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Vancouver is home to a thriving fashion industry made up of individuals committed to its growth and success. Get to know these personalities in The Inseam and discover what makes the Vancouver Fashion scene so awesome. |
Photos courtesy Beth Richards
Cross icons, arm bands, mesh panels and sleeves are not typical details found in swimwear, but contribute to a signature look that uniquely defines Beth Richards. Versatility is a key element to the collection, with separates and one piece suits that double as tops and layering pieces that transition into your everyday wardrobe. With a diverse background in design and a creative perspective that draws from photography and film to nineties supermodels, Beth has developed an aesthetic that is distinctly her own. It comes as no surprise then that the collection is quickly gaining momentum, garnering the attention of retailers from Germany to Istanbul, and even the premier online luxury site, Net-a-Porter.
I caught up with the designer to discuss her roots, her transition into creating swimwear and how she envisions the future of her line.
Valerie Tiu: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Beth Richards: I’m originally from Toronto. I was recruited out here for Aritzia and I did accessories with them for several years. Being out here actually inspired the whole collection. Beach culture in Vancouver really made me realize that there is a huge void in the marketplace. I couldn’t let another season go by where I didn’t address it. Part of what I think is special about this collection is that you can wear it out after the beach. It’s about making plans when you’re there, getting on your bike, throwing on jean shorts and then going to a BBQ or a house party and hanging out after. So that’s what brought me to Vancouver and I love it. Whether or not its home for me forever, I’m not sure. Time will tell.
VT: How did you get into designing swimwear?
BR: I consider myself a designer and I can design anything, really. I can design a couch if someone asked me to do that. I did want to leave accessories only because I’ve been doing it for so long and I really wanted to do something new and fresh. It really came from a place where I saw something was missing and I saw the opportunity to take it.
VT: What was one of your first fashion memories?
BR: It’s funny because I think back to when we first started thrifting. Thrifting never used to be considered what it is [now]. I remember my mom used to be somewhat horrified—she would refer to it as dead people’s clothing! We would go to church bazaars where we’d find a lot of old stuff. I found myself reworking a lot of things and just trying new things, styling wise.
It must have been grade seven or eight when my mom bought me my first sewing machine. That’s when I started taking things apart and putting them together. I had an ELLE or Vogue Magazine where they did deconstructed denim, and that was one of my first projects. I made this skirt from jeans, and it ended up becoming popular later on. I kind of just started experimenting that way.
VT: How do you envision women wearing your line?
BR: I would love to see them wearing it all day, all the time. I wear a lot of the pieces underneath sweaters or with cute leather pants. I really want them to feel versatile. Partly because for some people this could be an investment piece. They’re not the cheapest swimsuits you can find, so offering her some extra longevity with them is a good thing.
VT: Can you discuss your Spring/Summer 2013 Collection?
BR: This was a much broader collection, a lot more transitional pieces. I wanted to see where the interest was going to lie. It’s just interesting to see how it’s being received. The real fundamentals of the collection are there, so you see a lot of contrast and icons, like the cross and I brought back the censor. I didn’t want to repeat a lot of things. I wanted to evolve so I tried to do that by adding in the elements from last season but really starting to build a broader sense of my design perspective. I wanted it to be somewhat foundational because we are still in the early stages, but I still wanted it to feel fresh and forward. You’re only as good as your last collection. It really puts pressure on me to just make the next one that much better.
VT: Do you look up to any particular designers?
BR: I draw from a cultural perspective more than anything. I think it really starts with the girl. I look at a lot of photographs of Kate Moss, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista. I grew up watching the nineties supermodels. I love photography, so [I look up to] Steven Miesel, Herb Ritts, and musicians like Madonna. I watch a lot of old videos and documentaries. That’s where I draw the majority of my inspiration. There are a lot of amazing designers that I love and appreciate, however, I really think it’s important for me to have my own voice and perspective.
VT: What is your most favourite piece that you have designed so far?
BR: I have favourites but I think it’s important to not get too ahead of yourself. I rarely think, “Oh this is the perfect,” but I certainly have pieces that I love. There is always something that can be done to make them better.
VT: Does living in Vancouver influence your design process?
BR: This past season, I happened to be on a work trip to Mexico and that’s where I actually ended up putting pen to paper and getting it all down. I collect ideas all year but that’s where I actually physically put the collection together. I think I adopt that general process. Just doing it alone, secluded somewhere so I can have some quiet and clarity.
VT: What is it like to see people wearing your designs?
BR: I have a moment when I see a complete stranger wearing it. Right now it’s been a lot of friends and family wearing them for the most part. It’s an amazing feeling to have people respond to something that you’ve done. To be picked up by Net-a-Porter and to be recognized on a level with some of those other designers is really flattering and an amazing feat.
VT: How do you envision the future of your line?
BR: Looking at some brands that I look up to, Acne is definitely one that I aspire to be like. The Acne story is interesting, where they started out with something as basic as denim and have now established themselves as a full design house. I do think big picture and I want that type of success. In ten years I want to at least have a flagship store. That’s my goal.
Beth Richards is available at Gravity Pope Tailored Goods in Vancouver and online at Net-a-Porter and Shopbop. Click here for the complete stockist.
