944

Modern Classicism

I’m not worried about being on someone’s worst dressed list,” says celebrated designer Rachel Roy. And nor should she be. Since debuting her first Rachel Roy collection in 2005, this former Rocawear Creative Director (she started as an intern), has taken the fashion world by storm with her feminine and sophisticated ready-to-wear collections.

Her personal beliefs bleed into her lines, which now include the Macy’s exclusive RACHEL Rachel Roy, a younger sister to the higher-end line found in Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. “One of the things you learn as you grow is that you don’t have to please everybody,” she says.

However, Roy is pleasing everyone from First Lady Michelle Obama to Oscar-winning actress Penélope Cruz, who faithfully sport her creations. Roy recently stopped in Atlanta and chatted with 944 about all things fashion and, most importantly, what makes someone the most attractive.

944: Both of your collections clearly avoid trends. Is it safe to assume that you dislike them?
RACHEL ROY: I am a true nonbeliever of trends. I think that you can read magazines, watch different designers and be inspired, but definitely don’t wear something just because [of that] or because a celebrity is wearing it. Have the confidence and the intelligence to know what works on you because there is nothing more attractive than being true to yourself.   

944: What’s the difference between your two lines?
RR: I have been working on my Rachel Roy line for about seven years. It’s my designer collection and it’s for the woman that I aspire to be, with formal work wear and cocktail pieces. The collection at Macy’s spurred off the idea that she had a younger sister. I do try to give her options for interviews, for parties, you know, for life.

944: Even though the RACHEL line is younger, the pieces span all generations in taste.
RR: Yes, I’m very proud of that. I like the fact that I can wear the suits my mom can wear.

944: Does Rachel Roy ever have a bad style day?
RR: Yes, I do! And I had a lot of “Why did I wear that?” moments when I was much younger. But I’m happy that I took risks.

944: So, what’s the Rachel Roy aesthetic?
RR: It’s classic with a twist. Highs and lows and feminine and edgy and opposites are quite attractive to me. I think that women have so many different facets: Some are mothers, some are career women. I like mixing things.

944: What advice do you have for those just as ambitious as you?
RR: Work really, really hard. Be the first to show up, be the last to leave. Don’t worry if you chose a field that may not interest you. Knowing what doesn’t work for you is just as important as knowing what does. No matter if there’s monetary value in it or not, you will eventually be very rich.

rachelroy.com