NYFW Backstage Q&A: 5 Minutes with Designer Rebecca Taylor
Rebecca Taylor has become a sweetheart of the fashion industry—and with good reason. The New Zealand native — who launched her namesake line in 1996 — has managed to consistently turn out collections that are fantastically feminine without being cloying, and delightfully modern without an overt emphasis on flash-in-the-pan trends.
Her signature silky dresses, downtown-meets-uptown jackets, and cheery prints have cultivated quite a following — from style-minded celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Bilson and Nicole Richie, to fashionable young things who fill her Manhattan flagship boutique
For Fall 2013, Taylor’s show encapsulated a mix of androgyny and architecture—think cropped, chunky sweaters, form-fitting pencil skirts, and tailored jackets and coats (that seemed to have more than a couple front row-ers terribly excited).
We caught up with the designer pre-show and chatted about British punk, the importance of pants, and more. Read on for the interview, and see the full collection in the gallery above!
StyleCaster: What was the inspiration for Fall 2013?
Rebecca Taylor: As you know, collections begin in many different ways. The inspiration for the show started off with a British punk type vibe. I’d been really inspired with pictures from the ’70s of Debbie Harry and London and little bit of [’60s and ’70s subculture] rudeboy. The girls have a slightly Teddy Boy hair style, so there’s a bit of British, punky influence. I was also reading a book about Frank Lloyd Wright. So this collection was quite architectural this time, and I was really interested tailoring and getting things into a much sharper line, getting things crisper.
What are some of your favorite pieces?
We have some really amazing coats and jackets this season with quilted leather details, zips, and double-breasted detailing. You know us New Yorkers, we live in our coats all winter. When I first moved here from New Zealand, I had one coat for the entire season because I was like, “How many do you need?!” But now I realize it becomes such an accessory to your outfit that it’s nice to be able to switch in and out coats depending on what you’re wearing.
What’s one solid go-to style tip you can share?
I’m a big believer in wearing something you feel comfortable in. So many women have hang-ups about their body and probably they’re the only ones who see it. But try to be confident about your body. Don’t wear clothes that hide everything because a woman’s figure—all types—is quite beautiful. Be proud.
What do you think every girl should have in her closet right now?
Right now, a pair of really great pants. We’ve been wearing jeans for quite some time, so now a really great pair of trousers, like a really tailored trouser. Maybe in a color or with some sort of embellishment on it, but I think that would be really strong.
