Have you ever seen your friend wearing something and instantly got super envious? Yep, I certainly have! Especially as most of my pals are really stylish, particularly when it comes to dressing up for festivals!

One particular time this happened to me, was when I saw the above picture of the gorgeous Dulcie of That Festival Life wearing some super jazzy earrings at Love Saves The Day festival. I immediately followed Dakota Rae Dust on Instagram and fell in love. It took me a little while to make a purchase but only because I couldn’t choose between all the colours/designs! I met owner/boss babe Bec at Shambala where she had a stall set up and wow what a smiley goddess. I bought a pendant there and then, and very recently purchased some earrings too. It’s safe to say I honestly want one of everything Bec makes. The colours and designs are just so bold and stunning!

So without further ado, let me introduce you to Bec, owner & creator at Dakota Rae Dust, who I had the pleasure of interviewing!

Hi Bec, you super smiley creative genius!

Thank you for speaking to me today! So tell me, how did you start your business?

I studied textiles and surface design at University and since graduating have managed to work in textiles related roles. I went from designing prints and embroideries for womenswear to helping run a small rave wear label that specialised in UV REACTIVE rubber splattered clothing and accessories. I thoroughly enjoyed both roles but wanted a chance to develop my own style and create designs of my own, so started dAKOTA rAE dUST. At first I was just working evenings and weekends but eventually I quit my job to focus on it full time. When i started out I made bags, rosettes and embellished Ts and babygrows with brightly coloured vinyl prints and vintage fabric applique panels.

How have you grown since then? 

Since starting i have experimented with making lots of different products and my style has developed a lot. The statement tassel earrings and fringe necklaces that now form such a large proportion of my range only came into existence just over a year ago. I can’t imagine not making jewellery now. I definitely still feel like i am at the beginning of my journey, there’s so much i want to do. 

I love your paisley/teardrop patterns. I want them on everything! What inspires you the most?

oh Thank you!!!! I’ve been to India a few times, the colours and patterns i saw there definitely still inspire me. I like cutting out simple shapes and playing around, experimenting with compositions and layering. My design process is a lot like a giant game of fuzzy felt. Other than India i would say artists who use lots of colour in their work. I love Bristol’s @jessieabstract‘s work . . . . oh and the vintage/recycled fabrics that i work with. These often form the starting point for a collection, i will be inspired by a vintage print or textured fabric then build my designs around that. Adding complimentary/clashing colours, vinyl for the prints, tassels and trims. 

And what would you say the connection is between Dakota Rae Dust and festivals? 

hmmm probably the joy of dressing up. My partner calls my wardrobe ‘the fancy dress rail’.  I have always loved colour and texture, and the idea of using clothing to escape. Festivals are all about escaping normal life and for a short time living in a wild and creative playground, surrounded by people who all have the same purpose… to explore and have fun. I hope my work captures some of this feeling. Wearing something fun, bright and unique, feeling like you have discovered something special. 

I loved meeting you at Shambala! What other festivals did you have a stall at last year? 

ahhhhhh YES! it was great to meet you properly! you have a fantastic festival wardrobe! I didn’t trade at any other festivals last year, I hope to get a few booked in this summer. Let me know if you have any recommendations x 

Have you always been a big festival goer?

I wouldn’t say ‘big’ because i’ve had plenty of Summers when i haven’t been to a festival at all but i would say enthusiastic. I love dressing up… and there’s no better place to parade than a festival… as you know! 

What’s your favourite festival and why?

OOOO thats a hard one . . . i haven’t been to Glastonbury for absolutely YEARS but that was my first proper festival and it bLEW MY MIND! I felt like i’d travelled to a whole new country after just an hour on the bus. You can’t really beat Glastonbury. Boomtown is also amazing! i’ve only been twice but the creativity involved in incredible. I definitely like a festival that offers more than just music. I like being transported to an alternative reality. 

Tell me your most ridiculous/funny festival story…?

well . . . back when i last went to Glastonbury, (the rest of this sentence will probably give you a better idea of how long ago this was) a massive group of us arrived together, kitted out with everything we needed for the long weekend and vaulted over the fence with the help of a ladder (borrowed for a small fee from a random man outside). Things didn’t go smoothly and once inside we ended up scattering into the crowds to avoid being caught, losing each other, our assigned tent buddies and all hope of reuniting (this could have been pre-mobile phones?!) I ended up sharing a tent with the three, less than well equipped mates i found myself left with. We had 1 sleeping bag and a clear plastic sheet between us! I remember sitting in the tent, freezing cold in the early hours of the morning eating the frusli bars my mate’s mum had made him bring so we could lie on their reflective, silver lined wrappers for warmth?!! dark times. I need a few more home comforts these days!

What are your plans for 2019, both for Dakota Rae Dust and for festivals?

I’m planning to bring out some MEGA bright, tasselled and fringed festival jewellery at the beginning of the summer and will definitely be bringing that to a few festivals, although nothing is confirmed yet! I’m feeling excited about stepping up my game in all areas of my business!! 

Thank you so much for speaking to me Bec!

My DRD collection will most definitely be growing, I’m sure you’ll see lots of pics of me wearing my purchases on the WMT Instagram!

And keep an eye on DakotaRaeDust.co.uk and the DRD Instagram to be the first to know when the new collection drops!