September 14, 2010
fashion designer rachel gilbert
Pretty has a new name in fashion, and it's Rachel Gilbert. Since relaunching her label in 2007 at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, she has built a steady following of not only admirers - I'm forever checking out her dresses at Bondi's Butik - but also (and perhaps more importantly) buyers. The label is stocked internationally, including on the prestigious online store Net-A-Porter.Com. Rachel studied at the Whitehouse Institute of Design and earned her stripes at labels such as Lisa Ho and Morrisey. She was also the head designer for Nicky Hilton's label.
Which five words best describe you? Determined, creative, passionate, loyal, driven.
How did you get you career start and what path have you taken since? I would have to say my career start would have been being offered the position of head designer for Nicky Hilton's brand Chick at the age of 22. That opened up many opportunities and made me realise I wanted to create my own path and my own brand on an international scale.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Learn from your mistakes "quickly" and criticism is the best way to learn and grow.
What's your proudest career achievement? Seeing someone I didn't know in one of my very first pieces at a ball.
What's been your best decision? Staying true to myself and my vision.
Who inspires you? My family and loyal Rachel Gilbert clientele.
What are you passionate about? My family and friends.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Obama.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? To live in Paris with a showroom and a Rachel Gilbert store.
What are you reading? Eat, Pray, Love.
images courtesy of rachel gilbert