Lizzie - We-Resonate
Trained in printed textiles, ex Alexander McQueen designer, Lizzie is Founder to We-Resonate, a beautiful eco and socially conscious brand. At a time when the world is slowly starting to take note of their choices in sustainability and wellness when it comes to fashion, how can we ensure we’re making conscious decisions without losing our sense of creative joy in this form of self expression…
How do you think we can live consciously and incorporate wellness through our choices in fashion?
My instant approach to this is a good clear out and to work with a friend or stylist (who's style you love) to understand your style then edit and re-inspire your wardrobe. Such an amazing cleanse for the mind too. A good clear out is important to show that holding on it things we don't connect with (but might have been a trend) is a waste of money and space. But what do we really connect with?
...For me it is only once I had time to start figuring out who I was that I really 'felt' my wardrobe. As a designer my wardrobe was influenced by my design research + fellow designers such as Japanese fashion (very black), minimalist and masculine, as a way to portray a message of edgy professionalism, rather than my personality. I've come to believe is better for our wellness to know ourselves, to follow our curiosities and connect to creative pulls. Crucially, to find what clothing makes us feel amazing to be ourselves, to be unique. This becomes something you're proud to represent and in turn you're proud to represent yourself and thats the beauty of what fashion can do for our wellness. Now I have a emotional tool, that is my wardrobe, with the spirit of a collector, activist, art lover, with tributes to my past (my Japanese wide leg trousers)
What is We Resonate’s mission and how do you tackle sustainability issues?
At We-Resonate, we resonate the need to live + perform optimally through self connection, creativity and curiosity. Not only do we benefit + enrich our lives from learning about ourselves but also the stories behind our clothes. I watched One True Cost in 2017 and I had the opportunity of time (being on maternity leave from Alexander McQueen) to create my answer, I focused on up-cycling to give more life to existing beautiful materials. I knew the pollution + negative impact of producing new materials is catastrophic for the environment and on local people and workers, so I needed to create a brand with only no negative impact and more soul. I personally source vintage silk scarves and with my local seamstress we make elegant, loose slip dresses that can be worn on so many occasions, from a summers day to any party. Because of the small scarves each dress is the only one of a kind with a patchwork of prints. The cross like composition echos the need for balance for wellness and links to the artworks I also create.
Can you tell us a little more about your workshops?
After enormous amounts of research into style, self awareness and wellness, I naturally came to holding workshops as spaces to be creative and self-curious. But how could this have a potentially huge impact on people and follow my mission? With a common issue being lack of time and focus, setting intentions naturally opens up time, creates direction and compassion for others and the environment.
'Create Your Intentions' is an alternative vision board workshop where I use the kaleidoscope design of the dresses to help you create you own original artwork. The science of vision boards only works if we're looking at them regularly, by making a collage that is beautiful to look at, it ends up on your wall, not your drawer.
‘By championing the value of existing materials and of personal style and creativity we create a fashion industry with a positive impact.' Lizzie, Founder of We-Resonate.
What inspires you?
Artistically, places of art, the V+A for instance. Satisfying my need for visual inspiration links so closely to my wellness. To go and see, feel, experience new things and be around creativity and people I think is really nurturing for the soul. Nature, I've always painted flowers, but just looking at nature so closely is so fascinating and mindful. Children, their boldness, fascinating growth and sense of freedom. Challenges, I think we need them to inspire change and new beauty.
What is your hope for the future of the fashion industry?
On the streets I hope to see more people embracing themselves and unique style. 'Shopping' is experience led from a stylist holding tours, clothes swapping, self making, repair workshops and made to measure. Small + vertical (manufacture localised) businesses are flourishing bringing jobs in craftsmanship. On the industrial level, retailers and manufacturers are 'B corps' where social + environmental impact is more important than business + financial growth. Also to have an unbiased + demographically run media and advertising industry and therefore good public mental health with positive body, vulnerability and educational messaging.
How do you practice self care?
I tuned in, I have literally made friends with my inner dialogue and listed what really does make me happy. This reduces beating myself up and has lead to more self acceptance. I try to prioritise me time. I've stopped answering my emotional reactions with watching tv, eating badly and instead I try to sleep more, be outside more, drink more water, I started running and regularly do relaxing yoga.
What is your favourite ritual?
On warmer days, sitting outside with a morning tea, and again in the evening. Relaxing Yoga, grateful blessings and a mediation before bed. Also putting my 2 year old to bed, it just makes me slow down for the evening (which isn't great when I have to work late!).
How can we follow you and your work?
My website for the blog, artwork and shop is www.we-resonate.com. I send out newsletters fortnightly with the first glance of new workshops dates and newest dresses.
On Instagram I'm We_Resonate (www.instagram.com/we_resonate) ...I'm often on my stories!
You can also find my inspirations on Pinterest (www.pinterest.co.uk/weresonate).
