Rachel Roy: What Every Woman Needs in Her Wardrobe PLUS Travel, Style and Beauty Must-haves
Rachel Roy is a dynamic fashion designer whose pieces have been seen on every leading lady from Michelle Obama, Diane Sawyer, Jennifer Garner, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson. I met Rachel at a recent event and was blown away by her support of entrepreneurial women and charity. The gorgeous native Californian, whose personal beauty shines through every one of her designs has worked in the fashion industry since her teenage years as a sales girl– which she calls her early market research! Before designing her own line, she styled magazine shoots, music videos and was creative director for Rocawear. Since the launch of her Rachel Roy line in Spring 2005, Rachel has had a whirlwind of success including being inducted into the CFDA, appearing on Oprah, and launching RACHEL Rachel Roy, a diffusion line sold exclusively at Macy’s. Rachel shared with me what she has been up to lately and offered some of her best tips and products picks!
MM: You have a very interesting background. How has that influenced you as a designer?
RR: I’ve always loved fashion and taking risks in both what I wear and what I design as this has been a guiding principle for me. I’ve never let fear paralyze me but rather let my passion drive me. One of my goals is to help other women realize this as well.
MM: We are so excited about your new collection, what was your inspiration for FW 2012?
RR: My fall 2012 collection is inspired by the documentary Women in the Dirt which highlights the works of seven award- winning women who have made their mark in the field of landscape architecture and are changing our world. From this, the idea of modern landscape architecture and the influence of nature was really interesting to me– balancing the clean lines of landscapes and natural colors and interesting material combinations and details.
MM: What are 3 items you always have on hand during fashion week?
RR: Yoga mat- I practice yoga two to three times a week. The meditation helps me stay centered. Music- it’s one of the quickest routes to dream and always inspires me. Candles- the comforting and continuous glow of a Jo Malone candle while I work is a must.
MM: How do you unwind after such a whirlwind week?
RR: Take a breath, thank my staff and then off for some R & R. First I sleep and then I have a proper meal since I have been living off coffee and sugar for the past two weeks preparing for the show. I’ll spend some quality time with my daughters, visit the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza Hotel for one of my favorite facial treatments, and lounge at home and watch re-runs of The Office or Modern Family. Then it’s right back into designing the next collection!
Re-invent Your Wardrobe for 2012
Annie Ladino is one busy woman. The stylist (her personal celebrity clients include: Julia Roberts, Brooklyn Decker, Becki Newton and Erin Andrews), editor, and Chief Stylist for Shop It To Me, shares her tips for re-inventing your wardrobe in 2012. Think classic, clean , and minimalist.
PD: What are some classic staple pieces that every closet needs?
AL: A great tailored pantsuit. You can wear it together or break it up for more use. Also, a crisp white button up and a Little Black Dress. Every closet needs a great comfortable pump to take you from day to night.
PD: What trends/looks can be tossed?
AL: Grunge -Out with sloppy looks and in with classic, clean and minimalist looks.
PD: How important are accessories when it comes to building personal style?
AL: Accessories are the finishing touch to a look. They are an essential part in defining your style.
PD: What types of shoes does every closet need?
AL: A sexy black pump, a nude evening shoe (it goes with everything).
PD: What are some ways to organize your closet?
AL: It’s as simple as having a place for everything. Once you establish an organized system it will make it easier and cut time in keeping it neat.
PD: What’s a great jean that works well on various body types?
AL: Bootcut jeans are slimming on curvy figures and accentuate curves on slender figures.
PD: What are some of your must-have accessories?
AL: A silk printed scarf, a gold men’s style watch, a cross body bag and always a sexy stiletto pump!
PD: How do you define your personal style?
AL: I’d like to think of it as French Bohemian. I like flow, comfort yet beautifully tailored clothing.
PD: What are some of your favorite brands?
AL: Azzedine Alaïa, Stella McCartney, Céline, The Row.
