Sitting barefoot on a stool in her design studio, dressed in blue jeans, a pale blue top and deep red floral earrings peeking out from her dark brown shoulder-length curls, Rebecca Marks gives off a Caribbean-like flair that reflects both her life as an apparel designer and a dancer. There is no music playing, but you almost hear it anyway, as though relaxing beside the waves on a quiet beach.
Surrounded by sketches, fabric and soon-to-be-finished dresses for clients, Marks does not have to explain her passion for color, texture and movement. She brings forth fabric for a wedding dress that the client wanted to be “different.” It blends white and silver pearls, lace and sequins into a design that could never come off the rack at a bridal boutique. Nearby, a mannequin wears a dress combining floral and striped fabrics in shades of blue, orange and yellow.
Her style is eclectic, and she carries it into how she dresses, “mixing it with the unexpected: a dressy skirt with a T-shirt.” It must be “visually interesting. Making things that don’t go together, go together. Putting my stamp on it.”
While her love of dance began at age 5 and continues today as a teacher at Roger’s Dance Academy, sewing was not something she initially embraced. As a Girl Scout, she refused to learn. Her constant sketching of girls in dresses, however, led her to take a fashion and marketing class in high school. A class trip to Guatemala during her senior year inspired her through the country’s rich textiles, colors and craftsmanship.
Her studies at Virginia Commonwealth University as a fashion design major gave her the skills — and eventually a love for sewing — that led to positions at fashion houses, including Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret. She worked in color and print, matching colors, prints and patterns to develop seasonal collections while learning the collaborative nature of fashion design.
Form, fabric manipulation, color, pattern and movement all influence Mark’s work. Just as important is the client. Every garment is designed to complement the wearer while making them feel confident and comfortable.
Opening a set of vertical drawers filled with beads, pendants and stones reveals Mark’s love of combining materials into something unexpected. Her sketches, whether for wedding dresses, dance costumes or redesigned garments, reflect her passion for artistic transformation. Even her nature photography becomes inspiration for future creations.
Mark’s jewelry has been featured in InStyle magazine. She also transforms burlap coffee bags into colorful tote bags, each individually sewn by hand. “I am more of a one-off person than mass producing,” she says.
Her studio reflects every part of her life. One side is filled with sewing machines, fabrics, sketches and client projects, while another holds children’s books, games and art supplies shared with her family. She proudly displays illustrations from a children’s book she created for author Kerry Olitsky, with another already in the works.
This Clinton artist, dress designer, dancer, mother and wife balances creativity with family life alongside her husband, Scott, and their children, Evan and Lucy. The couple hopes to one day write and illustrate a children's book together.
Creating, teaching and raising a family blend as naturally as her designs. Family adventures often include discovering treasures in beach towns and small shops, while Lucy has already developed an eye for materials that inspire Mark’s next creation.
The passion for art is evident from the moment visitors enter her home. Framed artwork and colorful geometric walls lead into a studio where a large three-dimensional floral installation immediately captures attention. Like everything she creates, it reflects her ability to transform ordinary materials into something extraordinary.
Rebecca's Creative Services
Every Rebecca Marks design begins with collaboration. From bridal gowns and special-occasion attire to dance costumes, redesigned clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories, each piece reflects the client’s personality and vision.
Marks also creates handcrafted jewelry, wearable art, custom tote bags and children’s book illustrations. She blends color, texture and movement into every project. Whether creating an original garment or giving new life to a favorite piece, Marks transforms ideas into meaningful, handcrafted designs.
Learn more at RebeccaMarksDesign.com.