What inspires Rebecca Hanson when designing her TABS Bermuda shorts?

The colours and natural beauty of the Island.

Environmental charity Greenrock, then, seemed like a natural fit.

The 32-year-old teamed up with the organisation for her latest design, fittingly called Greenrock Green.

Ms Hanson is hoping the shorts will help raise awareness about Greenrock. If sales go well, she plans to donate a percentage of the proceeds back to the charity.

No matter what happens, Greenrock’s executive director Gordon Johnson said the charity is making the shorts part of its official uniform for Earth Hour 2015. The event will be celebrated on March 28 at 8.30pm.

Q: What inspired you to name your green shorts after one of the Island’s environmental charities?

A: As a local brand with local roots, I believe that I have a responsibly to give back to Bermuda whenever possible. My product is inspired by Bermuda and I want to help preserve the beauty of the Island.

How did you decide which shade of green to go for? In general, what goes into designing your TABS shorts from start to finish?

A lot of research goes into it! Normally I colour match to things that inspire me on the Island — from the colours of our houses (Lavender 31, Bostock Hill Green) to the flowers (Hibiscus Pink) to the sea (Clear Water Blue), beaches, hotels … so pretty much everything! For this particular hue however, I was looking at the fashion Pantone colours for 2015 which are inspired by the plein-air. So I turned to the plein air painters of Bermuda and colour matched it to the green that is prominent in their paintings. Plein air is all about painting in the open air and this brought me to think of Greenrock, a local charity, which is all about sustaining our environment.

How many hours of research and planning does it all take?

The entire collection can take between three to six months for development. To start a new design though, eg the women’s collection and swim shorts, it takes me about twice that. But, keep in mind I do have a separate day job.

Were there any fun aspects that came about when making the shorts? Any challenges?

There are always many challenges as a small business! From issues with suppliers, to shipping, to winter storms that delay stock. It’s a roller coaster, but always worth the effort. I love picking the fabric and love giving my customers a new range of colours that not only look good, but also help raise awareness of something that is important to me.

Why is Greenrock a charity that you like to support?

I worked with [Greenrock president] Gordon Johnson at my day job (AAC Saatchi Saatchi) and saw first hand their challenges and what they were trying to achieve. I wanted to be part of it and support their initiatives with my time and creativity. My primary objective is to help raise awareness of Greenrock and their initiatives. If the shorts sell well, I will also donate a percentage of profits back to the charity.

How does it make you feel to be able to use your love for fashion to give back in this way?

It’s great! I am very passionate about Bermuda and a firm believer in the importance of giving back. Bermuda shorts are intrinsic to the Island, and I have a duty to help preserve what inspires me every day.

• TABS Greenrock Green shorts sell for $98. Visit www.tabsbermuda.com.