Second skin

PICTURES: Nigel Holland

WHEN central American-born Rebecca Soza moved to York three years ago with dreams of following a career in dress design, there was one large obstacle to overcome.

"I didn't speak any English," says Rebecca, with her heavy Spanish accent.

"I wanted to study fashion, but I couldn't communicate.

"The first year was terrible, really horrible. I had to talk by signing," she says waving her hands around to illustrate her point.

So learning the local tongue became her first priority. She took lessons at York's English Language Centre and found a job at the Retreat, the private psychiatric hospital off Heslington Road, to help make ends meet.

Luckily, she was able to practise at home with her three children who were already fluent in English. However, it is a testament to her dedication that two years after arriving in York, her English was good enough for her to earn a place at York College's acclaimed HND fashion design course.

Born and raised in war-torn Nicaragua, Rebecca and her family fled to Panama as refugees in the early Eighties.

Sewing was a family tradition - her mother is a fine dressmaker and passed on her skills to Rebecca at an early age.

"Mum made clothes for rich people and I used to make clothes for Barbie dolls, which they would buy for their children. We had lots of orders coming in. I had a lot of money as a little girl."

Rebecca, 35, continued designing and making clothes as she grew up, establishing her own label, Maria Rebecca.

But she saw it as a sideline to her studies. She was very interested in science and harboured dreams of being a doctor. "But that involved seven years of study, so I decided against it," she says.

Instead she took a diploma in electronics, followed by degrees in Human Resource Management and Law.

But none of these gave her the same pleasure or satisfaction she gained from dressmaking.

"I realised I wanted to be a designer," she says. "And getting on a course to improve my skills was what was important to me."

That opportunity arose when the family moved to England and Rebecca found out about the fashion course at York College.

Once she had grasped the English language, she enrolled straight into the final year of the two-year course.

Tutors, she explains, were so impressed with her dressmaking skills that they decided she could miss the first year of the diploma.

The highlight of the course was taking part in the prestigious London Graduate Fashion Week. York College is the only non-degree institution which regularly qualifies for this annual event, which is widely recognised as a new-talent spotting showcase.

Rebecca's collection - shown here - featured evening and occasion wear in soft shades. Signature details included intricate criss-cross fabric weaving, long lines and flowing fringe-like ties. A fabric flower worn on the wrist or choker-like on the neck adds a finishing touch.

"My designs are elegant and sexy," explains Rebecca. "I want people to feel like they are wearing a second skin when they are wearing my clothes.

"I like my clothes to make people feel confident. When they walk into a room, people will notice them, they will be the centre of attention - and they will feel comfortable with that."

Like all designers, Rebecca strives to offer something different.

Much of the influence for her collection came from a college trip to Paris last year, where she was struck by the romance of the architecture and sculptures.

"It is such an elegant and romantic place," she recalls.

Her talent has also led to her securing a new job - at dressmakers Thimbelina of York in Walmgate, where her stunning college collection is now on display in the window.

And it's already drawing in interested customers.

"Several people have come in and said this skirt would be perfect for the races," she says pointing to an unusual short yellow skirt, which fastens up the side, has a criss-cross weave on the back and long fabric fringes dangling from the hem.

"They say the design is very different for York - and they are right," she says with a smile.

Rebecca is full of praise for the many people who have helped her over the past three years.

"All of this would have been much more difficult to achieve if it hadn't been for the wonderful support of the friends I have met in England. I owe them a big thank you from my heart."

In the future, Rebecca wants to go to leading fashion centres in Spain and Italy to take courses in pattern cutting for industry. Then, armed with her qualifications and honed dressmaking and design skills, she plans to return to Panama and establish herself as a leading name in the fashion world.

"I will start my own business again. I know there will a lot of people interested in what I can do," she says.

And she's not the only one to have confidence in her dream.

York College fashion tutor Sharon McAra-James believes Rebecca has what it takes to succeed.

She said: "Rebecca has shown such strength, determination and creativity to achieve such wonderful work by herself that I have no doubt the future will hold great things for her. Her ambition is to own her own design studio and shop and I am positive that one day soon she will do it."

u Rebecca's work is on display at Thimbelina, 29a Walmgate, York. Telephone: 01904 610524.

u Our photographs were taken at the 14th-century Merchant Adventurers' Hall, Fossgate, York, open to the public daily. For more information, call 01904 654818.