Rachel Roy: Gauging Fashion Through Accessibility

Rachel Roy’s success is confirmation that fashion dreams can still thrive despite a gloomy economy. Since launching her eponymous line in spring 2005, the California native has continuously built on the concept of providing utilitarian fashion for the modern, urban woman who juggles a busy lifestyle and she’s the embodiment of her designs.

Without a grunt or a frown, the proud mother of two built an internationally recognized fashion empire in less than 5 years, actively participated in the United Nations World Food Program and works with the charity New Yorkers for Children.

But Roy’s fast tracking career is not all glamorous: it’s hard work and dedication that lend to the feverish will power of cementing a solid place in American fashion. Roy does not have a fashion degree but her keen skill, stylistic gauge and pristine design aesthetic have earned her respect in the global fashion community and have celebrities like Oprah, Joy Bryant, Estelle and Veronica Webb singing her praises.

For Roy, this is only the beginning.

2007 awarded Roy the prestigious feat of being inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America which further validated her staying power. The following year, Jones Apparel Group made the announcement that it would enter into a joint venture with Rachel Roy to further expand Rachel Roy’s global presence. With that came the opportunity for Roy to do something she’s always wanted to do: provide women with affordable fashion.

The Rachel Rachel Roy collection is a youthful, daring collection of ready-to-wear, accessories and shoes for the budgeting fashionista. The collection is available exclusively through Macy’s this fall and prices are nestled perfectly under $300.

Rachel Roy talks exclusively to Clutch about what every woman needs in her closet and why her diffusion collection may not be for everyone.

Clutch: When the news first broke of the Rachel Rachel Roy collection for Macy’s, the mob of fashion sites went crazy. Where did the idea for the collection come from?
Rachel Roy: Accessible fashion is very important to me, and I believe every woman should get the opportunity to express herself through style. I have wanted to design a fashion forward yet affordable collection since I was young.

See: www.stylistic.clutchmagonline.com/2009/04/rachel-roy-for-macys

Clutch: What was the most important element in your creation of the Rachel Rachel Roy collection for Macy’s?
Rachel Roy: I was so fortunate to have Jones behind me on the creation of this line, as it meant I was able to spend time with each piece to make the collection exactly the way I envisioned it being. As a result, I love every single piece which is the most important aspect for me.

Clutch: Did you feel any pressure by the design industry to create a diffusion line?
Rachel Roy: Not at all – my reasons for deciding to create Rachel Rachel Roy were completely organic and instinctive which I believe is necessary for the brand to succeed.

Clutch: So many designers are taking advantage of guest-designer collections for retailers. Do you think that a designer’s creativity is hampered by the lower price points?
Rachel Roy: No – if anything, it pushes you to be more creative because you need to think outside of the box to make the trends and fabrics you envision at an affordable price.

Clutch: There are some spectators who disagree with creating diffusion or guest-designer collections, what do you think about that?
Rachel Roy: If they disagree then it’s not for them. I do believe in good clothes at a good price.

Clutch: You’ve been quoted as saying, “Know what you’ve got and work with it.” How does the Rachel Rachel Roy collection stay true to that saying?
Rachel Roy: I designed the collection with a focus on women’s best features.

Clutch: Who are some of your favorite designers of color?
Rachel Roy: I don’t see designers in terms of color – instead I look for their creativity, talent, and inspirations.

Clutch: Your collections focus more on creating silhouettes. Why is that so important for you?
Rachel Roy: I find such beauty in the way fabrics create shape – the way in which a fabric drapes and folds is art to me.

Clutch: To create a timeless wardrobe, what are the key items every woman needs?
Rachel Roy: A trench, a great blouse, a multi-purpose dress, leggings, mix and match skirts, flats, perfectly fitting jeans, and a go-to cardigan.

Clutch: You launched your company in 2005 and you’ve reiterated the importance of women being strong. What does the strong woman need to know when it comes to personal style?
Rachel Roy: Dress for yourself, be confident and happy. Know what works on your body and dress for yourself, not for a trend.

For more information on Rachel Roy and the view the complete Resort 2010 collection please visit www.rachelroy.com.