Rebecca Thompson has become a mainstay in every fashion-lovers wardrobe with her eclectic and timeless designs. Since she launched the self-titled label 11 years ago, the collection of dresses and accessories has been coveted by stylista’s and celebrities alike.
Aside from the look and overall aesthetic, the key to her success lies in her dedication to quality and cutting-edge designs with emphasis on unique fabrics and hand-detailed embellishments. While there is this unique global perspective, the label maintains a distinctive Australian flavour.
Rebecca took five from her hectic schedule to chat with Premiere Fashion Blog on the brand’s beginnings, who the Rebecca Thompson girl is, and her strong online presence that is taking the brand global.
When did you start designing your own label? When did you know fashion design was your forte?
I remember the day I decided that I was going to become a fashion designer. I was 5 years old and bored in church! Every Sunday became sketch a new frock day.
How would you describe the aesthetic of your brand? Who is the Rebecca Thompson girl?
This has changed a bit as I have aged. The label is now 11 years old but the essential RT girl needs to look and feel confident. Each frock often has a little detail that just makes it a touch unique kinda like the RT girl.
What inspired the upcoming collection you are to show at Premiere in Sydney next year? Tell us about the mood board, design process and influences?
Luckily I’m surrounded by artisans in India, who come to me and show me their beautiful beading and embroidery work which makes creating a collection very inspiring. I don’t have one inspirational idea but many. It often begins with colour and an amazing detail.
What sets the RT label apart from other Australian fashion labels?
The hand crafted side of the garment makes the label unique and different to the other Australian designer’s collections.
We often create our own fabric by texturing and detailing it with embroidery, beads or some form of embellishment. A dress can take up to 24 hours to bead – its a piece of art.
You are also very active on Facebook and online with your own e-store, how important are these channels to the future of your fashion label?
We introduced our online store over 2 years ago and as time marches on, the importance of an online presence becomes more and more essential. The store was originally set up to service our regional and non-stockist areas, but things are changing and now it seems that many people prefer to buy and try at home garments purchased online. We also work closely with an amazing digital media company. By spending more time with “younger folks” and “a computer-savvy generation” it also makes it increasingly clear that this is a preferred way to communicate and shop.
Regarding Facebook and Twitter I often still write most of the posts myself as it has become nearly a form of therapy. But on a more serious note it also lets our RT friends tell us what they think, what they want and what they don’t. Invaluable and free information.
You are about to showcase the label at Fashion Exposed Sydney, why did you choose to showcase your line here?
We showcased Rebecca Thompson for Premiere’s first event earlier in 2011 and found we picked up some accounts that we had wanted for a long time. Therefore we felt that the right people, stores and buyers were attending this event and we should once again be involved in 2012.
You can see Rebecca Thompson at the upcoming Premiere boutique trade show for exclusive brands from 11-13 March at the Royal Hall of Industries.
To register visit, www.premiere.net.au