The story

Back in 2015, Hannah got married. She thought she had solved the sustainable bridesmaid problem when she created 5 dresses from up-cycled fabrics, but even though they were lovely, they weren’t worn again because bodies changed.

In 2017 Hannah opened an eco-friendly bridal shop, but it was impossible to find bridesmaid dresses that fit the ethos. Hannah thought she was onto a winner with a sustainable version of the multiway dress; they were comfy, but not every woman loved wearing them. Some women felt too self-conscious in the skirt cut and multiway design.

Then Hannah had her first baby in 2018 and was a bridesmaid twice 4 months after the baby’s arrival and whilst breastfeeding. After finding it impossible to find a dress that allowed these new curves and nursing, some hacks were made to ‘high street’ dresses. Hannah would have made her own, but she was also making the bridal gowns!

The journey has continued: lots of exploring, sewing and creativity. Another little one, another wedding to breastfeed at, more body evolution and seeing the need is still there. Hannah wants to solve this problem and see more sustainable, adjustable dresses out there, especially for special occasions.

It’s not sustainable if it cannot be reworn. Ideally by the person who spent their hard-earned pennies on it!

The 3 pillars to my sustainable approach.

Creating designs you want to wear again: timeless style & comfort.

Creating designs you can wear again: adjustability & comfort.

Responsible fabrics

These include:

  • natural & degradable fabrics,

  • made ethically, &

  • using fabrics that already exist.

Timeless style

My design ethos is to create pieces that you want to turn to again and again. They look great and feel great and never feel out of fashion. I may nod to current trends in designs but only if that trend feels like it would still look great in 5 years or the garment can adapt again for a fresh look.

Comfort is of the utmost importance to me, you will never get lots of wear out of something uncomfortable and being comfy is key to helping the rest of you shine!

Empowerment

As a brand Ro&Be wants to empower the wearer and beyond. A portion of profit from all clothing will go to charities empowering women and girls and equality around the world and planting trees.

Mend it

Something happened? Don’t worry, I will see if I can mend it. Just get in touch.

Minimal waste

As a small business there isn’t money or space to waste on scrap fabric so if the garment design creates scrap (as much as possible they won’t) then there will be a plan to use that scrap up in a beautiful accessory.

Re-wearability

We change; in fact, our bodies never remain the same. I have loved and lost beautiful dresses to my ever-changing body. My designs consider how we might evolve so your clothing can evolve with you.