She wears the pink pants
Designer Rachel Roy presents her 2013 spring/summer line at New York Fashion Week and sits down for a Q&A with SheKnows.
Though the colors are totally girly -- hot pink, orange, lavender, peach -- the pieces in Rachel Roy's spring/summer 2013 line exude a masculine confidence.
From wide-leg trousers and polished blouses to a full on hot pink power suit, Roy shows that the working women of today can be both sexy and strong -- qualities that attract her high-profile clients like Michelle Obama.
She described her hot new looks to SheKnows and provided us with a few styling tips when we chatted with the designer at her presentation at New York Fashion Week.
Q & A with Rachel Roy
SheKnows: Describe the kind of woman you design for.
Rachel: I am definitely inspired by the strong, confident, working women I am surrounded by. One foot uptown, one foot downtown, I know this woman is looking for clothes that fit her varied lifestyle. My secondary line is for the younger girl who is all about the mix. She mixes global influences and culture with what’s going on in the now to create something new and fresh.
SheKnows: What spring trends are you looking forward to wearing?
Rachel: I am definitely feeling the '70s silhouette of caftans and wide leg pants. Print-mixing done in an effortless way, printed pants and blouses mixed and matched is daring, but so chic.
SheKnows: What are your favorite fall trends right now?
Rachel: The feminine flounce in the peplum adds movement and accentuates the waist. I love it in outerwear as well as cocktail dresses. I love the tweed, leather and lace combinations, and personally I love the mix of hard and soft elements and textures to create a masculine/feminine balance. For example, one of my favorite pieces from my collection was a capped sleeve T-shirt that was made of leather with delicate crochet detailing. The unexpected mix was very eclectic and elegant!
SheKnows: What are five pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe?
Rachel:
- A fitted turtleneck. It’s deceptively sexy and can completely elevate your look.
- A strong pair of men’s style loafers with a beautiful heel.
- Statement jewelry. I’m obsessed with hand and body chains from Jacquie Aiche.
- A day to evening dress. I just launched my dress salon which is a collection of day to evening dresses in different styles and bright colors. The dress to me is about the ease of putting on one singular piece and making that your statement.
- A classic trench.
SheKnows: What’s your favorite thing in your own closet right now?
Rachel: I’m loving my fall 2012 petal cape. I wear the cape as a replacement to the blouse. It is cream with fire red lining. It hides, yet accentuates, the arms at the same time -- such a clean, strong shape and lots of fun to wear.
SheKnows: What accessories do you think are valuable to any wardrobe?
Rachel: Shoes have always been special to me. They were one of the first luxury pieces that I began investing in. The right shoe instantly makes me feel confident and sexy.
SheKnows: In addition to your high end line, you have a more affordable line for Macy’s. What are your tips for fashionistas on a budget?
Rachel: Vintage. I love going to the Brooklyn flea market on the weekends. It’s great for inspiration. Not only can you find reasonably priced pieces, but when you buy vintage, you are environmentally friendly.
SheKnows: What trend from the past would you love to bring back?
Rachel: A couple of years ago, Naomi Campbell wore a sari by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. It was beautiful! I have always been attracted to the sari because not only is it part of my heritage, but it is effortless, elegant and exotic. I am venturing to India in October and I plan to study the tradition behind the sari, in hopes to recreate and modernize it for a future collection.
SheKnows: What trend do you think is always a no?
Rachel: When it comes to fashion, I love to take risks and pair the unexpected. I think that you always have to feel confident and comfortable. So, I guess my answer would be to never wear something that does not make you feel strong.
More on Fashion Week
RHOOC Gretchen Rossi shares her Fashion Week travel tips
Sammi Sweetheart launches fitness line: "We’re all moving on with our lives"
Fashion Week exclusive: Rebecca Minkoff