Rachel Rector

Shop My Closet!

2014-09-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! Shop my closet & help fund my upcoming trip to Argentina!

Shop now at RR Lingerie

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Christal Hayes

2014-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Christal Blu Creations is a owned and operated by Christal Hayes, a San Diego native who has been making hats professionally for over twenty years. Christal's passion is making dramatic and eye-catching hats and fascinators for brides, burlesque babes, and everyone in between. She also creates fans, masks, and accessories with colorful plumes, unique trimmings, and netting. The founder of the California Creative Collective, Christal prides herself on being able to provide her customers with creative and fashionable designs that encompass each individuals personality. An advocate for life long learning, Christal is always honing her skills and utilizing new techniques and design tools to bring to her creations.

Thank you, Christal for supporting RR Lingerie!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Lei L

2014-06-23T18:58:00.001-07:00

Le’Keishma “Lei” Lettsome is an accessories designer based in the Virgin Islands. She longs to live in a world where everyone greets each other with a smile and handwritten letters still pop-up in the post. Lei L. Designs was created out of her need for the perfect bag that was functional, customizable and has pops of color. Since 2010, she has been on the hunt to create beautiful hand-crafted bags that suit this aesthetic. Thank you so much for supporting RR Lingerie!

Be sure to shop her limited edition bags that are designed, drafted, cut and sewn by her own hand. Learn more about her style and creations by following her Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

The Gift of Good News

2014-06-19T20:55:00.003-07:00

Hello again,

Thank you so much to those who reached out with encouragement after my previous post. Honestly, I was feeling a bit defeated and lost, but the love from RR Lingerie supporters lifted me up in a time of self doubt. I am elated to tell you that we are on track and quickly moving forward.

Today we placed an order for the first ever production run of RR Lingerie. We're testing the waters by introducing a limited release of forty Ray Bodysuits. This is just the beginning. Soon, we'll have a complete collection of beautiful garments crafted right here in New York

I'm so grateful to the staff at our factory for stepping up and helping us succeed. Thanks to Peter, Lorraine, both Michelles, Sylvia, and the rest of the crew for making this dream a reality. Another big thank you goes out to Arianne and Nico, my best friends, stars of our Kickstarter video, and my partners in RR Lingerie. You gals inspire me on a daily basis, and this journey wouldn't be the same with you.

xo,

Rachel

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Blackbird Underpinnings

2014-06-18T19:42:00.001-07:00

Blackbird Underpinnings was founded in 2012 by Marin Camille and Julia Zolinsky, and celebrates the unique beauty of every woman by promoting self-expression and authenticity. Inspired by the daring flappers of the roaring twenties and the fierce, able ladies of the tumultuous thirties, Blackbird Underpinnings brings you intimates crafted in San Francisco with a touch of the renegade feminine.

I met Marin and Julia while volunteering backstage at Lingerie Fashion Week. These gals are sweet, driven, and successfully producing a beautiful, independent lingerie line. It warms my heart that they are supportive of RR Lingerie! Check them out on Facebook and be sure to snap up this collection once it hits stores. Good luck, Blackbird!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: S.W. Basics

2014-05-21T08:08:00.002-07:00

S.W. Basics is an amazing all-natural skincare line created by Adina Grigore in Brooklyn. Here's what Adina says, "At S.W. Basics, we make our products from scratch using only whole, high-potency ingredients. For us, less isn’t just more; less is everything. We’ve found that if we stick with only absolutely essential ingredients and don’t add a bunch of extra stuff, we don’t need to put a hundred things into our products. Using fewer ingredients means more potent skincare. We don’t water it down with cheap synthetics or exotic fillers. It also means that our products are more likely to be safe even on the most sensitive skin. That’s why everything we sell only has 5 ingredients or less. And they still make you look amazing and smell pretty. Another thing we take really seriously is the sourcing of our ingredients. We want our products to be as healthy for our communities and our planet as they are for our customers. That’s why we support sustainable agriculture by buying only from organic, Fair Trade, or small-farm sources."

Adina was kind enough to send some goodies to me. My skin is so sensitive, it often feels like it's burning if I put something new on it, but S.W. Basics is very gentle and soothing. I absolutely love the coconut & sugar body scrub (it tastes good, too!), the toner smells amazing, and my roommates can't get enough of the lip balms. The whole experience was rejuvenating!

Thank you, Adina, for supporting RR Lingerie! Be sure to shop S.W. Basics entire line of products, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook, too!

When the going gets tough...

2014-05-19T13:23:00.002-07:00

It's been awhile since I've had any updates and frankly, I'm feeling a little discouraged. As a small brand, we're not given priority at the factory, so just getting fit changes made to our samples has taken ages. The past two weeks I've had appointments at the factory, but the garments weren't even sewn. On one hand, I appreciate the slow pace of this production process because it gives me time to consider all the details. I'm looking into having the bra hardware produced by a local metal casting company. I'm practicing my embroidery skills so I can hand sew my logo labels. I'm working with my first intern to connect with press & the media. I moved into a sunny Bushwick studio that is now RR headquarters. And I'm finding the coolest independent boutiques to carry RR Lingerie. But on the other hand, I live in a big, expensive city and part time babysitting jobs are draining much of my creative energy and time. I know everything will work out in the end, but trying to find the balance between chasing my dreams and paying my bills is tough.

I appreciate your patience as I work out the issues with my factory and decide on the final touches for the collection. It will be worth the wait, I promise!

xoxo,

Rachel

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Unknown Kulture

2014-05-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Unknown Kulture is an experimental new life-style brand designed and manufactured in the UK by a collective of like-minded young gentlemen. The designers describe themselves and their customers as individuals who believe in infinite possibilities and refuse to conform to the expectations of society. They've designed a line of t-shirts, beanies, stickers, and hoodies, with plans to expand into accessories such as bags, socks, and even lighters. It's so inspiring to me that an emerging fashion label took an interest in RR Lingerie and supported our Kickstarter. Thank you and good luck, Paul, Nick, Joe and Jim! Be sure to catch them on Instagram.

In the Studio

2014-05-14T13:03:00.001-07:00

Welcome to RR Lingerie Headquarters! This week, I decided summer should be spent in and out of a sunny studio in Brooklyn. The space reminds me of my studio in Portland, and is shared with two painters and a textile designer. My side is pretty bare bones right now, but I can't wait to set up my sewing machine and record player next to that big window.

Intern with RR Lingerie!

2014-05-11T15:39:00.003-07:00

Are you interested in interning at an independent fashion label? Learn with RR Lingerie. We're seeking interns to assist us as with organizing production (visiting our factory, attending fittings, creating Tech Packs, etc) and marketing (creating buzz for RR Lingerie). Email me at rachelredlips at gmail.com with a cover letter, resume, and images of your work. Thanks!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Foxtail + Moss

2014-05-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

FOXTAIL + MOSS is a lifestyle blog that documents the daily adventures of Lauren and Claire, two ladies living in the windy city of Chicago. These gals met a few years ago and became fast friends, bonding over a mutual love of vintage, baking, the Smoky Mountains, adorable smushed face dogs, and wine (lots and lots of wine). FOXTAIL + MOSS is a space for creativity and collaboration keeping sustainability and conscientiousness in mind. They write style and design posts that focus on vintage and repurposing, recipes for the seasonal table, features on local and small business owners and homespun and handcrafted wares, and ideas for entertaining in a beautiful and simple way. Make sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Thanks, Lauren and Claire!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: This Woman's Work

2014-05-04T15:10:00.005-07:00

This Woman's Work is a women's ready-to-wear line designed and made in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn by Kendra Benson. She officially launched in September 2013 with a S/S 2014 collection entitled "Japonica", but Kendra has been toiling away at collecting, designing, and honing her craft since moving to New York in 2006. She showed her first fall collection "Padam Padam" in February, which drew primarily from the life of Edith Piaf but also other esoteric 1940s references. View the video here, and check back at her online shop in August/September when most of these items will be for sale.

"My work is primarily concept-based and materials-based. I try to work with the most sublime, grotesquely beautiful materials I can find, but I also like to elevate lowly materials like oilcloth, polyester, faux skins & fur, plastic buttons, faux stones, etc."

Keep up with This Woman's Work on Tumblr, FB, and Instagram.

"I've always been fascinated with that high-low mix, and there is definitely a high-low thing going on in my work, my brand, and my life."

Vintage dress for sale!

2014-04-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung in Brooklyn (despite a bit of snow last week) and I'm selling a pretty vintage dress I collected over the winter. It's yours, buy it here!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Duplex Collective

2014-04-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

Lindsay and Jessica, the founders of Duplex Collective, are two of the most supportive and open-minded women I've met yet. They are a dynamic duo who run an art, design, and technology minded collective and gallery space in Portland, Oregon. The art gallery hosts monthly exhibitions of quality work in an intimate setting from local and national emerging artists. The blog is a collection of interviews, essays, personal reflections and photos. They took an early interest in my lingerie collection and visited my studio in Portland twice. Check out their interview and studio visit with me last year. Thanks, gals!

Follow RR Lingerie on Intstagram!

2014-04-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Click here to follow us on Instagram

@rrlingeriebrooklyn

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Taylor Hanigosky

2014-04-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Taylor Hanigosky is an analogue photographer living in Ohio. She's in the beginning stages of promoting herself as an artist on the web. Here's what she has to say about her craft: "For me, my photography has always been about capturing an honest essence of the human condition. I want to show what the world looks like when we aren't necessarily paying attention. I shoot on film because of its permanence. It's about the feel of the camera in my hands, winding to the next frame, hearing the click. There is something about film that makes me slow down and think about what I am photographing. I try to reflect this simplicity in my art. The scope of my work is mainly directed at street or candid photography, but I also strive to portray emotions that viewers can relate to and interpret based off their own personal experiences."

Taylor sells prints of her photos in various sizes, as well as stationary notecards. Shop here and make sure to visit her on Instagram, Twitter, or Tumblr. Thanks for supporting the RR Lingerie Kickstarter, Taylor!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Portland Fashion Week

2014-04-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

I owe many thanks to Portland Fashion Week. Not only did they kindly sponsor the Kickstarter campaign, these folks believed in me before anyone else had heard of my designs. Let me tell you the heartwarming little story...

Last May, a friend casually suggested I apply to Portland Fashion Week's "Emerging Designer Contest." Winners would be given the opportunity to show a capsule collection during the opening night of Portland Fashion Week in September 2013. Though I didn't think I was an established enough designer to win the contest, I felt it was important to try. The process of creating a compelling portfolio to present to a panel of judges would be a prize in its own. So, I did it. I applied, and then I forgot about it. I'd done what I'd set out to do--just trying felt like an accomplishment. Then, five weeks later, I received an email rejecting my application---but not to Portland Fashion Week. Actually, I was declined an interview for the position of project coordinator at Stumptown. I was bummed for a few moments (although I also felt simply applying for that job was an accomplishment), but what happened next was a huge surprise. I logged into Facebook, and saw a notification from Portland Fashion Week announcing Rachel Rector as a winner in the Emerging Designer Contest.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't believe my good fortune. I felt motivated, validated, and happy. My friends will tell you I spent every possible moment during the following two months at my studio. I was on a mission to design, pattern, and sew ten fashion week worthy pieces to introduce the Rachel Rector lingerie line. I worked around the clock to bring the RR lingerie vision to Portland Fashion Week, and I couldn't be more proud of the collaboration. Thank you, Portland Fashion Week, for your continued support (I'm lookin' at you Jessica, Megan, Daniel, and Ms. Sue Bonde.)

The next Portland Fashion Week takes place April 25-27 and will highlight some amazing talent from across the Northwest. Be sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and watch videos of past PFW runway shows.

Life in Lingerie

2014-04-07T16:05:00.002-07:00

Lille Boutique invited me to share my experiences launching a lingerie brand on their blog, Life in Lingerie. Check out my first post for photos of my most recent visit to the factory!

Me, now a blonde, en route to the factory. Photo by Nico Mazza.

As Art

2014-04-06T11:11:00.003-07:00

David painting a 6-foot ode to best friendship at his Buchwick studio

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: HANSDOTTER

2014-04-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today I'm featuring Siri Hanson, a sweet friend of mine who lives in a lovely little cabin in California and is engaged to one of my brother's best friends. Not only is Siri basically family, she is a very talented jewelry designer and artist, too. Her jewelry line HANSDOTTER features handcrafted one-of-a-kind and limited edition designs inspired by earth, adventure, the 1920's and "YES!" (I love that! I think we probably all need more YES! in our lives). Siri puts her whole heart into her work and truly invigorates each piece with her personality and artistic eye. Be sure to check out her shop, Facebook, and Instagram. Thanks so much, Siri!

Return to Dead Horse Bay

2014-04-01T14:21:00.002-07:00

Around Brooklyn

2014-03-31T16:16:00.001-07:00

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Laces of Lore

2014-03-27T16:57:00.005-07:00

One of the coolest aspects of doing a Kickstarter campaign was connecting with supporters. Many generous friends, friends of friends, family and strangers contributed to our fundraising efforts. Today's "Kickstarter Backer Spotlight" features my Aunt Jackie's handmade line of wearable art, Laces of Lore, which is a collaboration between Jackie, a fused glass artist, and Holly, a glass bead sculptor. Laces of Lore is a line of luxurious Alpaca fiber dyed in a rainbow of colors, decorated with glass beads, and worn in a multitude of ways. Think belts, necklaces, bolo ties--anything goes. Check out Laces of Lore's website to see what they're doing with these precious fibers. You may also check out her side project BoHo Girl Designs. Thanks, Jackie!

Unmentionable on 35mm Film

2014-03-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

My good friend (and PDX roommate) Cintamani Calise got her start as a music photographer in London and has been shooting for more than 15 years. I was fasinated by her photos of Karen O, so I asked Cintamani to take artistic, rock-n-roll inspired photos at my show this past February at the Doug fir. Thanks, Cin!

Kickstarter Backer Spotlight: Jim Wurster

2014-03-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

I think it's pretty damn cool that one of my backers is musician Jim Wurster; not only is he a South Florida music staple -- he was married to my mom for many of the most formative years of my adolescence. I distinctly remember Jim practicing his craft every day, tuning his voice to its unique blend of moodiness, americana twang, and stone smooth gruff. Jim has released 13 independent albums, including a collaboration with Hired Hand, a western americana project with my brother, SkyRider. Thank you Jim for supporting the RR collection! Make sure to listen to Jim's newest album, RAW. Or follow him on FB.