Haworth’s Brontë Bitch

Born in Keighley, to Italian parents, Rosalia Ferrara decided to head for the bright lights of London in 1999 to work in the music industry and working for festivals and tours across the country.

Fifteen years later, the beautiful landscape of the moors brought her back to her Yorkshire roots as she works immersed in all things Brontë in Haworth.  “London is a big place, my was amazing, I made so many friends, but towards the end it was hard not being with family up north.” said Rosalia. “Haworth was always drawing me back, I knew it was time, my gut told me! I can see the moors from my window, on a clear day it’s amazing!”

Rosalia in her studio

The world had stopped during lockdown, but Rosalia’s plans for a new venture did not.

“It was then that I had my eureka moment, why don’t I create a merchandise range inspired by the Brontë family? Not just the sisters, but also include their brother, Branwell, he had an interesting character too, a talented poet, writer and painter!” explained Rosalia. “I wanted my own Brontë t-shirt, a cool one! I stumbled over some obvious copies, the images we all know of the Brontë sisters. I wanted to launch an edgier range of merchandise. I was bouncing ideas off my partner and friends. I went full circle although I did also like Brontë Babe but that was taken.”

Brontë merchandise

After a search online for a cool Brontë themed t-shirt to wear, Rosalia found that she wasn’t too spoilt for choice and decided to put matters into her own hands, from there, Brontë Bitch was born.

Rosalia was worried Brontë Bitch could get misconstrued; but wants to make people aware it’s not meant in a derogatory way at all. “I was nervous to put myself out there, I went full circle and thought right, it’s brave and bold, just like the Brontë sisters!” explained Rosalia. “Other independent creatives came in to play, including Anna Cleary, a graphic designer guru who specialises in brand identity!”

Brontë Bitch features illustrations on vibrantly-coloured tote bags, tea towels, greeting cards and t-shirts. Rosalia visioned a modern take on the Brontë family through illustration, some of the prints include different styles of art and design, but feature the quotes from the well-known books and poems by the Brontës.

Anna, created the Brontë Bitch logo, and is partly responsible for the first image of the brand. The second design is by Bomi Carrot Art, whose design focuses on Emily Brontë and her love of animals on a windswept Top Withens. Another design was created by Doodlher, this idea was to bring the brother, Branwell, back to life.

“I love all three pieces. All the Brontë Bitch designs are unique, you will not find any of them on the high street. My aim for this series is familiarity but with a cool edge.”

A happy customer

Rosalia originally used Etsy to sell her merchandise, but felt with her previous PR skills coming into play she was bringing more customers to Etsy rather than her own brand.

“It didn’t really work for me; it was a learning curve. I haven’t got my own website yet. People can currently buy merchandise on Depop, through me directly on social media or at my pop up markets. I want to eventually get in touch with celebrities who are huge fans of the Brontës, like Patty Smith and Kate Bush. Watch this space! I just wish I had a little army of me to help!” she laughed.

“It is better to try and fail than never to try at all, if you’re passionate about the subject matter then you’re already half way there! I want to try include the Patrick, the father and the other sister Anne in the merch, give them some credit, I have so many ideas!”

Bronte merchandise

But does the Brontë devotee have a favourite Brontë novel? “The Brontë sisters wrote some of the best poems and novels in the history of English literature. This is a difficult question, but it has to be the classics, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Perhaps this could be a follow up interview on the subject alone!” laughed Rosalia.