It’s easy to quickly mistake Rachel Roy for a model off first glance. She’s stunning, her name rings a bell, but who exactly is she? Spotted on the red carpet of fashion/entertainment events for several years, and divorced from Damon Dash whom she has 2 children with, slightly places her in the limelight but not for the all the right reasons. For those who may not have their 4 inch stiletto foot in the door of today’s fashion industry, Rachel is a talented American designer honing four collections of her clothing brand, RACHEL ROY.
Originally from Northern California, Rachel attended Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, MD. After graduation she moved to New York City to work freelance; styling magazine shoots and music videos. She became an Intern for ROCAWEAR, working in every department from the mail room to women’s design. She eventually became the Creative Director, overseeing seven licensees and running all the design departments and their teams for ROCAWEAR Juniors and Girls. She started her own clothing brand, RACHEL ROY in the fall of 2004, and it debuted in stores in the spring of 2005. Many A-Listers have been seen wearing her designs such as: First Lady Michelle Obama, Eva Mendes, Sharon Stone, and Penelope Cruz. Since 2008, Rachel has teamed up with Jones Apparel Group, Inc. to introduce new product categories in the U.S. She’s launched a Rachel Roy diffusion brand that is offered exclusively through Macy’s. Her collection is available at many known department stores and top specialty stores worldwide.
Personally, I own several pieces from the RACHEL ROY collection: A shirt dress that I wore for my 25th birthday (with my own adjustments of course), a necklace, and three pair of earrings (ALL of them are hot). I’m a fan of her outerwear and jewelry the most because they”re original with funky patterns and ethnic inspired design. Not to mention, a series of her handbags and bracelets, are handcrafted by African women in Rwanda and Tanzania to sustain their own health care, nutrition, and children’s education through the sales of Rachel Roy’s products! Check them out now via website.
Ms. Roy has also teamed up with English singer/songwriter, Estelle to launch a limited edition jewelry line available next month at Macy’s. To allow jewelry fanatics to get a first glimpse of the line, the designers will make some items from the collection available through Rachel Roy’s facebook page. Pricing for these items are economical, ranging between $34 and $195 each.
What I love most about Rachel Roy is the humble way she began her success. She followed her love for fashion to New York and put in major work as an Intern for a well-known urban line. The transition from working within a company known specifically for street wear, to ultimately designing garments based on modern, yet classic femininity boasts hard work. It’s quite discerning as a consumer to come across weak apparel designed by famous celebs that I’m certain they wouldn’t wear! It’s important for anyone who is in the process of branding themselves, to know who they are as a person first. Be honest with what you like/ dislike because hypocrisy ruins your brand. I respect that the ensembles that Rachel is caught wearing in paparazzi photos, are actually RACHEL ROY aesthetics. She was once quoted saying, “My biggest influences are strong, creative women that chart their own path lead their own lives, and drive the course of history.” And with minor detours and bumps along her own path, Rachel Roy’s name has finally RE-surfaced in a positive AND fashionable light. Kudos to her!
Tags: Damon Dash, Estelle, Macy's, ROCAWEAR
I just adore Rachel Roy for her simple yet complex aesthetic to women’s fashion and and you looked phenomenal in her dress on your 25th (smile) She is truly becoming a pioneer in her own right in the fashion game. I’m very excited to see what she will be bringing with this new jewelry line. Great Post!
Yes I agree! Great post! I’m a big fan of Rachel Roy, her line is so refreshing and hip.