Tailor the Rebellion: Why I Started Dandy & Rebel

Ooh, hello, and welcome to the chaos!

If you’ve landed here - whether on purpose or by accident - hi, I’m Amber. I’m the human behind Dandy & Rebel. Costume maker, Gender floral chaos gremlin, wearer of dramatic coats, and someone who’s constantly bouncing between historical sewing and queer rebellion.

I started D&R because I got sick of clothes that didn’t fit — not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, genderly (is that a word? It is now). I spent years trying to squeeze myself into garments that weren’t made for people like me. So I thought, sod it - I’ll make my own. And if it helps anyone else feel a bit more themselves along the way, then job’s a good ’un.

Why “Tailor the Rebellion”?

It’s more than just a catchy tagline — it’s a little rallying cry. For anyone who’s felt out of place in a fitting room. For the people who’ve chopped up their clothes just to feel okay in them. For those of us whose style lives somewhere between “18th-century aristocrat” and “punk goblin on laundry day.”

We’re here to rebel — gently, fiercely, stylishly—against all the nonsense that says you have to look or be a certain way to belong. We’re tailoring clothes, yes, but we’re also tailoring space, identity, and a bit of joy into the process.

Clothes That Give a Damn

D&R is rooted in the belief that fit isn’t just about measurements — it’s about affirmation. Whether you’re trans, non-binary, genderfluid, fat, neurodivergent (or all of the above — solidarity), you deserve clothes that feel like yours.

That’s why I’ll be running drop-in sessions where trans and non-binary folks can get help with fit and alterations — because sometimes what we need is a little tweak and a lot of kindness. (And a cup of tea, obviously.)

A Bit of History, A Lot of Drama

My work is heavily inspired by 18th-century fashion - give me a frock coat and I’m living (however I’m a sucker for 50’s couture!) But don’t worry, we’re not stuck in the past. Think Vivienne Westwood meets The Scarlet Pimpernel with a dash of camp chaos and a nod to modern comfort. I like to mix tailoring with drama, and a lot of what you’ll see here will be that perfect cocktail of historical silhouette meets modern queer flair.

Also: velvet. Always velvet………and wool……

So What Now?

This blog will be a bit of everything—behind-the-scenes making chaos, costume inspo, queer fashion rambles, probably the occasional emotional rant about clothes and identity, and updates on the launch of Dandy & Rebel.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your reflection felt more you, you’re in the right place. I don’t have all the answers, but I am really good with a sewing machine.

Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Love,

Amber (they/them)

Costume maker, fit nerd, and founder of Dandy & Rebel