Catching Up With Rachel Roy

Fingers and toes crossed, this bella is hoping to attend New York Fashion Week for the first time this September!

I figured it’d be a good idea to get my feet wet by interviewing some designers. So when I got the word that eternally gorgeous and talented New York based designer Rachel Roy was about to debut a new, affordable fashion line at Macy’s, I jumped at the chance to ask her some questions. Without further ado…

I love that you’re coming up with more affordable items for women in my demographic, can you tell me more about the overall inspiration and aesthetic of the line? What I’ve seen so far is bright and fun!

Accessible fashion is very important to me, and I believe every woman should get the opportunity to express herself through style. I have wanted to design a fashion forward yet affordable collection since I was young. With this collection I focused on accenting women’s best features while keeping the clothes edgy and youthful.

I think it’s interesting that your affordable line is at Macy’s, which I must admit doesn’t spring immediately to mind when I think “affordable.” What made you choose Macy’s as opposed to say, Target?

I knew the price points for the collection would be affordable no matter where it was sold, and the team at Jones Apparel Group and I were both so impressed and honored by Macy’s support. We completely saw eye to eye in how we wanted this collection to look and in what ways we would position it to customers.

Not only are you respected in the black community as a designer of note, for many of my readers, you are a beauty icon. Talk to me about your personal style. Any advice for women who are seeking affordable ways to express their own personal style?

Stay confident and happy and the rest will follow. Know what works for your face and body and embrace your personal style, not necessarily the current trends.

My blog is primarily about beauty and hair, as well as fashion. You always look so beautiful — any favorite products that you’d recommend for women of color?

Because of my Indian ancestry, I love darkly rimmed eyes – a messy eye adds a sexy yet natural look to a classic outfit. To make the eyes smoky, I use Revlon Luxurious Color Kohl Eyeliner in Black Truffle on the inside of the lids.

I’m a plus size woman, and the industry has improved somewhat for full figured women, but I still find that my fashion options are limited. Someday I dream of being able to shop and enjoy a Rachel Roy plus size line. Any plans to expand your fashion empire in this area, for fuller figured women?

Yes – I have always wanted to incorporate plus sizes into my collections and plan to expand in this realm soon.

I’m extra excited about your new line of accessories and ooh, did I hear sandals? Tell me more!

I loved being able to further extend my vision for Rachel Rachel Roy through handbags, shoes, and jewelry. A great outfit is nothing without the perfect accessories, after all!

Rachel was a doll to answer my questions. I’m kinda psyched, even though I must admit being saddened that plus sizes are still a blip on her horizon. Ah well. If you want to see advance looks of the upcoming collection, check out Rachel Roy’s Facebook, and her Twitter page.