Laura Basevi
In the spotlight: Laura Basevi, a sustainable fashion trailblazer. Based in Bournemouth, Laura has been crafting one-of-a-kind, vintage-inspired clothing all while championing an eco-conscious fashion movement that defies time and trends.
Vintage treasures
Laura Basevi's love affair with vintage clothing dates back to her college days. Even then, she was drawn to the allure of reworking garments from charity shops, breathing new life into preloved textiles. This creative spark led her to set up stalls at renowned markets like Brick Lane and Portobello, where she sold vintage accessories and upcycled clothing.
Laura's professional journey took her to "One Vintage," one of London's iconic vintage shops. Here, she was part of a team that conjured red-carpet-worthy dresses from the depths of the shop's basement. They frequently dressed models and celebrities such as Kate Moss, Poppy Delevingne, and Jade Jagger. It was during this time that her lunch breaks and weekends were dedicated to treasure hunting in Portobello Market and exploring car boot sales.
The birth of Laura Basevi
Laura Basevi's label was born out of a deep desire to create. Her debut collection featured the signature block-print long dress, composed of panels of repurposed vintage silk sarees and printed cotton ethnic skirts. Notably, her designs caught the eye of the stylish Pearl Lowe, who commissioned Laura to create a dress after seeing her wear one of her own creations. This was a significant confidence boost for Laura and marked the beginning of a journey she had longed to embark upon. Her bohemian ethnic dresses from the first collection sold out quickly, and she continues to fulfil bespoke orders based on the original design.
The seventies revival
Inspired by the 1970s, Laura Basevi's designs boast dramatic silhouettes, bold prints, and flowing dresses that harken back to that era. Each piece she creates starts with the fabric. Laura uses draping techniques to best showcase the beauty of the textiles, cutting without patterns. The shapes evolve on the mannequin as she pins and stitches, giving life to garments that celebrate the essence of a bygone era.
Sustainability at the core
Laura's commitment to sustainability is evident in her choice of fabrics. She meticulously handpicks vintage textiles from flea markets and charity shops, giving them a new lease of life. Each fabric tells a unique story of its previous life, adding charm and character to her creations. Laura's brand distinguishes itself by incorporating vintage lace trims, delicate pearl button fastenings, and other elements that make every garment one-of-a-kind.
For Laura, using vintage textiles is not just about aesthetics but a conscientious decision to protect the planet's precious resources. She is acutely aware of the alarming statistics, such as the estimate that "every week 13 million items of clothing end up in UK landfill." This realisation has fuelled her determination to make a difference. Laura initiated the Re-Bourne workshops, a community skill-sharing endeavour aimed at encouraging individuals to repair, reinvent, and rework the clothes in their wardrobes.
The next chapter
For those who share Laura's passion for sustainable fashion and creativity, mark your calendars for 22nd February 2024. Laura Basevi's next Re-Bourne event will be a collaboration with accessories designer Becca from 'To Be Adorned' at The Old School House Boscombe. An evening filled with creativity, skill-sharing, and interesting people awaits as they continue their mission to make fashion more sustainable and eco-conscious.
Laura Basevi's journey from vintage-loving college student to a sustainable fashion designer is an inspiring tale of following one's dreams and making a positive impact on the world. Her commitment to sustainability and timeless fashion reminds us that beautiful, eco-friendly fashion is not just a possibility but a reality worth celebrating. Laura Basevi's brand is not just about clothing; it's a movement towards a more sustainable and stylish future.
Website → laurabasevi.co.uk
Instagram → @laurabasevi
