Rebe Burgess, designer of Rebe.
Rebe Burgess has been making her fashion design dreams a reality since launching her debut accessories line Rebe in late 2014. The former marine biology student has run a successful personal style blog Rebe's Runway since 2012 and can now add designer to her CV. It is her love of the beach and headwear that led her to create the perfect hat and many others are also adoring Rebe's fedoras which are stocked online as well as at The Co-Op and BlakChaos stores.
We caught up with Rebe to find out more about her label, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
The latest collection is actually my first! It features a line of wide brim wool felt and straw fedoras. Each hat I design is hand-crafted with love right here in New Zealand. We only produce a small run per style and use beautiful, quality materials. Each style is designed to be a classic!
What made you become a designer?
It has just always been a dream! so when I finished up with uni I thought it would be the perfect time to start and bring to life all these ideas I’d been dreaming up.
What inspires you?
We might be here a while! I’m inspired by a constant stream of things. My studies of the marine environment and the ocean will always continue to inspire what I create/how I live/where I want to be! My family and friends are a big inspiration, they’re amazing! I’m always searching through different sorts of imagery, whether it be of dreamy places, architecture, art and paintings, nature or street style photography. Stylish women, iconic women, my favourite bloggers and writers. There are so many things to be inspired by, I mean just look around us, New Zealand is beyond!
Describe your personal style and how it influences your products and brand?
Sometimes I feel my personal style is all over the show, I’m attracted to so many different looks/personas! And like most, how I’m feeling that day will determine how I want to dress (including what hat to wear!) I do know that my love for a good classic is unwavering. A white shirt and denim combo, 100%. When designing, I find myself focusing on classic styles, shapes and colours.
Menswear inspired pieces and looks (blazers, military, pinstripes, pants) are definitely a go to; worn with a feminine twist can look so chic. I also have a bit of a thing for bohemia; maxi lengths and printed silks, yum! Seeking out good vintage is a major too. I love big furs (faux of course), vintage tees and levis denim, suede etc. I imagine the hats being worn well with basically everything i mentioned above!
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
This vintage orange dress I bought from a little shop in Paeroa! It has gigantic pleated sleeves with brown embroidery at the ends of them and around the neckline. It’s a dream.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
A good boot… and a white shirt!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
I never leave the house in something I don’t feel like me in!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
All the support Rebe has received over its first year. I couldn’t be more grateful! it’s the best feeling seeing someone wearing one of my hats and loving it.
What can’t you live without?
Regular visits to the beach!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
I don’t want to limit myself.. or the question to come back and haunt me! Haha!
Images from Rebe.