Richie Boyens of Rat Bags, Clothes I've Made

Richie Boyens has a workroom and store on Symonds Street that, beyond retailing his own label Clothes I've Made is also a stockist for independent designers challenging the current pace and approach to fashion manufacturing. Here, Richie shares that while far from easy, working in the rag trade and building something of his own has been character-building, and that with more collaboration, we might bring back part of the golden era.

Hello Richie! Tell us a bit about your background. What led you to the rag trade?

Hello Common Team! 

I had ambitions to become really broke, not take any responsibility, and say yes to too many jobs at a time. In all seriousness, the rag trade has led me to interact with all walks of life, challenged me daily, made me resilient and allowed me to work for myself. I’ve sacrificed a lot, but I’ve had a rad lifestyle.

In addition to your own designs, your store Ratbags stocks clothing, jewellery, and headwear from other local designers. Why is local manufacturing important to you?

I honestly think I’m a sucker for punishment. “Made in NZ” is so fucking hard. In saying this, there is a silver lining. Meeting other hard-working individuals who share stories about the “heyday of NZ production” is cool. Seeing them succeed even in the current climate, that’s enough for me to keep on this mission. Being able to problem-solve and adapt keeps me motivated.  If money was the focus, I would have given up a long time ago. 

As an island nation, Aotearoa New Zealand imports most of its clothing, yet we generate significant textile waste. Designers like you are exploring creative solutions, like the hats you made from our deadstock denim and your recent Gemmel’s project. For designers in Aotearoa, what opportunities do you see in working with existing materials, deadstock or upcycled textiles?

I think that the “trendy-ness” of upcycling and using deadstock fabrics has encouraged people to share their knowledge, especially in practical trades like sewing. There seems to be way more connection and collaboration happening within artistic communities because of this. I think this is fucking rad. 

What’s next for Richie and Ratbags? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations or designs you’re working on, excited to showcase?

Over the past three years, Ratbags has been an ever-evolving project. Currently, the showroom itself is undergoing its final makeover ( lol ). Also on the horizon are some cool new brands, International pop ups, and a focus on ecommerce. I don’t want to give too much away, but yeah, I’m dead excited about the next 12 months. Thanks for having me.