Courtesy of Beqi Brinkhorst
St. Louisan Beqi Brinkhorst began sewing when she was 9 years old and shopping at thrift stores when she was 13. In 2000, Brinkhorst combined these two hobbies to create Beqi Clothing, and she’s been making “good clothes for bad girls” ever since.
Twice a year, Brinkhorst releases a new line of clothing, accessories, and jewelry. She finds inspiration in elements from different decades, and she often mixes in vintage fabrics and jewelry to create something new.
“I get inspired by the actual fabrics themselves,” she says, “and finding the right shapes and the right proportions for them.”
Of her jewelry, she says, “I’m not afraid of plastic. I take old jewelry apart and put it back together in what I hope are interesting shapes.”
Brinkhorst plans to unveil her spring 2014 line at the Green With Indie Craft Show on Saturday, March 8.
The new line incorporates elements from the 1920s through the ’70s, although Brinkhorst says the influence isn’t necessarily obvious. The collection includes floral patterns, as well as color schemes like green and bronze, blush and navy, and pastels mixed with dark neutrals.
Brinkhorst, a graphic designer turned fashion designer, will also be debuting a collection of screened T-shirts with original nautical-themed artwork.
Green With Indie will take place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 8 in Grant Gym (175 Edgar Road) on the Webster University campus. This “eco-friendly” event will feature more than 65 local and regional vendors selling a variety of handmade, vintage, and upcycled products. Admission is free.
In addition, Beqi Clothing can be found year-round at a number of shops around town, including Rung (9739 Manchester, 314-918-0575), Fusion (209 Chesterfield Mall, 636-536-0755), and the St. Louis Curio Shoppe (2301 Cherokee, 314-609-2564). Brinkhorst also sells one-of-a-kind jewelry on her Etsy site.
