RACHAEL BROOKS

Grey Sheep

Location

United Kingdom

University

university of brighton

Graduation year

2011

I design for womenswear. The mood is a fusion of femininity and 'tomboy' charm. I seek to design comfortable, effortless clothing yet by no means conventional. My intrinsic appreciation for craftsmanship is shown through personalised finishings and witty detailing. I am hugely inspired by printed as well as knitted textiles and how this can create a striking look with a carefully considered colour palette.

Latest Collection

The Castle Worth Capturing

My collection has been inspired by Dodie Smith’s 1940’s novel ‘I Capture the Castle’, specifically around the seventeen year old character, Cassandra; a whimsical tomboy. I set out to translate Cassandra’s overriding journey in the novel, identifying how without intention she grows sophisticated yet still yearns for childhood games and rituals, remaining loyal to her tomboy roots. The collection is light-hearted, playful and contemporary, whilst taking influence from traditional handcraft techniques.

I see Cassandra much like the Rachael Brooks women: decisive and wise and not afraid to muck in, or to be seen in her father’s old hand-me-downs, she has a natural feminine presence, but exercises it in an unintentional, carefree way.