Ricochet

by Jill Pillot
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Fifteen years ago Jill Pillot opened “Ricochet”, a children and maternity consignment store in San Mateo, California, with the idea of recycling gently worn clothes. Since then Jill got inspired by rescuing out-of-style or unwearable garments by taking them apart and reassembling the pieces to give them a new life - a new life marked by creative, modern design.  So in 2007, Jill expanded Ricochet to include womenswear and children's collections of one-of-a-kind pieces made out of rescued materials - wearable garments that have been inspired by her upbringing in Europe and her experience in costume design.
 
Jill Pillot is an extremely gifted designer who transforms a discarded piece of clothing or fabric into a work of art!  Born in Belgium and growing up in different parts of the world, Jill brings a unique European flair to her designs, which are constructed with rescued/recycled fabrics. She also custom designs fashions made with favorite pieces from your wardrobe.  Jill sells her collection through shows, events, and her boutique Ricochet.  She also participates at many fundraisings for the community.
 
In 2010, Jill won the 1st Prize for Evening Wear awarded by the St Vincent De Paul's Discarded to Devine, and 1st Prize for Best Art-Inspired Awarded by the De Young Museum, at the De Young Museum .  Pieces were auctioned off at the St Mary's Cathedral  benefiting the StVincent de Paul Society's services to people battling poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.

Jill feels by rescuing unwearable garments she is helping the environment.
 

"This is an amazing journey for me, the changes and transformations throughout the 15 years since I have opened Ricochet.  

Here is a brief history of these 15 years, for those who are new to Ricochet.

When I came to America in 1989 I had a dream, I wanted to have my own business and I wanted to be a mom.

In march of 1996 I was now pregnant of my second child, and single. I did not really want to work for anyone , and wanted to be home with my children.  So I went searching for a store front, and thought I would start a small consignment store.  Amazingly, I was driving on El Camino Real and saw this small store front I thought I could afford...somehow....and on top of it it had a living space...what more could I have wished for? " I can be an at- home- mom, and have my own business, all at the same time !!!!" Yeah....

So now I needed to find a name.  So I went into the Dictionary, and word by word I looked up for something that would suit the store perfectly, until I reached the letter R...and found Ricochet.....Meaning you throw an object out and it ricochets back....Ironicaly, thinking back, I also grew up ricocheting from one country to another.

I thought I will stay here for about five or six years. This is perfect while the children are small, I can be at home with them and work at the same time.  Before I knew it 15 years have gone by.  But not without, I would say, changes, growth, and loving it. 

Throughout the  years I started creating clothes and costumes, here and there and I really  had found a passion for it. But I felt I lacked some techniques, so I decided to go to college and got my degree in Costume and Fashion Design, while working and being a mom... Not easy, but still fulfilling my dreams, step by step.....

Now I have finally created my own line of clothes for children and women, and hopefully for boys and  men next year...all step by step....."


" I would like to be an inspiration to others through my designs and my classes, and explore our sense of creativity with the environment in mind."