Making things to last
What I do to give a garment a quality life
In the construction
A garment is going to last longer if it is made better! Simple really but many ‘fast fashion’ brands cut corners or do things with less fabric or in the quickest method as they don’t want garments to last, they want you to buy more! Plus they can save money and give it to you cheaper this way.
I don’t cut corners…
I make each garment with a ‘healthy’ seam allowance and create french seams. This means garments will last longer at the seams as they have been stitched twice and the raw eges of the fabric are all enclosed preventing fraying. I can use an overlocking edge, and sometimes I may need to but where possible I will use a french, bias bound or flat seem to make it stronger, and it is a beautiful way to finish a garment.
Where a garment will see extra strain like the waist it will be stitched again.
I finish with a rolled hem rather than an over locked one. Again just makes it more durable.
Using quality fabrics
The right fabric for the right job. Floaty skirts but not too thin, weightier trousers to last at the knees.
In the design
Practicality
I believe if you are going to rewear a garment it needs to fit in with life outside of a celebration. At an event you might not really need pockets as you have a lovely bag to go with your look but afterwards you will! So pockets are included.
Our bodies change FACT.
You will not have the same body forever that you had on your wedding day or when you were pregnant or during nursing or even a period impacts our weight. So if you had a dress that was stunning and close fitting with a zipper for that wedding event but then found out you were expecting or joined the gym afterwards and changed physically, then you might sadly put the outfit to the back of the wardrobe never to be worn again by you.
So I don’t create dresses that only have one close fitting option. I consider how we might change and have different needs from our clothing so they they can adjust to work for you.
In the styling
One of the values at Ro&Be is to create styles that you will love now and in the future. Designs might be influenced by trends but they will be edited into timeless pieces.
If I can make it reversible I will!
I will be considering how it might be restyled for different occasions too for example could it be layered, can I make parts detach and reattach and many other considerations! My brain is always thinking how I can make it best!