Emerging designer Rio Wrenn, based in Oregon, works with textiles to create a unique and sustainable lingerie line called R.A.W. Textiles. She uses a range of dyes and fabrics to artistically rust print design originals.
R.A.W. is inspired by vintage undergarments ranging from the 1800′s to the 1950′s to modern day using sustainable dyes, natural fabrics and fair labor practices…
Rio believes her signature style to be the only lingerie of its kind…
“We are the children of the earth and it is our gift to share and nurture”, Rio Wrenn
Noblivity Spotlights Emerging Designer Rio Wrenn
Company/Designer Name: R.A.W. Textiles | Rio Wrenn | R.A.W. ( lingerie line)
Designer Background Summary: Self taught seamstress. Background in sculpture (metal casting) Started dying fabrics in 2002 using rust and natural dyes.
How did you get started? In 2007 I had a small show in a gallery to illustrate what could be made with rust and my designs. In 2008 I entered a local fashion show competition and won by audience vote. That was encouraging and I was determined that the world was ready for my point of view.
What inspires your designs? I really love vintage undergarments and the shapes and curves of a woman’s body.
How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer? My style is sophisticated and yet edgy. My customer likes soft things against there skin and beautiful colors. Because I use natural dyes and recycled metals, they will have a deep respect for alternative sustainable methods and uncommon beauty. My signature design would be the rust printing.
What designers inspire you? Vivienne Westwood, and Wolford
What obstacles did you have to overcome? The year I started my line the stock market crashed and it has been tough to get boutiques to take on a new vendor.
How did you overcome them? I am still working on it but making progress through my persistence.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? I have gotten so much support and encouragement in the fashion community. I have meet many great people and Im glad for that.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? I have not changed my designs, but I did tailor my latest collection to the needs of the buyers in that I offer some simpler designs and solid dyed garments.
If money were no object what would you do right now? I really want to visit India. and I think it would be great to travel the U.S. and collect rust and vintage materials so I could create a line of American recycled trashion.
What are the best and worst things about being a designer? Designers play a role in how women view there bodies. I want to influence that view by using models that are not size 0 or 4 but maybe a 6 -12, that seems a little more normal. The worst part is my personal struggle as an artist that became a textile designer and now a lingerie designer. Keeping all my visions in line and nurturing each part of myself.
Describe your typical day? I eat breakfast, check my email , walk my dog, head out to the studio and work on whatever is at the top the the list. Currently I am getting ready for a big show in Sept. that will be gallery installations for a month and a one night fashion show of recycled couture.
What’s your philosophy of life? We are the children of the earth and it is our gift to share and nurture.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would have went to college and knew what to take the first time and graduated earlier. But on the other hand I needed all the experiences to bring me here and now.
When will you know you have made it? When people all over the country wear R.A.W. and I have choices of what work I want to do.
