When you think of beautiful occasion wear, you automatically think Rachel Gilbert. Having founded her eponymous brand in 2007, she has crafted a reputation as one of Australia’s most distinguished fashion designers, offering ready-to-wear, eveningwear, and bridal collections that combine contemporary elegance with craftsmanship and fine detailing; cue one-shoulder gowns with oversized bows, crystal embellishments, velvet ruching, floral appliqués, tulle, sequins, and that’s just for starters. Rachel’s modern interpretation of sophistication has proved to be a big hit amongst the fashion set and buyers alike, with the brand being available in leading retailers worldwide, from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus to Selfridges, Moda Operandi, and Harrods. Rachel Gilbert spoke with us to learn more.
When did you start working in the industry for yourself?
I’d always been drawn to the fashion industry growing up. Once I finished school, I enrolled at the Whitehouse Institute of Design My passion for design was solidified. I first worked in New York with Nikki Hilton for years, expanding my knowledge and skills before returning to Australia and starting what is now known as Rachel Gilbert.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
Inspiration is all around me. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family. We often travel together, and it leads to amazing experiences or moments that catalyze a single thought or feeling I turn into something else. Recent trip to the Maldives inspired our upcoming Resort 24 collection; the oceanic landscape’s flora and fauna and the colors made the perfect foundation for a collection.
Who do you design for?
Ultimately, I design for ‘her.’ The core of Rachel Gilbert will always be our customer, creating pieces that she can wear for the moments in her life she wants to remember. We are often considered for monumental events, milestones and celebrations as an event wear brand. I love creating pieces that make clients feel great, and always taking into consideration what they need or want at specific moments in their lives.
What’s your process?
We work with some incredible artisans to make the Rachel Gilbert product, most of which have been with us from the early beginnings. We are constantly looking for new and unusual ways to create. I’m always in awe of the intricacy in the hand-embellished work that goes into our pieces, each individually hand-sewn and placed to create what feels like wearable artwork.
What is your favourite piece at the moment and why?
We launched our new contemporary category this Fall. I designed it to make the most of those small moments in our lives, such as going out for lunch, dinner dates and important meetings. I love the Ziara Top & Skirt from this collection. It’s so chic and timeless.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
It’s always beautiful to reflect on the moments that have led the brand to where it is today—it’s hard to draw importance to one particular significant moment. We have worked to improve what Rachel Gilbert is about, by expanding categories and offering a holistic view of the brand. The brand has felt reborn many times and it has been inspiring to look both backwards and forwards.