Jennifer Cooper/E!To say the least, Rebecca Taylor really understands the modern woman.
If you own any of her refined-but-cool designer duds, you know what we're talking about. Wearing her stuff you feel girly, but still a little badass. She's so ingrained in the Downtown girl aesthetic, that it might surprise you the now NY-based designer is actually from New Zealand. She started her career under the wing of another famous designer (Cynthia Rowley) and has since grown to see international fame (Kate Middleton is a fan).
To learn more about the city girl's go-to designer, keep reading!
What was your first job?
I worked at a hospital in New Zealand, cleaning food trays and reading to the elderly people—although that was not part of my job duties.
How did you get into the fashion industry?
I studied fashion design in Wellington, New Zealand and always had a passion for it. When I moved to NYC, my boyfriend at the time began working for a 7th Avenue fashion designer and after being introduced to her she asked me if I would help out. We got on really well and the rest is history.
What is a typical day like for you?
Every day is so different from the last. I typically I get in at 9:15 a.m. and review my schedule for the day with my assistant. I usually begin my day meeting with my design team, then I am in fittings for a portion of the day. Some days I have interviews or shoots scheduled and other days I am in meetings all day.
Tell us about your office décor.
I like to constantly change my office around. I actually just rearranged all the furniture and added some accessories.
What's the best part about your job?
Shopping and calling it work! But really everything: I really enjoy designing and creating new collections.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
Leaving my design job and starting my own brand with limited resources.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Eileen Fisher. I think she has been very successful at maintaining the integrity and philosophy of that brand.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
My brother always says "We are here for a good time not a long time." It's now become my motto.
Why is fashion worth splurging on?
When you wear something you feel really great in, that confidence comes through and it allows you to be the best version of yourself. Also, we are here for a good time and, in my opinion, splurging every once in a while is required.
What do you think your brand does really well?
The collection is crafted with a high level of detail, fusing fragility and beauty with strong sophistication. I think we create really interesting and versatile pieces that are femme-cool.
Tell us about your most memorable red carpet moment.
The first time Kate Middleton wore a Rebecca Taylor look would have to be one of my most memorable moments. I remember my PR team posted the picture outside the elevator in my office so that when I walked into the office I would see it. I thought it was photoshopped: It was super exciting.
Today for lunch I had…Schnipper's crispy chicken sandwich.
The first website I log onto every day is…I don't know about every day, but I do like Matchesfashion and La Garçonne.
My usual Starbucks order is…I don't actually like Starbucks, however I do prefer and afternoon Peppermint tea.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would…of liked to have been a makeup artist if my hands weren't so shaky.
My favorite place to visit is…Paris. I always feel my best when I am there.
List five things that are on your desk right now…My iPhone, my kindle, inspiration boards for our upcoming shoot, sketches and fabric swatches I need to review.
The book I'm reading right now is...Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano by Dana Thomas.