Susan Lee meets the woman dressing X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson
Oct 6 2010 by Susan Lee, Liverpool Echo
SHE won our hearts as the shy mum of two from Anfield who wowed the X Factor judges with her stunning voice.
But while the rest of the nation watched as Rebecca Ferguson sang her heart out for Cheryl Cole to win through to the live shows one person had a special reason to be glued to her television set.
Patricia Kelly is the woman behind Rebecca’s stunning dress sense and array of gorgeous clothes.
As Begin Couture she has made the majority of the outfits in which Rebecca has appeared – including the stunning midnight blue gown she wore when she was told the news she was in the final three of the girl’s category.
“I’m a big X Factor fan anyway but the fact that you know someone in there makes it all the more exciting,” says Pat, who is 36 and who bases her business in Victoria Street.
“It’s fabulous to see my clothes up there on the screen and to know millions of others are seeing them at the same time too.
“But it’s even better to see Rebecca progressing so far in the competition. She’s a lovely, lovely person and so deserves it.”
Pat, who began her career at Liverpool Community College studying a BTEC in clothing technology before progressing onto an HND, was initially approached by Rebecca some weeks ago.
“She already knew about my designs and thought they’d suit her style so asked if I was interested in helping her because she was appearing on the X Factor,” says Pat.
She was happy to oblige and initially Rebecca chose from Pat’s off the rail Couture collection.
“But as she went on through the weeks I made a couple of things especially for her as a bespoke service.”
She says she has seen Rebecca blossom as the competition has gone on.
“She was very shy when we first met but the confidence is starting to show. She is beautiful with a fabulous figure.
“I know one of her style icons is Audrey Hepburn.”
The Begin Couture outfits she has worn included the baby-doll style nude short dress in which Rebecca sang for Cheryl and Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am and the ‘70’s outfit of flowy, high waisted pants teamed with a floppy hat.
She also made the backless blue dress which Rebecca teamed with an eyecatching oversized horse ring.
“It’s a great feeling seeing my designs and ideas there and she looked so lovely in them. I’m thrilled.” Pat says she has always been interested in clothes and fashion and began making her own designs when she first began going out to clubs.
“People would say, ‘where’s that from?’ and it would be something I’d made.”
Nevertheless she began work in an office before realising the nine-to-five wasn’t for her and returning to college to study fashion.
After learning her trade she then worked for two years at a small design company where she made her first collection of clothes.
She then branched out on her own and opened her own store in The Palace, quickly gaining a dedicated following.
She now has a studio and showroom in the city centre, open Tuesday to Friday between 1pm and 5pm and at other times by appointment.
She also has a stall at Great Homer Street Market on a Saturday.
“I have a paparazzi line which is aimed at a 16 to 40 age group looking for something to go out on the town.
“I also have Couture line for the 25s and over,” she explains.
“I have a very, very loyal customer base. They know they can come to me for something unique that they won’t see anywhere else.”
She adds that many of her clothes are one-off pieces and she makes her own patterns to suit any size or for any occasion. Prices for the couture range start at around £85.
So did she know how far Rebecca had gone in the competition before anyone else?
“Yes, I did but I was sworn to secrecy,” she laughs.
“Now I can’t wait to see how far she can go.
“It would be brilliant if she could wear one of my designs on one of the live shows but how possible that is now I don’t know.
“We’ll just have to wait and see – and keep watching!”
