The worlds of fashion and art collide as designer, Erin Beatty, brings her sustainable home and fashion brand to a pop-up at The Willie Shaker Gallery on Washington Street.
Visitors will be treated to goods from Rentrayage, French for “to mend,” translating into a unique form of fashion that transforms vintage clothes and fabrics into one-of-a-kind creations.
“Many don’t realize that over 50% of fabrics are made and never used,” said Beatty, the brand’s dynamic sole designer, who once served as creative director for the ready-to-wear line at Tory Burch. “There are tons of deadstock fabrics that exist and this is us tapping into that.”
In addition to utilizing deadstock (unused or leftover) fabrics, Beatty’s garments are fashioned in New York City from upcycled vintage clothing – vintage clothes that she literally cuts up and reinvents, she said. Given her storied history in the world of fashion, she knows of small factories, or “sample rooms” in the city where her creations come to life.
Beatty’s flagship shop is located in Kent, Connecticut, and her brand is also sold in specialty stores across the country. She sells some home goods wholesale, which are available on https://abchome.com/.
Artist and gallery proprietor, Steve McClure, and his wife, Sandra, who is the design director for a specialty clothing brand, had Beatty’s work on their radar and decided to collaborate with the designer. They knew of Chloe Guss, who works for Beatty, and Guss happens to be college friends with Mariel Lane, who lives in town and is overseeing the pop-up rollout.
“As an artist, it’s what I do, so, yes, we are cut from the same cloth,” said McClure. “I like this technique of reusing and recycling obsolete fashion. It’s worthwhile to reuse, it’s smart, and creative, too,” he said.
The Rentrayage pop-up will occupy about 60% of the gallery’s space in the front gallery room and center hallway. Beatty will be featuring her unique fashion pieces, including her denim line, homewares she has designed, ceramics from Puglia, Italy, as well as luxury blankets from Mantas Ezcary of Spain.
“The blankets are stunning and ethically made,” said Beatty. They raise and shear their own sheep, who are treated and cared for properly. The ethics and sustainability of the brand is what I love.”
The opening will happen on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at The Willie Shaker Gallery, 70 Washington St. and will remain open through the end of the month. Depending on demand, that could expand into December, said Beatty.
And should there be enough interest, Beatty would consider opening a brick and mortar in town — a location she has grown fond of.
“My husband grew up in Nantucket. Visiting Marblehead reminds me so much of it. “It’s such a beautiful town,” she said.
For more information on Rentrayage, visit rentrayage.com.
