Under the Spotlight: Twerk Rework

I love the concept of turning something you have and may not necessarily wear anymore, into something new. This is exactly what fab brand Twerk Rework does by turning Levi’s 501s into unique and quirky cut off shorts. Perfect for festivals or for those who like to stand out from the crowd. I managed to get an interview with Melissa from Twerk Rework to find out a bit more!

 

What inspired you to start up the brand?

I’ve been reworking shorts for myself for years; I own over 60 pairs. I absolutely LOVE them, and love making them. I made for friends, and then friends of friends, and sold a few of my own pairs on eBay. The response I had from doing those was absolutely amazing. Starting Twerk Rework was the natural next step.

Where did the name come from?

To-WERK your reworks!

 

Why did you choose Levi’s 501s?

Out of all the denim I’ve worked with over the years, Levi’s make the best cut off shorts. They’re so durable, and give the best result once distressed. The 501 style is perfect for everyone. They can be worn high on the waist, or purchased in a couple of inches larger than your waist measurement and worn on the hips.

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic, completely! I do go through phases though; at the moment I’m loving 90s vintage, especially Moschino.

 

Have you always been interested in fashion?

No, not until I was 16. I painted a picture of Christina Aguilera from the Stripped album cover (!) for one of my GSCE Art exam pieces, and sewed it onto the back of a jacket. I absolutely loved it! Then I started experimenting with screen prints and fabric mixing mediums with paint. So, it was when I realised I could combine Fine Art with fashion that I really started to get excited about it!

If you weren’t in fashion what career would you have chosen?

I studied Interior Design at university and I paint. I definitely would be in some form of Art and Design.

 

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in people, attitudes, textures.. If it’s a noun, I’m drawing inspiration from it! To give you an idea of how my inspiration translates into a pair of shorts: The origin of my name is Greek and the meaning is ‘honeybee’, I used this as inspiration for the shorts ‘DUBZ NO DIGGETY YELLOW’.

 

If you could collaborate with any designer, who would you chose?

This question is super easy for me to answer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. I adore everything he does. To even think about collaborating with him is almost too much for me to bear!

 

What do you enjoy most about creating your own designs?

I love the experimenting process. Paint, dye, bleach, fabric… I come home from work with most of those in my hair! But I love it all. There’s nothing better than discovering a new dying technique after days of trial and error, or the pop of inspiration. From all of that, to seeing pictures of happy girls looking amazing in their Twerk Reworks!

 What does the future hold for Twerk Rework?

In the not too distant future, I’d love to have as many independent boutiques across the country, both physical and online stores, stock our shorts. The more girls (and guys?!) in Twerk Reworks, the brighter the country will be, right?!