Welcome to Empressionistar.

Hi.. my name's Rebekah, empressionistar came about by emphasising the pressing of prints in my other shop empressionista. When I went to sign up to twitter empressionista was already taken, so I used @empressionistar! and its stuck. To keep both shops connected by name, I've kept the name empressionista and added an R at the end!

I'm a bit of a fashionista and love costumes. I have worked with Holiday On Ice, an International Ice Skating Tour that travelled worldwide. I was Show Secretary for several years. There I got inspired by all the dazzling show costumes, rhinestones, light and pyrotechnic aspects of the show, the wonderful international cast of friends and the very clever wardrobe and costume designers. We travelled worldwide and that's where I got my influences for native, naive and traditional cultural designs and textiles.

Having worked in latin America, South Africa, The Far East and Europe, I've been able to indulge my passion for gypsy, boho, naive, native, and tribal.

My creations are made from genuine leather, printed or hand painted, stitched, embroidered or machine sewn, all carry an individual character and none involve a manufacturing process or mass production.

At college I studied languages, art, interior design and art direction, I make what suits my style and I don't follow trends.

I love leather. I remember when I was about 15 or 16 we went on a family holiday to the South of France and one day crossed the border into Italy. Mum said we're going to Ventimigla markets, its great for shoes. OMG I bought 3 pairs of handmade leather shoes. I'll never forget : one pair was white with a stacked heal, white leather laces and a brogues tongue, the next was purple and pink sandals with a buckle in suede and leather, the third was a pair of grey brogue lace ups. I think that's where my love of leather came from.

When it comes to designing, I love leather for its soft qualities, adaptability, style and sheer elegance. My other love is silk. If I could I'd love to open a shop that specialised in silk, I'd love that too. Maybe soon...

I make what makes me happy.

I am inspired everyday by my surroundings on the lush and tropical Northern Beaches of Sydney and by the lifestyle for fitness and keeping healthy.

Of late I've been designing Fitbit Leather Cuffs with hidden pockets to house your Fitness Activity Tracker, so wearers now have an alternative to wearing the rubber or silicon straps around their wrists, that don't always go with the rest of their outfit for office, casual, cocktail or a night out.

You can find me here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/empressionista
http://www.twitter.com/empressionistar
https://www.facebook.com/Empressionista
https://www.pinterest.com/empressionistar/
https://instagram.com/empressionista/

Empressionistar Leather Accessories and Goods are all handmade on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia by myself in my tropical jungle backyard studio.