Hepburn Tote, Vintage Fabric, $99
|
| |
| |
Tushingham Tote, Vintage Fabric, $130
|
| |
| |
Molly Purse,Vintage Fabric & Leather, $99
|
| |
| |
|
Comments: [post a comment]
Story:
I'm a vintage accessories designer/maker and I restyle used fabrics from my boutique/studio in Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London. I also wholesale to major high street stores and boutiques worldwide who are getting more interested in eco-friendly fashion. It wasn't a contrived decision to go down that route. I just happened to have the materials and consumers/clients have become more interested in green issues. Long may that continue.
I've always loved British kitchen sink dramas from the 1960s and the style names are a tribute to the actresses of that era.The fabrics used are from my stock of vintage fabrics I've been collecting for 15 years. I'm constantly scouring flea markets and clambering around in rolls of fabrics in thrift shops for new additions. I get a rush of excitement when I find an new print. Because of the quality needed for longevity, these tend to be drapes from the 40's through to the 70's. Due to the dimensions of the curtains used, each bag is either unique or a very limited edition i.e..e One of two if I find a pair!.
I started running the business part time from my home and online, The BBC were looking for subjects for a TV pilot series titled "How to get your dream job" and I was used. It was nerve wracking but exhilarating but at the end of it I had so many nice e-mails through my website saying "Go for it." it gave me the confidence that my products would sell to a bigger market. Also, my fabric collection was starting to take up too much space at home and my husband insisted it was either them or him, I compromised and rented the shop.
Because of the history and heritage of the prints, they always evoke fond memories from my customers. The most common phrase heard in the shop is "Wow! My Gran had some curtains like that!"
This biggest problems for me are unscrupulous internet sellers not describing items correctly or sending items in bad condition, let's say I know my way around the eBay dispute process pretty well now.
With UK manufacturing in the doldrums, my greatest achievement has been to convince a high street store to take a chance on a 'local' producer. Whilst I understand that much has to be imported in order to attain margins and I'm not against competition, it's upon us all as independent designers to be creative in a business sense as well as with our products.
|
|
Designer Archive:
|
Other HBD101 Articles:
July 04, 2008 - Pursecution - Jackee Strom
July 02, 2008 - Elite Street Bags - Cindy Lero
June 30, 2008 - Half Double Croshay - Tamyra Walker
June 27, 2008 - Monica Reis Designs - Monica M. Reis
June 25, 2008 - Beirn bag - Ali Trier
June 23, 2008 - Red Instead - Jen Leheny
June 20, 2008 - Stanzel Designs - Cary S. Morin
June 18, 2008 - VY&ELLE - Nicola Freegard
June 16, 2008 - Swanky By MJ - Maggy Francois & Jamila Jeter
June 13, 2008 - Jane Marvel - Jane Saidenberg
June 09, 2008 - POP!Rock - Michele Marcombe
June 06, 2008 - LeVina Designs - Leandra Roscoe
June 04, 2008 - Maria Ortiz - Rubia Moraes
June 02, 2008 - Kimberley Cristen - Kimberley Osborne
May 30, 2008 - Carmelita by J.A.I. bags - Irene Gonzalez
May 26, 2008 - Paco and Lupe - Celia Cruz
May 23, 2008 - Bran Design - Brandy Aube'
May 21, 2008 - Passchal - Ken Kobrick
May 19, 2008 - Papillon - Akihiro Domen & Jean Marc Lageyre
May 16, 2008 - Lona Gutknecht - Lona Gutknecht
May 14, 2008 - Eric Manie'r - Eric Manie'r
May 12, 2008 - psnob - Rebecca Robinson
May 09, 2008 - English Retreads - Heather English
May 06, 2008 - OPAMA Designs - Patricia Hamilton
May 05, 2008 - Hydralis: FINALIST BEST STUDENT MADE HANDBAG - Lissa Kooijman
|
|
