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Retro Modern
An interview with student designer Rachel Anson
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Rachel Anson is a student designer who participated in last week’s Rock the Runway competition with a Chanel inspired design. Her career in fashion began when she won the BKFK (by kids for kids) Signature Style Contest two years ago and was inspired and encouraged by Tommy Hilfiger and his staff to pursue a career in design. Since then, she has started her own online store, “Retro Modern” and attends Art Institute of Orange County.
Can you tell me a little bit more about the Chanel inspired piece you competed with at Rock the Runway?
For my design, the classic Chanel suit inspired me, but I wanted to modernize the look so I cropped the jacket, added some color, and bubbled the skirt back and jacket sleeves. Then I made a pearl necklace and reconstructed a vintage veil hat to compliment the outfit. I’m really proud of it and I’m happy it’s my size so I can wear it!
What you couldn’t see on the runway, though, was the back bustles aren’t attached to the skirt. One bustle is attached to the belt and the other is put on with snaps. It’s a very versatile design.
Also on the top the darts were sewn on the outside instead of inside. I thought it was something different, and who knows it might be the new trend!
What kind of fabric is it made of?
The suit is made out of wool tweed and the top a polyester blend. I have to admit the tweed was more Dior inspired than Channel.
You mentioned that you dyed it yourself?
Yes. I actually hand-dyed the fabric purple in my bathtub. The bathtub is still slightly purple but it washes off more every time I take a shower.
You are also known for your magazine purses. How did you get inspired to do that?
I found a pattern for how to make magazine corsets. After attempting to make one of corsets, I discovered using magazines for purses was a lot easier! I still make magazine corsets but I dread every order for one; paper is difficult to manipulate.
How many have you made so far?
I think I’ve made about 20–30 purses, I’ve lost track!
What other competitions, besides Rock the Runway have you been a part of?
About two years ago I won the BKFK (by kids for kids) Signature Style Contest. I won $10,000, a trip to New York to meet Tommy Hilfiger, and take a tour of the studio. It was amazing! It was like being a celebrity for a day, minus the paparazzi. Last year, I also won a half-tuition fashion scholarship to the Art Institute. I designed a really cute orange houndstooth skirt for that competition.
How did Retro Modern get started?
I have a good friend who encouraged me to start my own online store. Retro Modern was the winning title of my designs for the BKFK contest, so he told me to make that my company name, and I took his advice. It’s been going for about a year now and I’ve branched out to Etsy and Vintage Inspired.
You sell at Vintage Inspired. Any plans to sell elsewhere?
At the moment, I am on the lookout for boutiques that work with indie designers like myself. I would love to sell my purses somewhere in LA.
What other kinds of projects are you working on right now?
I’m always sewing something, but currently involved with a drag charity fashion show for the Art Institute’s GSA club; that will take place next month.
Where does your inspiration come from, besides Chanel, of course?
I’m very much inspired by the past. I love the vintage clothing style; it’s classic and elegant. Classic Dior and Betsy Johnson also inspire me. I love Betsy’s eclectic style!
Which current designers do you look up to?
That’s a difficult question. There’s so many designers who inspire me, but I think the only one who has personally encouraged me is Tommy Hilfiger, and I love him for that!
How did you originally get interested in fashion design?
My grandma taught me to sew when I was 3 so fashion has always been my passion, it just took me a while to focus on it.
How have your courses and work at the Art Institute influenced the evolution of your work?
The Art Institute is hands on and open to creativity. The fashion teachers don’t restrict you to just one style; they encourage you to explore all fashion markets. The teaching has influenced me to experiment and challenge myself with new ideas and designs.
Do you have any plans to train or apprentice with anyone?
The Hilfiger studio offered me an internship, but I’m still working out the details. Hopefully it works out!
Anything else we should know?
I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting and encouraging me, and thanks Encore for this awesome interview!
Rachel Anson’s online store can be found at: http://rmfashiondesign.com. She is currently studying fashion design at the Art Institute of Orange County.