Ornette has been a long time in the making, I have been working in the fashion industry for over 17 years and have experienced the intensity of our obsession with fashion and the cost this has on the people making our clothes (not to mention the irreversible effects to our eco system) with an obsession for everything mid century, retro graphics and a noticeable gap in the market for brands who were using their prints not just in clothing but in their homes, spurred me on to start designing prints again and to make a collection that wasn't just aesthetically pleasing, but also made with minimal waste, printed in the most economical and sustainable way and made considerably by hand in my workshop. Ornette was born. Expect contemporary silhouettes you will love but in wearable prints with seasonal drops for both your wardrobe and your home. 

What does the name Ornette mean?

We are also big jazz fans at Ornette HQ and arguably they have some of the best album covers and gig posters going so when it came to choosing a name Ornette not only sounded great but linked to one of the best artists Ornette Coleman, combined with a favourite coffee table book (Blue note Uncompromising Expression) The design and brand came to life.

Who is Rebecca?

I'm the founder of Ornette, currently a one woman band. I was tired of seeing garments I loved in really boring or repetitive prints so I had the idea to start drawing and making my own. My background in Fashion Design and manufacturing helped bring the brand to life. I’m based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire where I live in my 1930's home crammed with mid century finds and printed textiles. I love nothing more than jumping in the van with my husband and my dog Wilma, scouring car boots for goodies, seeking inspiration from every corner of my travels, whilst enjoying good food, good wine, plenty of beer and a soundtrack of good music.

I draw all of the prints in my studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire before sending them off to a trusted printer based in the North of England. Using only Oeko-tex ® Standard 100 certified sustainable fabrics and printed with eco friendly inks, with no excess minimums I ensure there is no waste in the process. They are then cut, sewn, stitched, styled and marketed by me, it truly is a solo project (for now)