DESIGNER'S DOORWAY

Rachel Roy

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Rachel Fashion Focus Details

achel Roy knew at a young age she wanted to be a fashion designer. Like many designers before her, she was less than thrilled with the options available, and thankfully for us took matters into her own hands. Wanting to create classic clothing with a twist and being inspired by what she wants to wear next, Roy has created a label many fashionistas and celebrities like Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Iman, Jessica Alba and First Lady Michelle Obama clamor for. In an effort to keep her designs fresh, she started collaborating with a different “artist” each year for a new collection. Recently, Roy designed with basketball star Amar’e Stoudemire for a “courtside chic” collection of sporty tees, stretchy pants and soft leather vests and jackets. Not only is Roy a style icon in the making and a fabulous designer, she is also someone who genuinely believes in giving back. After the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Roy visited the country to look into business opportunities with Haitian artisans and met with President Michel Martelly to make sure women in the tent cities were protected from physical and sexual abuse. She is also a contributor and volunteer with organizations like New Yorkers for Children, Orphan Aid for Africa and Charity: Water. Recently she created a line, Kindness is Always Fashionable, of a few totes and clutches, where 100% of the proceeds support those hit by natural disasters.

I truly believe that charity = clarity. Through giving back you gain clarity, peacefulness, happiness and balance in your own life.

– Rachel Roy

Favorite tees?

RR: I LIKE THE TEE SHIRTS FROM CALYPSO. I THINK SHE DOES A REALLY GOOD JOB AT PICKING COMFORTABLE FRESH TEE SHIRTS. SHE TAKES TIME TO CHOOSE ORGANIC TEE SHIRTS. THAT’S WHERE I GO.

Fave Jeans?

RR: CHLOE OR OTHERWISE JUST 501’S.

Anything you would change about your closet?

RR: IF YOU'RE IN A HURRY AND THINGS AREN'T ORGANIZED, IT'S A BIT OF A DETERRENT. I'D HAVE A MORE ORGANIZED CLOSET IF I COULD.

Anything you'd never get rid of?

RR: HERMES TEE SHIRTS, I TEND TO HOLD ONTO THEM. THEY NEVER REALLY GO OUT OF STYLE. THEY ARE NOT AS TRENDY AS THEY ARE CLASSIC.

MyCloset.com Speaks

Rachel Roy has followed her dreams and has gone full force into the fashion world. She is an inspiration to all and a magnificiently diverse designer.