Breathing New Life into Vintage: The Story Behind Our Appliqué Coats

At Beach Bebe, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword it’s at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly exploring creative ways to reduce our environmental impact, support our local community, and create beautiful products that tell a story.

One of the pieces we’re most proud of is our collection of appliqué coats a perfect example of upcycling in action. These coats are high-quality vintage garments that may have otherwise been forgotten, left to gather dust or end up in a landfill. Instead, we’ve given them a second life by transforming them into vibrant, one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

Each coat is hand-appliquéd with delicate flowers and birds, turning a once-simple item into wearable art. Every stitch speaks to care, creativity, and the power of renewal.

And here’s something that makes these coats even more special: our incredibly talented appliqué artist, Elke, is just 80 years old. Her eye for detail and craftsmanship is astonishing her tiny, nearly invisible stitches bring each design to life with charm and precision. Elke spends hours thoughtfully sewing each appliqué into place, and the result is truly magical. 

These coats embody everything we believe in: sustainability, creativity, community, and heart.