A HAWORTH woman has launched a capsule merchandise range inspired by the Bronte sisters.

Bronte Bitch features illustrations on vibrantly-coloured tote bags and T-shirts.

Behind the venture is Rosalia Ferrara, who came-up with the idea during lockdown.

“It came to me out of frustration really during the pandemic last year – from not being able to source a cool Bronte sisters T-shirt for myself to wear,” she said. “And trust me, I tried – after all we did have a lot of time on our hands!

“There were some standard designs floating around on the web but I couldn’t see myself wearing any of them. There was clearly a gap in the market.

“I started to jot down notes – potential label names, logo ideas, Bronte sister quotes – and collated a digital ‘mood board’ of everything I liked.

“I tested the water by voicing the idea to my partner, colleagues and friends, who all encouraged me to make it a reality – so here it is!”

Rosalia is keen that the Bronte Bitch name shouldn’t be misconstrued.

“The brand identity is by no means meant in a derogatory way – nor is it ‘name calling’ of the illustrious Bronte sisters and their followers,” she says.

“I’ve been a fan of the Brontes from an early age – when I lived close by in Ingrow.

“My friends and I used to spend time on the cobbled streets, in the shops and on the moors.

“In 1999 I moved to London for a career in fashion and music public relations and never thought I would return – but since 2014 I’ve been resettled in Bronte Country.

“This place is rich in history, surrounded by the beautiful rolling countryside and the Bronte moors – it’s one of my favourite places in the world.”

The Bronte Bitch logo was created by Utley-based independent graphic designer, Anna Cleary.

“A provocative name requires a provocative logo,” she said. “And I needed to soften the word ‘bitch’ somehow, hence the kisses. It’s brave and it’s sassy and I am a big fan of putting the cat amongst the pigeons!”

The first in a series of designs features the quote, “your will shall decide your destiny”, from Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

The frame was inspired by the letter ‘o’ taken from Bronte, and the purple-coloured word 'bitch’ by the heather of the moors.

A second design will draw its inspiration from Emily Bronte and Top Withens and her love of animals, whilst a third will be based on brother Branwell.

Bronte Bitch will be among independent creatives showcasing their work at a pop-up event in the Old School Room – in Church Street, Haworth – on Saturday and Sunday August 7 and 8, from 10am to 4pm.

More details can also be found at etsy.com/uk/shop/BronteBitch.