RIXO is on the lips of every fashionista! Born from a passion for vintage, this blossoming label has a cult following based on its easy to wear feminine shapes and high quality fabrics. Designed to flatter every woman irrespective of age, season, size, nationality or time of day. We speak to founders, Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey to find out more

Tell us about the inspiration behind the brand?

Henrietta: Orlagh and I met at University, we were both studying Fashion Management at London College of Fashion. We became best friends after finding out that we both loved vintage. We scour charity shops and vintage fairs together all over London and parts of the UK hunting for vintage. Whenever we plan to go anywhere abroad, whether it’s for holiday or work, the first thing we do is look up where the local vintage shops and flea markets are. We get so much inspiration from different cultures and countries we visit.

RIXO, is a combination of both of our names – ‘RIX’ is from my surname and the ‘O’ is from Orlagh’s name. We had the initial idea after working on a university project together, as we felt there was a gap in the market for flattering vintage inspired pieces at a contemporary price point. There just wasn’t anything like RIXO out there! We launched the brand from the living room of our university home in September 2015. It was a big risk as we quit our jobs, invested all of our own money and spent our first year or so doing absolutely everything ourselves, but we haven’t looked back. There was no plan B!

What are your style principles?

Orlagh: We don’t follow fashion trends, as we want RIXO pieces to be timeless – future vintage! Our pieces feature completely original prints that are hand-painted by me and are made from the most high qualitymaterials, such as 100% silk, that will stand the test of time.

Henrietta: Whatever you buy should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, rather than something you wear once and never put on again. When we design our pieces, we make sure that they are flattering no matter your size or body shape. We want women to really fall in love when they buy their RIXO piece, so that they feel their best when they’re wearing it and know that they can count on it time and time again!

Who is your target customer(s)?

Henrietta: We feel passionately that RIXO is made for all women regardless of age, size, nationality and fashion knowledge… The RIXO woman could be a young professional in her twenties, her mother and equally her grandmother. We’ve had lovely messages from customers in the past in which all three generations are fans of RIXO. We really believe that a woman’s style is eternal no matter her age!

Who are your fashion icons?

Orlagh: Our current SS19 collection is inspired by our favourite 80s icons – Princess Diana, Jerry Hall, Brooke Shields, Madonna… We designed shapes and prints that we could imagine them wearing, but with a contemporary twist.

Favourite summer accessory?

Henrietta: Our printed Frankie bag or croc printed Ronnie bag are perfect for the summer, especially for any summer weddings or parties that are coming up.

Orlagh: Our scrunchies or silk scarves are really handy to pull your hair back for the hotter summer months. 

Travel essential – what do you always wear/ take with you?

Henrietta: I always take Elemis Facial Oil and Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Face Mist whenever I’m flying anywhere to make sure my skin stays hydrated. Something I’ll always pack in my suitcase is a MadeWorn T-Shirt and one of our Georgia skirts.

Orlagh: We both won’t go anywhere without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream too. I’ll be living in our Gracie wrap skirts for my next holiday – they are perfect to throw over a bikini after a day at the beach.

Favourite summer holiday destination?

Orlagh: Anywhere where there’s lots of antique fairs, flea markets and vintage or thrift stores. We go to Ibiza every summer, we love the island’s atmosphere and it has some of the best flea markets!

Future for the brand?

Henrietta: The next milestone is the launch of our pop-up store on the Kings Road in London, which will be open from April until the end of July. We’ve also just launched swim and accessories (including bags, belts and jewellery) for the first time and we’ll be launching knitwear later in the year.

Your advice for aspiring fashion designers?

Henrietta: Be willing to put the brand above everything else. We gave up our twenties for RIXO and there’s no sign of slowing down. You have to be completely immersed and passionate about your brand, otherwise the long hours and sacrifices you have to make will get the better of you.

Motto for life?

Orlagh: “What’s meant for you won’t pass you by”. It’s something my mum has always said!

RIXO pop-up store is open now at 74 Kings Road, London SW3 4TZ. rixo.co.uk

United as a tribe, #HumansOfRixo stand together.

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