INTERVIEW #95 REBECCA BEIGE

Name: Rebecca Revelj

Based in: Gothenburg

Occupation: I am currently working as an economy assistent, but am studying circular textiles and in a few months I will get a course in Pattern Making. Hopefully this, in combination with my passion for creating and sustainability, will result in something new and exciting. 

Instagram: @rebecca.beige

 Hi Rebecca, so much fun welcoming you to A Sustainable Closet! Tell us about yourself! What’s your relationship with clothes?

I love clothes and I hate clothes. If I am in the right mood (not tired, not hungry and not stressed) I can make the most creative and fun outfits. When I'm feeling uninspired (tired, hungry or stressed), I wish someone would just pick something out of my closet and get it over with. So I guess my relationship with clothes is like every other relationship; challenging but I couldn't live without it.  

How would you describe your style?

Simple with a twist. I own many basics such as jeans and white t-shirts but I love to get creative with accessories. A good accessory can make any old and plain outfit feel new and fun. Details like socks, belts, jewelry and headpieces are things I often splurge on (second hand or from a sustainable or small business, of course). 

Any favorite items? 

The things I make, whether it is a remake or something I made from scratch tend to be the items I wear the most. Perhaps because of the time and engagement invested in the pieces. 

Where do you find inspiration?

Instagram? All the cool and stylish people I follow on social media inspire me everyday. Also, I must admit that I just rewatched Sex and the City and got many ideas in terms of style and sewing projects (how ever the feminist in me totally lost her mojo). 

Do you have a style icon, if yes, who?

I love people who repeat outfits! We are stuck in the perception that new is good. But the real challenge is to make the clothes you already own feel updated and fun. One person who does this brilliantly is the author and influencer @jennymustard. Her style is minimalistic and repetitive but never ever boring.   

Favorite stores or brands to shop from?

Besides from all the secondhand stores like Arkivet, Sellpy, Vestiaire and so on I like to support brands that are trying (for reals) to make both profit and sustainability possible. If I want to buy something new I choose to buy from brands like Asket, Nudie, Veja, Globe Hope, Dagmar, Bukvy and Residus. In time I hope this list will get miles and miles long. 

What is a sustainable closet for you?

The most sustainable closet is the one filled (not over filled) with clothes that are frequently used. A simple t-shirt makes a huge environmental impact. It's madness to use a garment one time and then throw it away. Or just let it hang in your closet. Let someone else wear it if you won’t. 

What do you think about the fashion industry in general? 

It has to change. The textile industry emissions more than the flying- and shipping industry together. If we continue business as usual we soon won't be doing business at all. 

What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?

Hmm. Get to know your style? Or at least try to figure out what you like to wear and not. There are many ways to do this. Which are your most frequently used items? Try to only buy clothes with the same cut, length, color or whatever. I recently took a body type test, called the Kibbe test. It was very eye opening. The type of clothes the test suggested I “should” wear, is actually the type of clothes I feel the most comfortable in. Cool, right?  

Describe what fashion is for you, in 3 words:

Expression, responsibility and fun!