Q&A WITH BAILEY RENEE!
The fabric… The luxury… The easy, breezy, effortless flow…
Today we chat with Bailey Renée—the founder and designer behind her Portland, Maine—based, eponymous fashion brand!
Hi Bailey! Can you share a little bit about your business with us?
Sure! My name is Bailey Renée and I am the founder/designer behind my namesake label. I create botanically dyed keepsakes in easy-to-wear, fluid styles that bring a sense of gentleness and ease into the everyday flow of life. Our products are mindfully made between the United States and India with an array of luxe, natural materials in an ethical and sustainable supply chain.
Have you always been into fashion and art?
Yes! I have always felt a need to create, and fashion has always been my favorite medium of expression. For me, fashion was love at first sight. When I was in kindergarten, I remember going to my brother’s first communion and seeing all the girls wearing these gorgeous white dresses, and I was in awe!
From that moment on, I was constantly dreaming about dresses and creating them from anything I could find. I spent a lot of time exploring nature and always seemed to have pockets full of flower petals that I would use to design and create dresses for fairies. As I got older, my flower petal dresses turned into sketching, stitching, and constructing the designs that danced around in my head. For me, fashion is a creative form of storytelling, and connection that for me, feels like breathing—so natural and necessary.
What are some things that inspire you and your pieces?
Living mindfully is a huge inspiration for me. Staying grounded to appreciate the moment at hand allows my creativity to flow with ease. I truly enjoy wandering in nature, and find that being fully immersed and surrounded by visual beauty and tranquil energy never fails to inspire me. Connecting with nature allows the space for me to create with intention, awareness, and appreciation to reflect the essence of nature in every piece.
What do you love about living, working, and playing in the great state of Maine?
I have fallen in love with living in Maine! It’s an easy-going place to live, with so many kind, warmhearted people. Maine is abundant with nature, its breathtaking beauty fills the air with a harmonious energy that transcends into the everyday flow of life, making it a wonderful place to live and create.
What’s next for you and Bailey Renée designs?
I have a new collection releasing this winter with a more emotional, tender, and vulnerable narrative and I am so excited to share and connect with people on a deeper level. We are expanding our product offering with new silhouettes, ranging from comforting oversized cuts to flowing frocks that beautifully frame the body. All of the pieces are rendered with an array of luxe natural materials and intentionally dyed with nature.
What are you most proud of and how does it show up in your work?
We currently work with a women-owned and operated ethical sewing studio and an artisanal natural dye house. I am incredibly grateful to work with a community of artisans to preserve traditional craftsmanship where we all honor and respect mother earth.
As my business grows, I plan on expanding upon my artisanal partnerships while continuing to uplift a female-driven workforce by experimenting with a variety of traditional techniques such as weaving, block printing, and hand embroidery. I love the way the touch of the hand shows up in every garment, making each keepsake truly one-of-a-kind and unique. So much love and intention is woven into every detail. My greatest hope is that everyone who wears one of my pieces feels the love that went into crafting their next generation’s heirloom.
Thank you for sharing your business with us, Bailey Renée; we are inspired by your beautiful artwork and your approach to business, and look forward to following your journey!
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