Doing it in style – BBStyleHouse in Leeds
A new designer clothes business has opened in Morley, Leeds, and as well as selling its own unique fashion brand, BBStyleHouse is also teaching girls and young women all aspects of the fashion trade starting right with the basics - how to use a sewing machine.
BBStyleHouse opened the doors to its new store and design academy - formerly a massive high street bank - earlier this year and sells its own British Born-branded contemporary and modern clothing for young girls and women, all of which are designed and created in-house by proprietor Kelly, 43, and her daughter Coco,13.
“I am Leeds born and bred, and I come from a mixed heritage - my father's side being Romany Gypsy and my mother is from a non-Gypsy background,” Kelly told the Travellers’ Times.
Maybe because of this, right from the start Kelly was adamant that there would be no snobbery or prejudice allowed in her premises, and that instead BBStyleHouse would be a welcoming place for everyone - regardless of their background.
“I really wanted to create an environment in our shop for all children and women of any background to feel welcome and where they are accepted with no judgement, regardless of their ethnic background,” says Kelly.
“As we all know in this day and age this should be a given but it sadly isn't the case for everyone - but here at BBStyleHouse we welcome women of all ages, races and backgrounds into a safe, positive environment.”
Yet BBStyleHouse is more than just a designer clothes store and Kelly also offers regular training on useful skills for a career in the fashion industry.
“The plan is to teach women and children from all backgrounds the skill of sewing,” says Kelly.
“I have been making clothing for over 20 years and have taught my own daughter Coco from the age of nine to sew and make her own clothes,” she adds.
As well as creating her own clothes for the BBStyleHouse brand, Coco works alongside Kelly on the weekends teaching other young girls the basics - from how to thread up the machine to pattern cutting and various other sewing techniques.
“We at BBStyleHouse believe that young women should be able to earn their own money if and when needed, and learning a skill like sewing will give confidence to young girls to create their own style, to be able to make their own designs and be as creative as they like,” says Kelly.
“We have worked tirelessly to create an amazing space, and we will also run other creative workshops including flower wreath making, arts and craft days, and hair and beauty training in our salon side of the shop,” adds Kelly.
“We also have our coffee lounge/milkshake bar, top of the range sunbeds, beauty services, including brows, lashes, nails, bouncy blow dries, massages, facials - the list goes on!”
Check out BBStyleHouse at 89a Queen Street, Morley, Leeds, on their website www.bbstylehouse.co.uk, and follow them on Instagram.
TT News
(Top photo: BBStyleHouse opening day. Photo courtesy of BBStyleHouse)
(All other photographs by Cath Muldowney for the Travellers' Times, unless otherwise stated)