One-BC is a bespoke brand who use an "eclectic mix of fabrics". The brand featured at the Spotlight on Independent Fashion catwalk show and I was very impressed!! From the styling, to the model casting and the production, everything was mind blowing! I was intrigued to find out more so went to visit the managers Tony and Reeta. They were both dressed very cool and they represent the brand perfectly! I was lucky enough to interview Reeta Brack who gave me an insight into the brand...
Can you tell us one word to describe your brand?
Rock and Roll
Tell us a bit about One-BC and how it came about?
One BC, how did it start!? It was all purely through Tony really, he started it and I joined later on!
Why did you choose to set up here in Nottingham?
It really was because of my partner in crime, Tony - he was based here and then I came along
What do you like about the fashion scene in Nottingham?
The fashion scene has always been really vibrant, a great place to party, people always love dressing up
What are the inspirations or influences behind the designs?
I think purely it's about people, our client base is so extreme - from bodybuilders to boxers, dancers and rock and roll legends, it's so diverse and that's what keeps us going so you are just inspired continuously and we just love making clothes
Do you have a favourite piece in the shop?
Hmm a favourite piece.. oh gosh it changes all the time! The favourite piece of mine that we actually did was for the singer Lucy Morrow, the leather suit which took months and months to make and that was the latest one we did. It was inspired by rock and roll and the time that it took to design that, the placement of the embroidery, it was just incredible and because there was so much involved and the client got to watch the whole process, it was amazing
If you could see one celebrity wearing your brand, who would it be?
Err... Madonna is my icon! And Tony's (the founder of One-BC) would be The Rolling Stones but they've been wearing our brand already!
Wow... that's amazing!
Yeah pretty impressive, and Kid Rock has been wearing our stuff as well, there's a long list!
What do you hope to achieve with your brand in the future?
Just to carry on existing really because it's not an easy game and fashions not as glamorous as people see it. We do bespoke clothing so One-BC actually stands for Bespoke Clothing and it's all about the individual, it's about the client and actually creating a unique outfit for them and that's what keeps us interesting. We don't just do tailored suits or wedding dresses, we love working with all different fabrics so from leather to lace to fur and silk and we like doing that because that's what keeps us interested and that's what keeps us going
Yeah the client is the most important thing! Especially now with the obsession of self discovery, people want to wear what they like and the high street doesn't necessarily provide this for those who are more outgoing
Exactly, this is why we have been doing this for over 30 years now and theres not many people who are doing it! I don't know of anybody in the country actually who do what we do and I think it's really unique so that's why our client base comes from all over, not just Nottingham!
Do you have stores anywhere else or just in Nottingham?
No, unfortunately not!
Is that something you would consider?
I'd love stores all over the place, I mean that is my real ambition! To have One-BC across the world, i'd love that!!
Is there anything that you would like to see happen or change in the future of fashion?
I think people have got their own true identity and people that are really into clothes they know what they like and they know about the fabrics. But for One-BC, there are only two of us doing it so it's really difficult to branch out and be everywhere because you just can't do it so for us, a chance to branch out!
Do you have any advise for aspiring designers?
I think if you've got the passion and you really want to do it, just make sure you get on and do it because it's not easy! But if you have got the right attitude, you will do it! And you do need everyones support as well! Fashion design is one of the hardest courses, and there isn't an answer like maths, so follow your heart!
Thanks to Reeta and Tony - keep doing what you do best!
Here are some images that I took from the catwalk show, One-BC in action...
The Loom is a bar/restaurant that opened last November but has recently been refurbished to entice the creatives around Nottingham. It is located in the "heart of the arts" outside the Nottingham Contemporary. This is a perfect place to be as the Loom has recently created the Creative Factory which gives artists the opportunity to exhibit their work. The decor of the place is amazing - you have to visit just to see the outstanding work!! All of the artwork on the walls has been created by James and as soon as you enter, you are greeted by a collection of famous faces. The idea is that the entrance is monochrome with no colour so you feel like you are in a classic hollywood film - full of glamour!
As soon as you approach the stairs, you are hit with a pop of colour and an image of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz (I am the biggest fan of this film and absolutely loved this painting!!). As the Loom and the Creative Factory evolves, the idea is that they collaborate with artists around the area and their work will be promoted on the walls of The Loom. I love this idea because collaborations not only help with self promotion, but they inspire and empower artists to be successful. James made the point that, "it is the artists and creatives that make the area cool", I 100% agree with this and there is definitely a lack of cool places for artists and creatives to promote their work but at the same time to hang out and socialise with other creative and inspirational people. The overall vibe of The Loom was relaxing and chilled, I felt welcomed and personally, I think the atmosphere of a place is vital!
My favourite outfit by far was the denim skirt shown on the left. The rips in the fabric was really effective and worked well on the catwalk. The movement of the skirt fit in with the music choice and the styling of the rest of the outfit worked really well. 
