The Humble Beginning
In the world of fast fashion, where trends come and go as quickly as they appear, it’s not often that a brand can establish itself with such staying power. Big Small, however, is an exception to this rule. Founded in 2015 by designer Rebecca Hales, the London-based clothing label has carved out https://bigsmallsite.com its own unique niche in the fashion world with its bold aesthetic and – of course – its instantly recognizable name. But what’s behind that name? And how did a small brand manage to make such a significant impact on the fashion industry?
The Inspiration Behind Big Small
Rebecca Hales’ journey into fashion began at an early age, growing up in a family where art and creativity were encouraged from the outset. "I always knew I wanted to be involved in some kind of creative field," she recalls. After completing her studies, Hales landed an internship with a top fashion brand, where she cut her teeth on everything from pattern cutting to trend forecasting.
However, it was during this time that Hales began to question the very fabric of the industry (no pun intended). "I realized that I wasn’t passionate about creating clothes just for the sake of making money or following trends," she says. "I wanted to do something more meaningful." This epiphany led Hales to strike out on her own, founding Big Small as a way to create clothing that was both beautiful and sustainable.
The Name: A Symbol of Antithesis
One of the most striking aspects of Big Small is its name – seemingly contradictory in nature. At first glance, it might seem like an oxymoron, evoking images of something enormous rather than tiny. However, as Hales explains, this was precisely the point.
"I wanted to subvert people’s expectations," she says with a smile. "The idea that ‘big’ and ‘small’ should be mutually exclusive was what drew me to it. It was about challenging perceptions and pushing against the norm."
In addition, the name Big Small served as a nod to Hales’ own experiences growing up in a small town in rural England. "I was always fascinated by the idea of something grand or impressive existing in the midst of something seemingly insignificant," she recalls.
The Early Days: Taking Risks and Overcoming Obstacles
When Big Small first launched, it was met with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism from industry insiders. As Hales puts it, "Everyone seemed to think I was crazy for trying to do what I was doing." With limited resources and no real support system in place, Hales had to rely on her own ingenuity and determination to get the brand off the ground.
There were countless setbacks and moments of self-doubt along the way. However, it was precisely this willingness to take risks that ultimately propelled Big Small forward. By refusing to be bound by conventional thinking or industry standards, Hales managed to carve out a space for her brand – and for herself as an entrepreneur.
The Turning Point: When Everything Changed
One fateful night in 2016 marked the moment when everything changed for Big Small. A photo of one of Hales’ designs had been featured on Instagram by none other than fashion icon Phoebe Philo, who would later go on to become a key collaborator and friend.
"This was a major turning point," Hales recalls. "Phoebe’s endorsement gave me the confidence I needed to keep going, despite all the doubts and fears that were creeping in."
Following this moment of validation, Big Small began to gain traction with a wider audience – one that shared its values of sustainability and individuality. From there, it was a snowball effect: each new collection and collaboration fueled further momentum, solidifying the brand’s reputation as a trailblazer in the fashion world.
The Iconic Title: A Symbol of Identity
Fast forward to today, and Big Small has become synonymous with its eponymous name – just as Hales had always envisioned. The title is now an integral part of the brand’s DNA, encapsulating everything from the aesthetic to the values at its core.
As fashion continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it’s tempting to wonder whether Big Small will be able to sustain itself in this rapidly shifting landscape. But for now, at least, there’s no sign of slowing down – quite the opposite, in fact. With a loyal following and collaborations with everyone from artist friends to leading luxury brands on the horizon, Hales’ little label has well and truly arrived.
The Future: When Perceptions Meet Reality
As Big Small continues to navigate its own unique trajectory within the fashion world, one thing is certain – this isn’t just about the clothes or even the brand’s name. It’s about challenging perceptions and pushing against conventional norms in a way that resonates with people on a deeper level.
In an industry where trends often dictate what we wear and how we perceive ourselves, Hales’ vision of Big Small serves as a poignant reminder: true style is not just about aesthetics or following the crowd – it’s about embracing what makes us unique, and celebrating individuality in all its forms.
