainability, describing her brand as ‘slow fashion’. Most of the materials used are found in charity shops or recycled from personal belongings. Every piece is lovingly made by hand, with the attention to detail apparent in every stitch.

“You’ll always find me in a charity shop or in your cupboard finding any old clothing to upcycle, I only ever use second-hand clothing for my material, I also shop locally when finding more specific items like thread, safety pins, etc. I find it important to keep loving what we have.

“Your favourite black T-shirt when you were 10? Give it to me and it’ll still be your favourite black t-shirt but with a GOFF C*NT twist and it’ll be something that you can and will wear every day! Waste not, want not.” She said.

Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart

With GOFF C*NT, you can guarantee originality. Each piece is completely unique, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on the importance of being an individual. She prides herself on giving her whole attention to each garment, sometimes taking up to a month to complete an order.

She stated, “I hate copycats, one of my worst pet peeves since I was young was being the same as someone else, especially when it comes to clothing. I grew up trying to understand my style, but knew I didn’t want to own the same clothes as others.

“I always thought it would be so sick if everyone could own something that they know no one else will have, something they can call their own and feel confident wearing. Queue GOFF C*NT.“

Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart

Tia loves the looks she gets in public when wearing her own work, viewing the attention she gets as a compliment to her individuality and talent as a fashion designer.

“If I don’t stand out, then what was the point?” She said, “I want to be remembered for helping myself and others express themselves better.”

One of the brand’s most notable successes in the last year was its feature in the Clique Glasgow ‘Fancy Pants’ event, a runway highlighting Scottish designers. This was Tia’s first show, leaving her understandably nervous. However, this event turned out to be a great success for her brand.

She has also been featured at several alternative events, including the Noir Night Market.

Clique Glasgow. Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart

“Every show I’ve done has been a great moment throughout my career, as it’s always something different and there are always new people looking at the clothes I make, which is a feeling I can’t even describe.

“My most recent show in Newcastle definitely hit different, the venue was set in a cathedral. It put things in perspective for me that I am going somewhere and that I am part of such a great community. That leads me to so many possibilities I never thought I’d reach.”

Despite her success and the positive feedback she received, there have been challenges along the way. Tia has been open about some struggles she has faced personally, as well as doubts about the brand’s future spurred by personal insecurities. Despite this, she carries on.

“I’m kept busy every day with something new while dealing with mental insecurities of my own, which can be very challenging. It’s like an angel and devil on my shoulder. One tells me to give up, but then I hear an angelic voice reminding me why I’m doing this in the first place and my confidence boosts right back up, but we all have bad days!

“It’s okay to feel rubbish when things don’t go your way, but I tell myself to never give up after everything I’ve been through already.”

Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart

So, what’s next for this forward-thinking fashion brand?

Tia told TMP, “I am in the midst of planning my very first show, but I will unfortunately be moving away to the highlands, where I will be launching my brand and runway properly after I am settled.

“This doesn’t mean I won’t still be visiting and coming to a city near you! I’m always eager to travel as far as possible to put my name on the map or on the back of your jacket.”

An exciting development for GOFF C*NT comes in the form of a recently confirmed fashion show based in Germany, titled AVANTGARDISTA. This will be Tia’s first international show, bringing her brand to a bigger-than-ever audience.

Pieces are regularly uploaded to her site, available for purchase. Due to their unique nature, the brand runs on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers can, however, order custom clothing items.

Tia said, “If you’re interested in your own custom design please check out my website where you will find a contact form and you can fill out all your needs there or, alternatively, you can send me a DM on my instagram and I will personally deal with any requests or questions you may have.”

You can follow GOFF C*NT on Instagram @goffc_nt or visit the website www.goffcunt.com.

Featured Image Credit: Thomas Secmezsoy-Urquhart (@toms_drawing_board)