About FWP By Rae

FWP BY RAE – THE STORY OF HOW IT ALL BEGAN

FWP by Rae was born out of a love for stylish quality clothing.

As someone who loves a classic laid back look, I was fed up of buying t-shirts that were either cheaply made or completely over priced – £90 for a t-shirt – really….!

I previously co-owned a small independent wine company (The French Wine Project) with my then husband, and I spent a lot of time researching wines in order to write up tasting notes (I do have 2 WSET certificates and know something about wine believe it or not).

While writing up notes I found that a lot of descriptions and some words in particular kept jumping out at me, also giving meaning to things outside of the world of wine.

I’m a lover of a good slogan/graphic Tee, so I soon had enough inspiration for some designs. I spent 3 months researching printers and ethical t-shirt producers, borrowed £1500 for packaging and stock and put Bon Vintage along with Rosé into production and firmly crossed my fingers. Luckily for me my background is media and my 25 years in the industry helped with my marketing strategies.

To begin with I sourced ready made products, manufactured in ethical factories, meaning the clothing is made under good working conditions with fair wages and using raw materials like organic cotton, Tencel, Modal, recycled polyester. All the printing or embroidery is done here in the UK.

However, within the first 2 years, the company I used stopped producing the garments that I loved, and as I couldn’t source the cut and style I wanted it forced me to take on the design and manufacturing process myself.

It was not only a massive learning curve, but a huge financial risk. In late 2018 I had separated from my husband leaving me broke and with complete financial independence, so the thought of taking on such a big task was terrifying, especially as I was now the main carer and provider of 2 children.

However the only way was forward, so in May 2019 I launched my first in-house t-shirt designs followed by the fine knit sweatshirts. I am now slowly branching out into woven fabrics and experimenting with colour and prints. I’m still on a big learning journey, and with each item I produce a new skill is added to my tool box.

I continue to strive to create stylish products that are ethically produced, sustainable and affordable. I only make small quantities to avoid waste.

My factories are audited and thorough checks are done with regards to cotton growing (always GOTS approved organic), the manmade fibre processes (Lenzing certified), the fabric mills and the workers.

It’s still just myself the kids and the dog, and the brilliant Lyndsey who I couldn’t do this without.

Check out the full range in our shop 

Rae x

Comments (6)

  1. jenny stanford 1 year ago

    i just discovered your range when i was browsing the next website looking for a blue shirt , i saw your oversize resort shirt and ordered it at once , it has just arrived and i am really delighted with it. This shirt is just what i was hoping to find, the fabric and colour are both lovely and the style is just right for me, i will be looking for more colours it this shortly so thank you for making this lovely garment.

  2. Author
    Rae 1 year ago

    Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Rae

  3. Lynne Hewitt 11 months ago

    I recieved my blue Paris tee shirt today. The quality is beautiful. I also love the story behind it. Thank you.😊

  4. Marie 3 months ago

    I’ve just received a delivery of the Cosmo T-shirt I ordered, love it so much more than I expected too… put it on straight away and have had lots of compliments all day… excellent quality that I also found with a beautiful block print dress I bought last year. Well done once again Rae!

  5. Faye 3 weeks ago

    I’ve received my French 75 and angle sleeve T-shirts and dainty tulip top and OMG I am thrilled! By the quality, the fit and how they feel on. And the delivery was quick and the packaging was fab too. A real treat to receive it all. I will definitely be shopping with you again Rae (especially when the fizz t’s are back in stock 😉) Thank you!

  6. Ruth Bastian 3 weeks ago

    My Saint hoodie has just arrived and I have to tell you how gorgeous it is. The fine knit is soft and lightweight and the design is flattering and can be worn with pretty much anything. I sized up to M (I’m a size 10) for a slouchy fit.
    A great purchase definitely recommend!

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