Q & A: Rachel Comey

As you can tell from the picture, designer Rachel Comey holds a special place in my fashion heart. I love to post pieces from her eponymous label: shoes, tops, dresses, whatever I can. I even have to tone it down at times, no one appreciates designer overload. Well, Rachel Comey's wonderful designs are just as sweet as her demeanour. She was able to take a moment and talk with us about Avena Gallagher, Houdini, and her love of vintage. Now, when someone asks you "what are you wearing" you can come back with an informative answer! Here it goes:

S.B.: You have been showing your collections at NY Fashion week for the past few years now. How has this past season(spring/summer 08) differed from shows and collections of the past? Does the craziness of fashion week get any easier?

R.C.:I have had 13 shows over the past 6 years. It doesn't ever seem to get less hectic, but over the years, I have found an amazing group of people to work with during that time. We have lots of fun.

S.B.:What were some of your references/inspirations for Spring 08? And if
you are allowed to gives us a sneak peak, what are some inspirations for Fall '08?

R.C.:hmmm, can't remember Spring now. I am thinking Fall... Houdini,
magic, 70s handicrafts, soft jewelry and soft musical instruments.
tarot. miscellaneous things. we'll see how the pot brews.

S.B.: You are well know for you shoe collection, as well as your RTW. When designing a collection, do you normally design the shoes then the clothing, or vice versa? Or, does the whole creative process happen together?

R.C.:The whole thing happens together/ overlaps and influences each other.

S.B.:If I am correct, you were a designer at Theory before launching your own collection of menswear? How did your stay at Theory help sculpt you as the designer you are today?

R.C.:It was nice to have the opportunity to travel on someone else's dime.
I am a diligent worker, but I couldn't survive with those basics for
too long. I learned I needed to work more closely with the factories,
patternmakers, and materials.

S.B.: I read on NY Mag.com that you "hit the fashion jackpot" when David Bowie wore one of your tees on Letterman one night? Is this true? And if so, how crazy and exciting was that?

R.C.:It's true, he wore some of my things, but so have a lot of people. I
don't do much press outreach, so I think somehow this story has been
the easy one to write about. The nice thing about it was that I
didn't even really have a collection at the time. I was making one of
a kind things for various musicians in town. A stylist friend (Avena
Gallagher, the great) asked if she could borrow some kinds as she was
styling him. He ended up buying two shirts from me. Avena said I
should charge whatever I wanted as he has obviously could afford it.
At the time, $200 seemed like a ton so that is what I charged him!!

S.B.: Lastly, when you aren't wearing your own fabulous designs, who else are you rocking?

R.C.:Usually vintage, or maybe some traded garments from other designer friends.

Q & A: Rachel Comey