First off tell us about the event you’re planning and why you’re doing it.
I am planning the BECCI Spring Summer 22 Fashion Show & Networking Event, taking place on the evening of Saturday 9th July in Norwich. The event is about showcasing emerging designers and supporting small businesses. There is going to be a live catwalk show- featuring my work and work by guest designers, then there will be a live performance from upcoming London artist Rafiella B, followed by our networking event with our DJ! I am working with so many talented creatives at this event which is really exciting, including MUAs, stylists and our florist Kelly from Eva Lily Blooms. I wanted to put on this event to cause some commotion for Norwich's fashion and creative scene, as sadly it has been rather quiet for some time! I want to give emerging designers an opportunity to showcase their work and give local creatives a chance to shine, as there is so much talent in the Norfolk and Norwich area!
Sounds awesome! As a designer yourself, how important is it to do local things like this and get community support?
Thank you, it is very important especially since we have had the pandemic and had our lives on 'pause' during the many lockdowns. I graduated during the pandemic, so I did not get a chance to take part in our final year show for graduate fashion week, as this was all cancelled. Now I feel like it is the right time to put on this event, and celebrate the work of graduates who were similarly affected like me. Most fashion opportunities and events are in London, so putting on a show and networking event like this in Norwich is really important, Norwich has so many creatives in the area, but are often overlooked.
What is a bit of your background in the fashion industry?
I studied fashion in Norwich for university, but I first got into fashion and developed an interest in it during my GCSEs. During my A Levels in 2016, when I did textiles, I really knew I wanted to make a career out of it, as it was back then I took part in Norwich Fashion Week too, (sadly Norwich Fashion Week stopped many years ago).
Why did you decide to get into slow fashion? Is it difficult to be sustainable?
I love sewing and making garments, and I think that there is something so special creating a piece from start to finish for a client! Slow fashion seems more attainable to me as a business starting up, and I know that my work will be having a more positive effect on the world!
My collection is made to order so this is helping to reduce any unnecessary waste whilst keeping my inventory costs lower, as it is costs a lot of money to start up a fashion business. It is very difficult to be sustainable, whilst I take factors in to be more sustainable, I cannot call my brand completely 'sustainable'. I source my printed fabrics from a UK based supplier that incorporates sustainable methods into their production, such reducing water when they print, reducing the amount of fabric they throw away and using renewable energy sources for their equipment etc. However, I would never claim my brand to be 100% sustainable as personally I don't think any brand can be, this is not realistic. I would definitely like to keep working on factors to improve my brand's sustainability.
What is it like setting up in Norwich? Will you stay there or head to London?
I am probably a bit boring as I have lived in Norwich my whole life! Norwich is comfortable for me, and not quite as daunting as London. Back when I was at university before the pandemic, I was really set on the idea that once I finished, I would find a fashion job and move to the big city. But I really don't think this is for me, I like running my business and doing things my way, and living at home in Norwich has meant I have been lucky enough to start my own brand. The future dream would be to have a place in London so that I can go down there regularly, as so much in fashion is happening there, and it would be a cool place to live and experience. (In the future, I hope I will get out of my comfort zone of living in my hometown, and try living somewhere else for a while!)
What in the fashion industry do you think needs to change?
This is a tricky one, where do you start?! A major change would be the huge amounts of waste, the dyes being polluted in the waters in third world countries, underpaid staff, unsafe working conditions in factories, unpaid internships from big companies, the list is endless...
However for me, I hope that by putting on the fashion show & networking event it will have a positive impact, and give some opportunities for the designers in the show, the people on the team and the guests/ creatives taking part in the networking event to grow and become more successful.
What was it like working with the conglomerate Shein. They are toted as very fast fashion. Do you think partnering with local designers will help move them to a more sustainable structure? What are your thoughts?
It is really great to be working with SHEIN, although they are a fast fashion company, they have been very supportive to emerging designers like myself with the SHEIN x programme. It is so difficult to get noticed as a small designer and for a worldwide company like SHEIN to be working with me is an incredible opportunity.
I agree, I think despite them getting bad press, I do believe they are working towards a more sustainable structure. They are listening to independent designers and working with them on collections, and taking on feedback. Although my brand BECCI is focused on slow fashion and I create made to order pieces, these items can be in the higher price range, as I do not buy materials in big quantities, so everything costs a lot more to make. Sometimes this can be too expensive for people, so by working with SHEIN and producing collections that are more affordable is a great way to be more inclusive for everyone. I often say that fast fashion does depend on the consumer too. For me, fast fashion is in my budget for clothing, but when I buy fast fashion, I ensure that I am going to get the wear out of that item, look after it, mend it if it does get damaged, and not just throw it out after one use.
Images By Joanna Walker
Check out Becki Ball on Instagram and if you are in Norwich this weekend check out the fashion show she's hosting.
