In a world where fast fashion prevails and trends change in the blink of an eye, there's something truly captivating about the timeless allure of vintage aesthetics. I embarked on a journey to combine my love for vintage with my passion for creating, giving birth to my very own handmade vintage-inspired PJ business. Today, I'd like to share with you the story of how and why I started this venture.
The Spark of Inspiration
I LOVE the 1960s. As a little girl, my house was filled with sounds from The Beatles, Dusty Springfield, and The Beach Boys and that’s where my love began (thanks, Dad!). When I had a school project that was to be based on ‘something I love’, of course, it had to be The Swinging Sixties. When researching iconic cultural figures I clapped my eyes on the striking, wide-eyed picture of Twiggy and I was instantly hooked. From then I would constantly seek out vintage and antique shops and spend hours ogling the beauties of bold colourful interiors, retro furnishing, and original handmade clothing. I felt an immediate connection to the craftsmanship and quality of bygone eras. With my inspiration in tow, I embarked on a journey of learning and creativity. I delved into the art of sewing, researching vintage patterns, fabrics, and techniques.
(18 year old me with my first ever sewing machine!)
Crafting a dream
This discovery of my love for vintage set my creative wheels turning. I yearned to recreate the magic of vintage fashion, to bring the craftsmanship of the past into the modern world. Together with my love for vintage, I embarked on learning the traditional craft of seamstressing. I graduated from Uni with a degree in Costume Design, where I learned the basic skills needed to really get going. From there, I've worked in costume departments, a leatherworks company, and as a seamstress at a beautiful childrenswear company. After honing my dressmaking skills over the years, I knew I wanted to have my own business, marrying together my love of vintage aesthetics and my skills as a seamstress.
(Way back when! My first ever vintage stall was when I used to design & create womenswear and accessories from vintage sewing patterns...)
Why PJs?
Every Christmas morning I would excitedly run down the stairs to be welcomed by a brand-new comfy pair of button-up PJs. I always say, there's nothing slipping into a pair of fresh jammies can’t solve…. Tired? PJs. Sad? PJs. Happy? PJs. You get the picture!
This comforting nostalgia twinned with my creative yearning, Dressed in Lottie was born. Vintage-inspired PJs are more than just clothing; they're an experience. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting you to a simpler, more comforting time. They're a reminder of the importance of self-care, of taking a moment to savour the small pleasures in life.
Starting my handmade vintage-inspired PJ business has been a journey of passion, creativity, and a deep love for the past. It's a way of preserving the beauty and charm of bygone eras, one stitch at a time. The fabrics, the designs, and the attention to detail are all a labour of love. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but every stitch, every design, and every late night spent behind my trusty machine has been worth it. The joy of seeing my customers embrace the comfort and nostalgia of my creations is my biggest reward.
So, if you're looking to indulge in a touch of vintage luxury and cosy comfort, I invite you to explore my new A/W collection. Together, we can embrace nostalgia and create timeless moments, one sleep set at a time.
