I am dreadfully prone to a bit of spandex. Perhaps it was watching too much Mr Motivator on GMTV during the early 90's, perhaps it's the inherent 'give' of the fabric so that matter how many scones and butter you have of a day spandex just increases with you, leaving you happily oblivious to your increasing tum. Of course, the flip size is that wear it tight and the increased tum appears in all it's jelly glory. Still, panel it and colour it and I'm still a sucker for it, mostly due to the misguided illusion it will magically suck in all my wobbly bits and put them away...somewhere.
Glasgow based designer Rebecca Torres likes spandex too. And she colours it and panels it. Her SS09 collection, entitled Tasker Likes It French is a bit Come Dancing/Green Goddess/Russian gymnast. It's meant to be worn with humour and a carefree attitude...and if you do feel like somersaulting then lycra lets you do that!
I could up with Rebecca and probed her brain about lycra, among other things.
Where did you study and when did you graduate?
I left school at 16 did my NQ and HND at Cardonald College, I learned so much at Cardonald which lead me to being accepted to my Degree year at Caledonian University in Fashion Business from which I graduated in 2007.
Were you tempted to try Central St Martins or did you really want to study in Scotland?
Of course being so young when I left Cardonald it was my dream to go to somewhere like St.Martins but for me it was not possible. It wasn't about whether I wanted to leave Scotland or not, it was more about the financial support. Plus I had so much going on in my life that it just was not the right time. But I feel that this has benefitted me as being here has let me grow in confidence in the style of garments that I am creating and also having the self belief. If anything, being here has made me more determined to get noticed in Scotland and the UK.
Most Scottish designers de-camp to London eventually as there is very little by way of support and/or funding up here - how have you found trying to keep your business located in Scotland?
I'm not going to lie - its hard work and you do need to put in the hours but since launching my first collection last year the press and support, not only in Scotland but also in London, has been amazing. Funding here is limited but there is a buzz in the air surrounding the creative industry and I feel support will improve for artists like myself, especially since there is so much going on in Glasgow. I have no doubt in my mind that I will live in London at some point, probably within in the next couple of years. I am not against moving there because so many of my friends have already done so and they love it. But for now I happy with how my label is going here in Glasgow.
You work primarily with Lycra/Spandex - why this particular fabric?
If I am to be honest I sort of stumbled across it. It was never my objective to use Lycra, I was experimenting and came to love it because of how it sits on the body and how versatile it is to use – it allows me to experiment with the colours and shapes. A lot of people think I am nuts for using this type of fabric as it does take a lot of patience and skill to use but I enjoy finding new and interesting ways to use it.
I like that you have kept your prices very reasonable - was that something you felt strongly about?
Of course being a new designer I want consumers to be able to afford my garments and enjoy wearing them so, for me, making them more affordable made sense and seemed fair. Right now it’s all about getting my brand out there.
Do you have an ideal customer in mind? Who is she?
She is open minded to style and experimenting. Strong women are attracted to strong pieces. Her personality allows her to wear these garments effortlessly. Also she is not afraid to show her body which these garments extenuate perfectly.
I feel that so many women think they have to be super skinny to wear certain garments, I think differently, I think most women are just afraid...I want to change that!
Your colour palette is bright and fun - do you feel that exploring colour is an important part of your design process or will see an all dark collection from you?
I find colour is an important part of my designs, as it is an expression of my personality and style. I find it more visually interesting using aspects of colour – it’s pleasing to the eye, it catches your attention. I definitately feel my style has evolved a little since my first collection, maybe that is to do with my life and growing up so you never know, a dark collection may come, and if it does it will be a progression not deliberate. But I can’t image me ever doing a collection without a splash of colour in there.
Who are your favourite designers?
Of course all the greats, the designers that change the way we think about clothes, for example: Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino. All these designers have lead the way for us. Right now I am loving Peter Pilotto design duo who showcased their A/W collection at London Fashion week. Their designs and prints are colourful and exciting which is why I admire their work.
What do have lined up for the future?
This A/W 09 I am launching my menswear range which I am really excited about doing. Keeping it tailored and sleek but experimenting with detail and, of course, colour. Also next year I will be launching a small swimwear range. I always find when it comes to this time of year i can never find any swimwear that is exciting and fun. I have a lot of plans for the next year to progress my collection and would love to show at London fashion week which is my aim.
Where can we buy your stuff?
You can purchase my collection on-line at www.rebeccatorres.co.uk and also Che Camille in Glasgow and soon to be stockists in Edinburgh and London.
Queen Michelle
