2020 has been an unprecedented year in so many ways. We all now have a newfound respect and value for the little things, the health and safety of our loved ones, and we realise how fortunate we were pre-Covid.
The impact on our small business has been huge. Early in the year we were all told to stay in, stay home and stay safe. Our brand has been built over the years and is fundamentally a clothing brand designed for your biggest events, the nights out you’ve waited for, the weddings, the red carpets – all the events on calendars that disappeared.
We knew that we either had to diversify or say goodbye to a brand that has been grown through from the ground up, quite literally decades of hard work, our pride and joy. As a small business, every collection, every print and every style is carefully put together over weeks and months to make sure each piece is perfect. We pride ourselves on exceptional quality, unique statement pieces you won’t find on the high street and the feeling you get when you’re wearing RR is unlike any other designer. Empowerment, confidence- feeling your best you.
So, over summer as the pandemic unfolded, we could see the end wasn’t in sight, not even nearly in sight. Something had to change. Our comfort zone and skill set was primarily statement wear for occasions but this is not a year for comfort zones. It’s been difficult to navigate so many things, sales, growth, new collections, staff, supplies. We sold off stock in the studio, launched the summer collection and took some time to reassess how we would survive the year.
Then, our Loungewear collection was born. We wanted to create something that gave you the same luxurious feel, the same confidence and the same happy feeling but that you could wear around the house or working from home. Still the same quality and prints that we have always produced but a new type of fabric designed for comfort as well as style. Amy Neville was our model, a stunning woman who has been featured with our brand before. She smashed it, a socially distanced hotel room shoot and we have the stunning images you see below. Our first ever more casual range!
The new range was a huge success, our loyal RR customers couldn’t have been more supportive and this really showed us that there was a demand for something special, but suitable to the current times. Following this and after a lot of conversations with our customers we moved into another new collection, new territory to RR- Hoodies and Sweatshirts.
We can’t describe how incredible the response was to RR Hoodies and Sweatshirts. We knew instantly that we had created something special and our incredible customers LOVED the new pieces. Starting with four colourways and prints we dipped our toe into this new venture and quickly grew this collection within just a few weeks. This is a range perfect for a treat for yourself or as a Christmas gift for a loved one – these pieces have quickly become a ‘go to’ in our wardrobes. This was also the very first time we had officially done children’s sizes, we wanted to offer something to make you and your little ones feel special and connected during this weird times.
Black Friday came and we worked so hard to create some fantastic discounts and a whole new exclusive collection to offer. When we are allowed out and life resumes in some kind of normal, our customers will feel their absolute best! Our stunning model, Chloe, who you will recognise from most of our new pieces this year has smashed it and been so amazing with short notice changes and shoots in difficult working times. We can’t thank our customers enough for your support during our sale period, you kept our brand alive and we will continue to work around the clock to bring you the RR garments you love. We are also supporting workers within our building who are struggling with lack of business as they help us pack and dispatch our orders as quickly as possible.
In true RR style, our incredible founder Rebecca wanted to offer you one more range as she creatively put together the first accessories collection. From idea to sampling, to creation and shooting in just 10 days. This amazing range features super cosy, lined scarves and matching hats with a discount on matching sets. Another range perfect for treats and for gifts – all with the luxurious feel of designer – no hefty price tags in sight.
It really has been a rollercoaster year. Our brand has changed so much in the last 12 months but we really have grown in terms of creativity, mindset, collections and so much more. We are resilient, we are humble and so grateful to have made it to this point. As much as we look forward to a time where going out out is back to normal, we are also enjoying creating casuals and accessories that make women feel incredible day to day. We are appreciating the little things- here is to 2021!
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