Notts' own Rebekah Peters is helping to lead the way in the preloved fashion game. We catch up with her to find out more…
Nottingham is no stranger to creative talent, and 26-year-old Rebekah Peters is one business owner using her skills to show great style needn’t come at the expense of the Earth’s resources, as her bright patterned dresses, tops, trousers and tote bags are made using preloved bedsheets and curtains. Her iconic creations feature bold prints and eye-catching colours, with show-stopping fluted sleeves and often a ruffled hemline too, all made by Rebekah herself from her studio at Fishergate Point...
Your creations are brilliant. Is your background in fashion?
I don’t have a design background, but I’ve always been interested in fashion and my nana used to be a seamstress, so it must run in the family. While studying for my Geography degree, I started selling a few vintage pieces on Depop on the side, which really took off. Then, once I graduated, I started working at Hopkinson while still selling vintage blouses on the side.
I made the decision to start making clothes and to run the business full-time. I had a few sewing lessons from a friend who’s a seamstress and helped me with the basics, and I also watched loads of YouTube tutorials. I started making handmade pieces just before lockdown from the spare room at home before getting the studio last July.
What made you decide to start making clothes from preloved bedsheets and curtains?
I’d say it all started with my grandad. To get him out and about, we always used to go round charity shops, and he’d point out different fabrics to me. In fact, he still loves getting involved with hunting great finds today.
While charity shopping, I used to see so many beautiful fabrics and think, ‘God, that’d look amazing if it was a dress or trousers.’ There was one particular day when I went into a charity shop and, in the back, they had piles of bedding and curtains that they were looking to chuck away. It really surprised me to see how much does get thrown away, because old bedsheets and curtains often have vintage patterns and colours. People can write them off as being old-fashioned without seeing their true potential. So I wanted to do my bit to stop so much waste by recycling and breathing new life into these vintage pieces and turning them into something new.
Where do you source your fabric these days?
In addition to buying from pre-loved and second-hand shops, I also order from a wholesaler of sixties and seventies deadstock fabric, and it’s great to think that these pieces that were made so many years ago aren’t going to be wasted. Instead, they’re being given a second chance. People nowadays quite like more plain, modern home furnishings which means these vintage bright curtains, for example, aren’t really going to be used as curtains anymore. So why not make them into something someone can wear?
It’s great to think that these pieces that were made so many years ago aren’t going to be wasted. Instead, they’re being given a second chance
You’ve got such a distinctive style to your pieces that if someone’s wearing one, you can instantly tell. How would you describe madeREBEKAHPETERS to those who aren’t familiar with your brands?
My collections feature lots of bright smock, maxi, midi and mini dresses which are quite loose-fitting. In summer, I love wearing loose-fitting dresses and wearing what’s comfortable myself, so I channel that into the things I make. I have started doing matching belts and scrunchies too. The loose-fitting nature of my designs means they can fit a wide range of sizes. I currently sell up to a size twenty but I’m hoping to do more sizes in the future by expanding my size range to size thirty, so it’s accessible for everyone.
How do you want your clothes to make people feel when they wear them?
To lift their mood and make them feel happy and summery. Because each piece is unique, they’re all one-offs as it’s rare that I’ll come across the same bed sheet and curtains twice, but with any of my pieces, I always hope it makes my customers feel great.
Do you do custom orders?
I’ve recently started doing custom dress orders where people can choose the fabric, the length and the size, as well as any extras like a belt, scrunchie or an added hem on the bottom. Custom orders are great because it means it cuts down on waste even further, as you’re creating something specifically for someone that they definitely want. It also puts the power back into the hands of my customers too.
The fashion industry is responsible for creating huge amounts of waste, with so much clothing ending up in landfill
What are your thoughts on the slow fashion movement and how does shopping with independents like yourself help?
The fashion industry is responsible for creating huge amounts of waste, with so much clothing ending up in landfill. Nowadays, we have such a throwaway culture with fast fashion being so instant and at your fingertips; people are able to buy cheap clothes quickly and easily and often get them delivered the next day. It’s scary to think so many clothes get simply chucked away when they don’t need to. Even if a button is missing on a shirt or it has a hole, that can be repaired.
What are your plans for the future?
At the minute, it’s just me that makes each piece, which I love. I have thought of stocking a physical store but, for now, I’m really enjoying being able to work for myself on my own terms. I do sometimes miss getting to chat with customers face-to-face, like when I worked in a clothes shop. So, over the coming months I’ll be doing more physical markets and festivals, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and meeting more people.
You can buy Rebekah’s creations through Depop, ASOS, Market Place, Etsy or at her website
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