Our Story
Crafting Timeless Pieces with Purpose and Passion
About Us
It all started ten years ago at a local event in a small Surrey town. A shared passion for individuality—and all things fabulous, unique, and, most of all, studded. Sam and Deborah were instantly drawn to each other. Deborah’s innovative and fearless style caught Sam’s eye. And with her own similar taste and bold style, Sam immediately stood out to Deborah.
What began as mutual admiration quickly grew into a deep connection. In a town where such bold style and creativity were rare, they found in each other a kindred spirit. Their shared love of fashion, self-expression and all things studded became the foundation for Skinner & Vale, which they launched in January 2024.
Today, Deborah and Sam collaborate on designing, upcycling, and customising denim clothing and accessories, giving pre-loved pieces a new lease of life. Their passion for sustainable fashion fuels their work as they set their sights on a brighter future, empowering others to embrace individuality through style.
Deborah
Deborah Dedewo is a passionate fashion designer, stylist, and educator who has been enchanted by the world of fashion and design from a very young age. Inspired by her stylish family, her love for fashion shines through in everything she does. Deeply devoted to her family, Deborah is a proud mother of twins and a loving wife.
A graduate of the renowned London College of Fashion, Deborah is a specialist in high-end women’s wear with a dynamic career spanning collaborations in the music and entertainment industries, retail, and editorial styling. In her twenties, she launched her first business with support from The Prince’s Trust, debuting a denim-focused collection—a material she’s loved since childhood and continues to incorporate into her designs.
Passionate about empowering individuals, Deborah excels in personal styling, helping people rebuild confidence and embrace their unique beauty. She also inspires young creatives to upcycle and transform clothing into one-of-a-kind pieces. Her signature style is a celebration of bold colours, sparkle, and edgy embellishments, reflecting her vibrant personality and teaching approach.
Beyond fashion, Deborah thrives on art, dancing, reading, and connecting with loved ones. She draws inspiration from history, culture, and travel, dreaming of sun-soaked destinations and new adventures. Now embarking on her latest venture, Skinner & Vale, alongside Sam Vale, she’s excited for this next chapter in her creative journey.
Sam
Sam’s background is rooted in fashion, beauty and interiors, where her keen eye for design and organisational skills have always stood out.
Sam began her career in fashion PR before stepping into the spotlight as a fashion model, working on both editorial and TV campaigns, where her trademark red pre-raphaelite hair found her much in demand as a hair and bridal model. While modelling she gained valuable industry insights, refined her sense of style, and learned the importance of adaptability.
This segued into an exciting opportunity to join Deconstruction Records, where she discovered her love for dance music and all the creative energy that goes into producing it. Honing the skills she accumulated from working in the music industry, Sam's next venture was in the world of interior design, where she channeled her passion for beauty and aesthetics into styling stunning homes and luxury yachts.
Outside of work, Sam is a proud mother of three grown children and a devoted wife. Fitness is a big part of her life—hitting the gym is her way to recharge. Sam also has a love for travel, especially to hot climates, where she enjoys soaking up the sun and experiencing new cultures.
Fashion has always been central to Sam’s personality, and she shares Deborah’s obsession with quality pieces and innovative styling. Her blend of design expertise, real-world practicality, and creative energy brings a unique perspective to everything she does.
Now, as the co-founder of Skinner & Vale, she’s living her dream alongside her amazing business partner, building something they’re both truly proud of. The journey has been incredible, and she’s excited for what lies ahead.
Our Vision
Together, Deborah and Sam discovered a natural synergy. They share a passion for creativity, relentless drive, and a belief in the power of fashion.
By Up-cylcing and transforming fashion pieces, they breathe new life into the old, proving that fashion can be both artful and sustainable.
Deborah and Sam believe in the stories clothes can tell and the potential to reimagine them for new beginnings. Whether designing, styling, or sourcing unique pieces, they aim to inspire others to embrace fashion as both an art form and a means of empowerment.
The Skinner and Vale Way—Re-inventing Fashion
At Skinner & Vale, we specialise in transforming up-cycled denim into luxurious, hand-embellished jackets that fuse artistry with sustainablilty. Our designs feature intricate studs, double-layered details, and bespoke hand-painted elements, catering to individuals who value unique and expressive fashion.
We believe in creating personalised experiences, offering ready to wear along with a bespoke studio fitting service to ensure each piece reflects the wearer's distinct style. At Skinner & Vale, we're committed to challenging the throwaway culture of fashion by reducing the demand for new clothing and minimising the environmental impact of the pieces we create.
Our online shop showcases a carefully curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces. Every pre-loved denim jacket is thoughtfully handpicked and completely reimagined by us. Whether it's cut, distressed, embroidered, patched, painted, sprayed, or studded, each piece is meticulously handcrafted and reimagined to become a wearable work of art.
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"Skinner & Vale: Bold, bespoke, and beautifully up-cycled—turning denim into wearable art, creating timeless luxury pieces for those who dare to stand out."