After being at the helm of her eponymous clothing label for 25 years in New York City, designer Rebecca Taylor, began to feel exhausted both creatively and physically with a business model that encourages waste, and by the planned obsolescence of clothing. Taylor is now working to use her knowledge, skills, and experience to question the traditional fashion business model with her new label, A’Court.
Upon returning to New Zealand with her family, the expat is strengthening the bond between her work and her homeland, Taylor has just announced the first ever international stockist for A’Court, Auckland-based store Tessuti. “It’s been wonderful to spend time developing the new label. Being inspired by day-to-day living that lends itself space for inspiration and creativity.”
The synergy between maker and retailer is obvious — both are drawn to unique, natural, and handcrafted objects that withstand the test of time. ‘Slow-fashion’ is a concept Taylor is embracing, a philosophy she felt motivated to explore. Being fascinated by the NYC food industry and their focus on local ingredients and processes, she felt inspired to approach making clothes in a similar way. “We are going back to basics… natural fabrics, classic styling, and beautiful tailoring using age old techniques.”
Being fascinated by the NYC food industry and their focus on local ingredients and processes, she felt inspired to approach making clothes in a similar way.
This mindful and considered approach was translated into Taylor’s design process. “Vivienne Westwood said once that ‘Each garment is the result of a thousand small choices’. These choices don’t just include colour, fit, and detailing, but also where and how it was made. How are the workers being treated? Is the cotton organic? What about the packaging? Every decision has an impact and we consider that.” A’Court is produced in smaller quantities using fabrics that are woven-to-order, meaning the brand doesn’t have a ton of unused fabric going to waste. “It’s about being mindful at every stage of production,” Taylor adds.
“At the end of the day, people want to feel beautiful in what they are wearing.”says Taylor, “the choice of fabric and fit of a garment is so important as to how a person feels.” Fascinated by descriptions of characters from classical literature, such as Bronte, Austin and Wharton, Taylor shares, “I have always been interested in how women of other centuries have lived, and l love to study paintings from those eras.” The designer’s focus is on romantic details paired with pristine tailoring, clothes made not to be discarded but instead made to be loved and worn for years to come.
It is an inspiring act to follow. So, when asked what is Taylor’s advice to the next generation of designers, working in the fashion industry and wanting to create meaningful change? “I would tell them you need to have conviction and resilience. Learn from everything, even if you think something was a failure, learn from it, and move on stronger.” Wise words from a woman who is now working in her strongest chapter.
Words: Supplied
Images: Supplied
