The Beginning: A Lifelong Passion for Historical Costuming
My love for historical costuming has been an obsession for as long as I can remember—seriously! By the age of seven, I was already captivated by classic films like Les Miserables (with Anthony Perkins), The King and I (with Yul Brynner), and Gone With the Wind. Even then, I wasn’t just watching the stories unfold; I was studying the intricate costumes, eager to dash to my play clothes and recreate those timeless looks.
While my sewing skills and research methods were a bit rough around the edges back then, my creativity and enthusiasm were in full force. Day after day, I would sneak into my mother’s room to teach myself how to use her sewing machine, driven by a passion that eventually paid off.
At 12, I attended my first Civil War reenactment—the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Inspired, I designed and made my first Civil War "day dress" just days after the event. It wasn’t exactly authentic—think synthetic satin inspired by the TV miniseries North and South—but it was a start. Encouraged by the kind feedback and advice from fellow reenactors, I began serious research, visiting libraries and museums to study original garments and historical images.
From that point on, I dove headfirst into the world of historical costume research, always learning something new. That’s the beauty of historical sewing—the journey of discovery never ends!
Professional Consultancies
- American Friends of Lafayette: Event marketing and management
- Classica/Synetic Theater & The Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.): Independent costume production for Dracula and Chekhov’s Jokes
- Manassas Museum (Virginia): Identifying and tagging historical clothing in the textile collection
- North Carolina Museum of History: Identifying unknown garments in a family collection
- NC State University: Consultant for the production of Gaslight
- James K. Polk State Historic Site (NC): Period undergarment construction
Advanced Education
- MBA – Leadership and Digital Marketing, University of Illinois
- M.Ed – Instructional Design, George Mason University
- M.Ed – Curriculum and Instruction, George Mason University
- BA – Political Science, NC State University, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Rebecca Russell, age 12
A New Chapter: Rediscovering My Passion for History & Craft
After stepping away from sewing for others (previously under the name "Rebecca's Reproductions") to focus on single-parenting my first three kids and working as a government contractor for the Intelligence Community and Special Forces, I’m overjoyed to start this new chapter! With a wonderful new husband, baby #4, and a return to the business and craft I adore, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!
Let’s create something truly special together!
The "Team": My Beautiful and Supportive Family
My hubby
the original three
the original three
This is my fabulous, Green Beret, husband who lovingly encourages my crazy obsession with sewing, historical events and period dramas. Without wholehearted support from your loved ones, small businesses are difficult to maintain. This guy supports it all!
<3 <3 <3
the original three
the original three
the original three
I have four children who keep me constantly busy! I used to drag my first three little ones out to events all the time, and then they turned into teens. ;) I can tell you some events were easier than others. Little ones are not always keen to put on layers of clothes - especially on hot Virginia days! But we always had fun!
The Newest Edition
the original three
The Newest Edition
Surprise! I was blessed with baby number four in 2018! I haven't rustled up enough courage to drag this little guy out to any events yet, but we'll see what the future holds!
The Business: The Vision and Commitment
Bridging the Past with Precision and Passion
BeespokeVintage is a unique and innovative business fueled by a deep-seated passion for history, vintage fashion, and the meticulous curation of historical events. Founded on the principles of preserving and celebrating the timeless beauty of bygone eras, BeespokeVintage is not just a company; it's a cultural preservation project and a gateway to a world where the past comes alive.
The Vision: Crafting History with Care
The inception of BeespokeVintage is rooted in a vision that cherishes the elegance and charm of historical periods. This vision seeks to transport history enthusiasts into the heart of those eras. It’s about more than just clothing; it’s about connecting with the past on a profound level, wearing history, living history, and celebrating history. With each custom garment, digital pattern, and meticulously curated event, I bring the past into the present, one stitch and one story at a time.
Custom Historical Clothing: Weaving Timeless Elegance with a Personal Touch
A cornerstone of BeespokeVintage is the creation of custom historical clothing, where my dedication to the craft sets us apart in the world of vintage fashion. Each garment is not just clothing; it's a work of art, embodying an era with meticulous attention to detail. From the romance of the Regency era to the glamor of the 1930s, every piece is crafted to align with historical accuracy.
What truly distinguishes my service is the personal touch I bring to each project. I am committed to working closely with you at every step, ensuring that your vision is realized with precision and care. Your quest for authenticity, individuality, and a deep connection to the past is met with a level of service that focuses on your needs and desires, making your experience as unique and fulfilling as the garments we create together.
Digital Vintage Patterns: A Gateway to Historical Craftsmanship with Personalized Support
In addition to custom garments, BeespokeVintage now offers a range of digital vintage patterns. Sourced from an extensive personal collection, these patterns are meticulously reproduced to preserve their historical accuracy and make them accessible to a broader audience. By providing digital versions, I aim to bridge the gap between historical fashion enthusiasts and the tools they need to recreate these timeless garments. This digital archive allows sewists to craft historically accurate clothing from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that the beauty of past eras continues to inspire and thrive. Throughout your experience, I am with you every step of the way—if you have questions at any stage, I am always here to help.
Custom Curated Historical Events: Immersing in the Past
Another integral aspect of BeespokeVintage is the curation of custom historical events. These events are carefully designed to offer participants an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary. I am not just an organizer; I am a storyteller, weaving rich narratives that transport participants back in time. Each event is a meticulously researched and curated experience, incorporating special activities aligned with the chosen historical era to enhance the overall journey.
Commitment to Service: Guiding You Every Step of the Way
At BeespokeVintage, my commitment goes beyond delivering exceptional historical clothing, digital patterns, and curated events—it's about providing unparalleled service throughout your entire experience. I am dedicated to being with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final creation and beyond.
Whether you’re embarking on a journey to craft your own historical garment, exploring our digital vintage patterns, or planning an immersive historical event, you can count on my unwavering support. I will guide you through each phase of the process, ensuring that your vision is realized with precision and care. My goal is to not only meet your expectations but to exceed them, offering a personalized experience that is both enriching and seamless.
From answering your questions and providing expert advice to making sure every detail is just right, I am here to ensure that your experience with BeespokeVintage is as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible. My commitment to service means that you are never alone in your journey to connect with the past; I am dedicated to being your partner, every step of the way and beyond.
