One of the UK’s most inspirational designers, Wayne Hemingway, has welcomed the opening of Liverpool’s newest social business.
ROOD Vintage and its sister community company ROOD Vintage Bizarre, will be launched next week by ex-fashion designer and TV producer, Rachel Olivia Owen on her 40th birthday (Thursday 20 October).
Rachel, who is known to friends by her initials ROO, and whose job title is ‘international treasure hunter’, developed her long-held idea for a vintage retail business while studying at the Liverpool School for Social Entrepreneurs.
Her online shop, www.roodvintage.com will sell antique and retro fashion for men, women and children; vintage furniture, homewares and curiosities; and its profits will support social enterprise, ROOD Vintage Bizarre, set up to help local women who have suffered with mental health problems.
Wayne Hemingway said: “People are realising more and more the value of vintage as a progressive way of making sure that great music, fashion, design and culture isn’t lost and old fashioned skills are passed on.
“The idea of using a social business to recycle and up-cycle, in a way that also benefits local people, is a great example of the way we need to be thinking and could bring back much needed personality to our “clone towns”.
The approach not only celebrates brilliant design but has the potential to contribute to Liverpool’s economic, social and environmental sustainability, in a really interesting and useful way.”
According to Rachel: “ROOD’s commercial business is aimed at anyone who loves great design. It is ethical, sustainable and green, specialising in recycling, up-cycling and the rescue of beautiful things, otherwise heading potentially to landfill.
"Profits will be reinvested in our social enterprise which aims to improve quality of life and opportunity for women who are tackling a wide number of issues – from domestic violence and post-natal depression, to bereavement or divorce.
“We will run workshops, courses and events to help women create clothes, accessories and homewares for themselves and their families, from recycled and vintage materials.”
Rachel, who lives in South Liverpool, has opened a base ‘ROOD HQ’, in the Bootle regeneration area with funding support from Stepclever; UnLtd; The Women’s Organisation; and Liverpool Vision.
The move has also been welcomed by Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast, who said: “This kind of business fits perfectly within our creative, forward-thinking city.
"It will help put Liverpool on the map as design-loving customers from all over the world look at Rachel’s great collection of products.
"Just as importantly, ROOD workshops will help local women improve their life opportunities and goes hand-in-hand with our ‘Liverpool as a Low Carbon City’ aims.
"ROOD is not only a great commercial idea; it is green and socially-responsible. A great new approach to business.”
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