Rose is 5 foot 2 1/2 inches (and yes that half-inch is important). They are brunette with 100% natural face-defining eyebrows. When growing up, it seemed the ideal of beauty was a size zero, tall, leggy blonde and Rose was disappointed to not posses these attributes. Growing up with two older brothers she was also labelled a tomboy.
In adulthood, the first garment that made Rose feel joyous was a vintage red swing dress with black polka dots. She didn’t wear a lot of colour or prints at the time, but this dress is what started a change. It was impossible to wear this dress and not feel happy about life and their body. This is the type of feeling she hopes to help everyone achieve when they wear a Rose Noir Designs garment.
Rose trained in design, specifically scenery and costumes for theatre. This work has helped her to see how clothes help us to define who we are and express ourselves, as well as experience working with a wide range of body types.
Between designs for theatre, Rose started making bespoke pieces for individuals, which eventually led to working with latex. Initially they worked almost exclusively for plus-sized women. This happened mostly by chance but became very important. Rose believes that everyone has the ability to be sexy, the right to feel sexy, and to be empowered through what they wear.
“I started designing for a lot for dominant women, who were strong and confident, but didn’t always feel that way about their bodies because of the downfalls of the clothing industry and standard sizing. I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to design for all shapes and sizes and really make a garment fit an individual. Everyone can look good in a garment if it fits them. Making someone feel good is what clothing should do. And I hope for clothing to be as unique as the person wearing it.”
Rose is also passionate about being as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible.