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Rachel Pally is the talented fashion designer behind the Rachel Pally fashion line. In this interview, Rachel talks about how she fell in love with fashion design while working at a custom shop in college, the Rachel Pally design philosophy, and what made her fashion line take-off as a must have brand among celebrities.
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When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
I was working in the costume shop for my dance department in college and just fell in love with it. I loved making costumes and seeing them worn, and I started to make things for myself. Pretty soon my girlfriends were borrowing my pieces and I thought, “Hey! I should give this a try!”
Can you tell us how it all began: the Rachel Pally fashion line?
After I started sewing my own clothes, I sold them on consignment at a store/gallery in Chinatown in LA and things kept selling out. So I made a set of samples and shopped them around to stores.
How would you describe the Rachel Pally design philosophy?
Easy, sexy, day-to-night, night-to-day, body conscious
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“I started before there were any other brands using jersey for anything other than t-shirts, so I was offering a product that couldn’t be found elsewhere. And the collection has such a large range, women of all ages and sizes can find something that perfectly suits them.”
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Where do you draw the inspiration for the styles and colors of your designs?
From women I know, women I see on the street, magazines, movies, travel – I am always inspired by things I see.
What would be some of your most popular garments you’ve ever designed?
The cropped gaucho pant, the sailor pant, the full tie tube dress, the Mexico dress, the caftan dress…..
To what do you attribute your success in the jersey arena?
I started before there were any other brands using jersey for anything other than t-shirts, so I was offering a product that couldn’t be found elsewhere. And the collection has such a large range, women of all ages and sizes can find something that perfectly suits them. And our fit is fantastic so people keep coming back for more! And I received a lot of celebrity press early on, which built the brand name, got me into magazines, and really launched the company.
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What made Rachel Pally designs take off as a must-have brand, especially among celebrities?
The fit, the availability, the ease of wear…..and lots and lots of PR and gifting!
How does your experience in dance influence the Rachel Pally fashion line today?
Jersey has such beautiful drape and motion – having a body in there makes the clothes come to life. My dance background also makes me aware of women’s bodies – what does and doesn’t look good, where things should cling and where they should drape.
What should we expect to see at Rachel Pally in the upcoming season?
We just shipped our swim collection and we have cashmere and double-knit ponti coming out for fall. Just keeping it new and fresh every season!
Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
Marni, Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Lanvin
How would you describe your own style?
Eclectic.
What’s next for Rachel Pally?
A vacation! And then….who knows!
Many thanks to Rachel for taking the time to interview for Style Interviews you can learn more about her designs and fashions at: www.rachelpally.com
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