...is Ann O'Toole (me!) making it up as I go along! 

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After working as a designer in fast fashion for the last thirty-ish years and having been made redundant one too many times, something had to change. Along with the direction of a more socially conscious and sustainable world, it was time to go back to basics and build something using my experience and skills.

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Growing up in the 70's and 80's in the small Derbyshire town of Belper, the post-punk scene and DIY ethos of the time were a major influence on everything in my life.

Before I was even aware there was any such thing as a job in design I was making all my own clothes and those of my family and friends (wanted or not!) Using car paint sprays I found in the garage or curtains Mum was throwing out - I soon had a 'brand'! Of note, were a pair of tartan bondage trousers made from mens' second hand golf pants from Oxfam and adorned with our dog's lead (Vicky) and some chains from Wilkos, to see punk band, The Exploited at Derby Rainbow Club. They only lasted the one night as the chains were very heavy!  

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Having never excelled at the usual academic subjects at school and a little lost for direction, an inspirational college lecturer suggested studying Fashion Design .

Four years of study  were followed by my first job as a wardrobe assistant at Oldham Coliseum Theatre, sharing a bedsit with many mice (not in a Disney way!) and previously inhabited, according to my proud landlord, by serial murderer, the Black Panther!

Jobs with G-Force, Coates Viyella and some stints on the dole were followed by work for suppliers to Jane Norman, Bay Trading, New Look and more recently ASOS, Topshop, Boohoo, Misguided and Pretty Little Thing.

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Having collected Vintage clothing, from back when it was still called second hand, the obvious direction was away from fast fashion and into the more environmentally friendly, slow fashion. Using my many (many!) sources of inspiration I am curating and customising pieces to re-sell, moving away from the unhealthy cycle of 'throw away'.

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Using the O' prefix from my surname, O'Toole, in memory of my parents and as a nod to my Irish heritage...I am giving it a go!

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Enjoy...Ann x

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