Beppa is a collaboration of two Northwest textile artists. 

 

For years, Rebecca Edwards created a variety of textile products ranging from large scale wall hangings to elegant hand-painted silk clothing. Gretchen Clancy produced her own line of applique clothing under the G Girvin label. 

 

Their joint efforts started in 1984 with a line of playful children's clothing, hence Beppa, the feminine form of Beppo, a Slavic clown. The partnership was enjoyable, and proved successful, combining the best of both talents. The line has since evolved into a nationally recognized collection of women's clothing. 

 

Rebecca and Gretchen's emphasis continues to be on classic, simple shapes and quality construction. To the original custom woven and dyed cottons, they have added luxurious woolens, fine silks, and linens. All construction and surface design is done in Seattle, including applique and hand painted prints. 

 

In 2005, they finally found and purchased the studio that they had always wanted - a 1926 grocery store building in a quiet neighborhood just north of Ballard in Seattle. Extensive renovation brought Beppa into a single studio home with lots of light and space for production, a proper dye room, and a showroom. Now Gretchen and Rebecca have the opportunity to experiment with many different activities, including textile art, repurposed art, vintage buttons, as well as adventurous road trips. 

 

A shared love of Ethnic and American folk art has been the constant thread in Rebecca and Gretchen's relationship as well as business, and they have actively acquired pieces throughout the years. This collection has provided a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the timelessness that a thoughtfully conceived design can bring. Beppa products work to avoid current trends and define a unique aesthetic through natural fibers, quality craftsmanship, innovative color, and classic design.