Rutland's fashion scene has a colourful arrival, which promises to leave you feeling fabulous.

Katie Wilkins owns Honeykins Vintage on Mill Street, Oakham, which opened in August after four years of trading online and at vintage fairs in London.

The venture arrived in Rutland last year when the county was initially a place for storage.

Katie told Nub News: "I became known as Rutlands Best Kept Secret! Last year I took on my first studio space upstairs on the High Street as the collection outgrew its room and the rest they say is history!"

Honeykins Vintage promises to be different in that every piece of clothing is from history.

"We have a collection that ranges from the 1900s to 1980s, so what you are buying is not just fashion, it is a piece of our past. Honeykins Vintage is premium vintage; I hand pick every item, wash, restore and repair so that it is as close to how it originally was as it can be.

"Vintage is made with better quality fabric than modern clothes, which is why it has lasted so long, so it is not only a more eco friendly and sustainable choice, but also it is a more individual style choice. You can wear vintage safe in the knowledge that no one else will be wearing what you are!

"Inside the shop, we have fitted it with second-hand and vintage furniture so at least 90% of the interior is also sustainable and eco too. I wanted to prove that you do not have to buy new in order to have a stylish place."

Katie agreed to take on the shop at the end of February and was expecting to open in April, but then lockdown happened in March, delaying work on the premises by three months.

"Luckily, I had already built my website and have been based online before, so it was business as normal in that sense, but it did mean that I did not receive the government support grant for retail stores.

"It was tough but the one good thing that came out of the lockdown was that people really began to look at vintage differently and the second hand market got a boost with the backlash to the fast fashion controversy."

The physical shop finally opened in August, which Katie says felt like forever.

She said: "Before opening there was a lot of work to be done after months of delays, and as it was a listed building I wanted to restore its original charm to be in keeping with the vintage vibe. It had not been a retail space for a while so it needed some love to create the right home for Honeykins Vintage.

"The first day went in a bit of an exhausted blur, with our outside sign only going up 2 hours before the doors opened! But it was a delight, so many people had been watching all the hard work throughout lockdown and came down to have a look and support. It is just a shame I never got the grand opening party like I planned........one to have when everything settles down I think!"

With the business now being open a couple of months, Katie says it is hard to know whether initial trade has been better or worse than expected as she has nothing to compare ro.

"But what has been surprising is how many people already love vintage in Rutland, and have been waiting for a shop like mine.

"Having international customers already, the work will be focused on the local area to get Honeykins Vintage out there and hopefully become Rutlands Worst Kept Secret!

"Everyone has been great with the changes shopping retailers have had to make, and I try to make the experience as relaxed, enjoyable and special as possible."

Looking ahead when social distancing restrictions eventually ease, Katie expects things to become easier.

"It is difficult to source stock from private clients as I can't go into houses, so I look forward to the day when I can hear the stories and see the photos behind the clothes again. And of course, that well deserved opening party!

"My social media has grown during the lockdown as has the website, so I hope to get to a point where they all do equally as well as each other."

Katie continued: "I don't think anyone knows what to expect in the short or long term future. But what I hope for is that the love of vintage grows as people see it as a more fun, accessible and sustainable way of dressing.

"With the focus having been so heavily on eco issues, and the disgusting practices of some of the largest fashion businesses during the pandemic, second hand fashion I think will soon lose its prior stigma and be heralded as the future."

Katie added: "For those who have never tried vintage, or those that are curious about what it is, come in for a chat.

"Vintage is not necessarily about having the whole outfit, looking head to toe from one era. It is whatever you want it to be. It is perfect to be mixed in with modern pieces, with designer and high street. It allows you to have more individuality in your look, to have some fun with fashion.

"Leave all your prior ideas about it being smelly, or full of old ladies clothes at the door and prepare to have a try on and see what suits you! All I want is for people to Enjoy Feeling Fabulous!"

• NOTE: Have you good a good business story to tell, if so, please email [email protected]