Photo courtesy of Rachel Pally
Rachel Pally is a fashion designer tailor made for Hollywood — just ask some of her celebrity clients such as Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce Knowles, and Drew Barrymore.
It’s no wonder why Pally’s designs are craved for by the glitterati — they’re unmistakeable for being luxuriously soft (that’s because their made of a fine knit jersey), with feminine silhouettes, vibrant hues, and brilliant prints. And if that weren’t enough, she did what few high-end designers do by creating a plus-size collection for Nordstrom.
I caught up with Pally for an e-interview to discuss her eponymous collection, fall trends, and must-do tips for looking chic:
The Chic Spy: How did you get into fashion?
Rachel Pally: I studied modern dance in college and had to work in the costume shop. I just fell in love with making clothes. I got a sewing machine and started making things and my friends loved them, so I decided to give it a try.
The Chic Spy: What inspires you when developing a new collection?
Rachel Pally: Women I know, women I see, looking at art books, going for walks, and just keeping my eyes open and getting inspired by things around me.
The Chic Spy: What word best describes your fall 2008 collection?
Rachel Pally: Versatile.
The Chic Spy: What is your favorite piece from the collection?
Rachel Pally: The Dierdre dress and anything in the Mali print.
The Chic Spy: What trend are you loving right now?
Rachel Pally: I’ve been wearing long dresses and slouchy jeans for years. I am glad they finally caught on — so comfy and chic.
The Chic Spy: What trend should disappear forever?
Rachel Pally: Shoulder pads.
The Chic Spy: What is your must-do fashion tip?
Rachel Pally: Just because its fashionable doesn’t mean you should wear it. Stick with styles that suit you.
The Chic Spy: What is one fashion item that every woman should own?
Rachel Pally: A black leather jacket goes with everything and a great pair of shoes.
The Chic Spy: What is the most common mistake you see women make when it comes to fashion?
Rachel Pally: Buying the wrong size. Who cares what the tag says, if it’s too tight, it doesn’t make you look smaller, it just makes you look like a sausage.
The Chic Spy: How would you describe your personal style?
Rachel Pally: Ecclectic, a little boho, a little rocker, a little classic … depends on my mood.
The Chic Spy: What fashion accessory can you not live without?
Rachel Pally: My black Jenni Kayne leather jacket, black Balenciaga gladiator wedges, and Pade Vavra simple stud earrings.
The Chic Spy: If you could dress anyone past or present, who would it be?
Rachel Pally: I’ve been so fortunate to dress so many amazing women from Oprah to Madonna to Sarah Jessica Parker to Jennifer Lopez. What more can I ask for?
The Chic Spy: Touché
(Images from Fall/Holiday 2008 collection courtesy of rachelpally.com)
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
Yes, Rachel is a great designer! She even offers extended sizes at Nordstrom, which is unusual for high-end designers.
I think that Rachel Pally is one of the best designers for real women that I’ve seen in years–apart from Karan. I wished I’d known about her before and I thank Oprah for showing some of her recent designs on her show.