Here at Burnt Soul we're proud to say we make everything in the UK, either in our sparkly studio in Bristol or by two lovely seamstresses down in Exeter. We do everything from the designing, pattern making, cutting, sewing, packaging and shipping, not to mention all the customer service and social media.
So let us introduce ourselves, the ladies behind the lycra and what makes us tick!
Head of production and sewing Queen Hannah
The catsuit factory AKA our sparkly studio in Bristol
First up, Robyn, our ultimate boss babe and OG creative Director of Burnt Soul. She’s usually found designing the next fabulous catsuit collection, pattern cutting the most flattering silhouettes or working her magic on the website.
Robyn pictured with Rebecca - our resident Burnt Soul model and MUA - bts at our UV video shoot
How did you get to where you are now?
I studied Fashion at UWE here in Bristol after always having made my own clothes and for others. I started out after uni making bespoke wedding dresses but when I found myself searching for the perfect catsuit for a curvy figure it slowly turned into working with Lycra and tight fitting one-pieces and well...here we are today!
What’s the best festival you’ve ever been to and what would your dream festival be?
I absolutely love Wilderness every year, the food, the beautiful lake and just the overall vibe is so magical...and my dream festival would probably be the Rainbow Serpent Festival in Australia. Colourful stages, great music and a hot country is my idea of perfection.
What’s your fave ever Burnt Soul piece?
Hands down the bespoke catsuit we made for Laura Lee (one third of the band, Khruangbin). The catsuit was inspired by artwork created by @Paula.duro for their 2019 Album - Hasta El Cielo. Laura wore it on stage in Houston, Texas. This one was so fun to make. Usually you have to think about all the practical things like if it's easy to wash or can you wear a coat with it, but with show pieces like this, all that goes out the window and you can let your imagination run wild.
Laura Lee from Khruangbin in Houston, Texas
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Being my own boss. When I left Uni I went to work in London doing pattern cutting for a few fashion designers. I quickly realised it wasn't the life for me. I found it intimidating and cut throat and the work environment was highly stressful. Tie in that with the fact that everyone was working purely for experience, I left London feeling that Fashion (an industry I had wanted to work in since i was child) just wasn't for me or even worse... I just wasn't cut out for it. When I finally did come to creating Burnt Soul - I was determined to create a space that nurtured rather than terrified and was more about skill and competence compared to who you know or what university you graduated at. I feel I have that now and it's one of the best things I've ever made 💖
What's your best Burnt Soul Memory to date?
Wow - there are so many! I think sending off a Disco Ball Catsuit to Miley Cyrus is one of the best though. Not just because of who we were sending it off too but the relief at finishing it in the few weeks we had and the fact that so many people came to help. It was a week of no sleep and mirror tiles accidentally glued to the cat, but it was also thrilling and exciting to be involved in something so big at a time when we were so small.
Miley's Mirrorball catsuit in the making
What are your top 3 insta’s you think everyone should follow?
@depopdrama - Especially hilarious for anyone that has ever had a job in retail... The Struggle is real!
@anniesibiza - For the glitzy-est gowns and star studded street struts your heart could desire.
@plastik - Great account for visual arts and pop culture.
And finally, the woman you’re most inspired by?
More than one person in particular - for me it's all of business savvy ladies I have in my life. Seeing the daily struggles and wins of these ladies makes them all the more inspiring... so heres a big up to all the bad ass boss ladies that I'm lucky enough to know and keep me on my toes.
Little bit of a staff tradition when ever we go out - this one is from Bambalan in Bristol
Next up, Hannah, our very own production goddess and head seamstress. When it comes to all things lycra, sequins and sewing machines she’s your girl. You can usually find her sewing up a storm, cup of tea in hand.
How did you get to where you are now?
I also studied Fashion at UWE before going on to have my own brand Kiss My Disco on the side and then luckily saw a post on facebook that Burnt Soul was looking for a seamstress!
What’s the best festival you’ve ever been to and what would your dream festival be?
Wireless for sure, all my fave music in one place and I’ve always wanted to go to Coachella..I need to know what all the fuss is about!
What’s your fave ever Burnt Soul piece?
The Rio! Ultimate tropical paradise vibes that scream Ibiza!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love the initial sampling of each collection, properly playing around with designs, prints and fabrics and watching them all come to life is so exciting.
What are your top 3 insta’s you think everyone should follow?
@thehappynewspaper - ultimate mood lifter.
@candy.coat - I’m teaching myself to do nails atm and am obsessed with all their products, the girls love it that I can do nail art now, watch this space!
@donte.colley - the sassiest guy on insta I just love him and his absolute fire looks.
And finally, the woman you’re most inspired by?
Maya Jama always. She’s hilarious, so talented and drop dead gorgeous.
Hannah doing the nails on our model Sophie for our streetwear shoot
Meet Rach, she's our amazing studio manager. She deals with all the orders, post and our lovely customers and is obsessed with baby yoda.
How did you get to where you are now?
I studied Menswear Design up in Manchester before becoming a studio manager of a Furniture Company when I moved to Bristol. I wanted to go back to my Fashion roots so applied online and they seemed to love me so here I am!
What’s the best festival you’ve ever been to and what would your dream festival be?
Sonisphere was my first festival and will always bring back great mems...and my dream festival would have to be Woodstock 1969, iconic.
What’s your fave ever Burnt Soul piece?
The Lazer catsuit gives me ultimate rocker vibes
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Seeing you babes feeling super fab in our pieces always makes my heart all warm and fuzzy
What are your top 3 insta’s you think everyone should follow?
@accidentallywesanderson - the perfect aesthetic and seeing the beauty in the everyday.
@avante.art - so much inspo and the most gorgeous art.
@babyyoda_daily - it speaks for itself really.
And finally, the woman you’re most inspired by?
Barbara Streisand and me mam, they're basically the same fabulous person and my absolute idols.
Next up is Bea, a seamstress and content creator for social media and blogging. She loves asking weird questions and fills all her free time learning to skate.
How did you get to where you are now?
Whilst finishing my Fashion degree last year (you guessed it also at UWE!) I started part time here as a freelance seamstress whilst interning for another Fashion house in London. I now run my own brand @beashastudios part time and am definitely learning from the best!
What’s the best festival you’ve ever been to and what would your dream festival be?
The best festival is Field Maneuvers hands down. It’s like a huge house party, amazing music and just a big family having good times. Dream festival would probably be Meadows in the Mountains, I’ve never been and have heard such good things.
What’s your fave ever Burnt Soul piece?
I love the archive catsuit the Viper...desperate to find one on Depop one day soon!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love being surrounded by creativity all day. I’m a very tactile person and so to be crafting, sewing, blogging etc. especially being around the other girls is heaven to me.
What are your top 3 insta’s you think everyone should follow?
@elaimenai - His sewing tutorials and general outlook on life is so inspiring.
@miraalmomani - Just discovered her page where she styles and shoots self portraits wearing up and coming independent brands that have sustainability at the heart and its so cool.
@love.watts - The best collection of art and lifestyle, my go to when I'm in a creative slump.
And finally, the woman you’re most inspired by?
My mum - she’s my best friend and has always been my inspiration.
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