Meet René Thompson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful René Thompson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

René, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Designing and creating clothes is my first love and the first time i ever felt comfortable, myself, well connected and seen.

I was lost in finding what was well suited to me by picking things that i thought made the most money, example being, i was going to study law but the revelation came when i was still sketching and designing outfits in my free time and with my mums help of following my passion and praying about my true purpose will always be being a fashion designer.
I owe the world to my mother for her confidence in me and my brand, pushing me to be the best version of myself. My friends and family keep me grounded in my business and support me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is René Thompson and i am a emerging womenswear, fashion designer working my way up the industry ladder. I have had the drive to be a designer since the age of three, drawing clothes even before writing my name properly, although I never forgot the accent on my name that looked like a dot at the time.

My brand represents a mix of Avant Garde and ready to wear with an elegant twist.
Creating concepts from real life situations, it expresses storytelling and political statement pieces, it’s when Art marries fashion,Dressing women in clothes that you would have to raid a rich old lady’s closet for.

I have taken part in quite a few fashion shows such as the Young designers Awards London and FDC Designer awards New York ,the Angelman syndrome show and also the UCA Graduate Fashion show and i will be doing Paris fashion week and i will be doing more shows in the future along with collaborations , i will also be launching my Readytowear line in February so do look out for me .

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

My most impactful skills that put me in the position am in now was my nack for creating concepts very easily and translating them into collections, i’m blessed to be able to find inspiration in controversy and political views and raising awareness.

The second would be my resilience to work through struggles of an emerging designer, such as self doubt and less opportunities for us that don’t entail monetary means and doing my best to make a name for myself and stand out .

Thirdly, by staying true to my unique vision and design aesthetic. My pieces are timeless and elegant, meant to be cherished and passed down through generations, rather than quickly discarded when the next trend comes along.
In a world where fast fashion dominates the market, Renrose boutique prides itself on creating high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that are designed to last. I support ethical and sustainable practices, sourcing our materials responsibly.

My dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets me apart from other brands, making our pieces truly inimitable. When you wear a Renrose boutique garment, you are making a statement about your values and your commitment to supporting slow fashion and independent designers.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The main obstacle that challenges me and other emerging designers is the lack of opportunities that don’t come with monetary incentives, we are given the chance to do shows or take part but they cost thousands of pounds plus the cost of fabric and materials, It brings a lot of setbacks and its hard to stand out, i am still working through this by going for every opportunity that I can and finding charities and companies that support up and coming designers, I hope to change that when I become extremely successful.
Along with the support and confidence my friends and family have in me I work through this obstacle

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Renrose.boutique
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ren%C3%A9-thompson-b03796214?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_

Image Credits

Designer & creative director: Renroseboutique

Models :

Idara Paul
Idaradani

Masha Fomitchova
@sleepless_in_new_york

samantha henry
@bysamanthahenry

Natalia G
@natalia_x_g

Photographers:

Manonce Manonce
@Manonceartist

[email protected]
@Marishkanyc

Make up :

@a.g_the beauty_boss
@Naomi_makeup_artist
@itsadriannnna