She's Electric: Rebecca Torres

As she prepares for her spring/summer 2011 collection to go up for sale online, womenswear designer Rebecca Torres speaks to us about going with your instinct, sci-fi heroines and bold colours

Feature by Alexandra Fiddes | 13 Jan 2011

Starting out in textiles with patch work and running stitch as a small child, then discovering a talent and going on to do both an HND in fashion design at Cardonald College and a BA in fashion business at Glasgow Caledonian University, Rebecca Torres has come along way in a short amount of time, gaining both media acclaim and a fast growing fan base, especially in her native Glasgow.

"League Of Electric is the name of my new collection," Rebecca tells us, which we will be able to buy on her website from the 8th January, and in independent boutiques such as We Love To Boogie. I've been lucky enough to see some of the new garments in the flesh, and when I ask about the inspiration behind the work Rebecca exclaims, "It celebrates my secret fascination for classic sci-fi. Not so much for the plots, but instead an obsession with the bright costumes and powerful female characters. The colourful costumes which embraced feminine curves were their shield and armour."

This latest offering from Rebecca's label TORRES, her fourth seasonal collection, certainly does celebrate those super heroes and an unashamedly obvious female form. While definitely keeping the TORRES signature 'colourful, feminine and electric' look, this collection at the same time feels slicker and more grown up than her previous seasons, and will surely be a great seller (with all those brave enough to don specialist 4-way stretch lycra anyway) once it launches.

Trying to unlock the key to this success, we find that when creating her new garments Rebecca likes to work instinctively. "I tend to come up with ideas and quickly sketch them down. If I really like them then I go straight into production. Once I've designed the garment, that’s when I realise where my inspiration came from. Go with your first instinct, why potter about with an idea? You lose its essence and meaning."

This process, along with the backing of her friends and family, have pushed the label forward in the last couple of years. "They've always been behind me and supported me. They’re my biggest critics, especially my partner. He will always tell me straight if he likes something when I'm unsure of a garment."

As well as the online spring/summer collection launch, also on the cards for the coming year are collaborations with other artists. "I am doing a couple of projects next year which I'm really excited about, but I am keeping tight-lipped about it just now as it is early days. So, keep your eyes peeled!" So, unfortunately, we will have to wait.

When asked what her biggest success has been so far, instead of mentioning styling for singer/songwriter Roisin Murphy, inclusion in designers to watch lists or being shortlisted for the Creative 30 competition in 2008, Rebecca remarks, "Seeing my first purchased garment on a complete stranger on a night out recently! It was the greatest feeling of achievement, and that is what keeps me going."

And for this coming year? "I'm not really a big fan of the new years resolution, but I always say I'll just do my best this year!" With an attitude like that 2011 will surely prove to be Rebecca Torres's best year yet.

 

Rebecca's s/s 2011 collection will be available to buy from her website from the 8th January.

http://www.rebeccatorres.co.uk