fashion

RI Studio, created by us

From the buyers and designers to the garment techs and fit models, it takes a village, no, an island to create the pieces you end up buying and loving forever. They’re created by us, for you and we’re giving you a behind the scenes glimpse into how RI Studio, our premium line, is made. We spoke to Lavinia, one of our womenswear designers, to find out all about the new collection and what goes on at HQ so that beautiful clothes appear in a store near you to buy and wear forever. Over to the expert …

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Can you briefly tell us what your job involves?

No day is the same, but my job basically consists of constantly researching the latest trends, colours and newest shapes which I then develop into season appropriate ranges all the while thinking about what our customer really wants and what sets us aside from other brands on the high street.

What makes RI Studio different from the core collection?

RI Studio really focuses on key details and more premium fabrications however the key difference from our main range is that it has more oversized silhouettes. There’s a bigger contrast in colour and more colour clashes. We’re a bit more daring in Studio than we are in main range. The RI Studio girl is looking for a more elevated, high brow product. She’s always shopping for a more luxury look and that’s what she comes to us for.

What were your inspirations for the latest RI Studio collection?

Inspiration started from the catwalk, of course, mainly with Saint Laurent’s classic silhouettes. We loved the idea of having a simple tuxedo suit but in a fabric that draped beautifully. We looked at autumn winter street style as well, paying particular attention to how a feminine lingerie dress could be layered with a more masculine boxy silhouette to give it a rougher edge. We also loved the cocoon coats and jackets we saw being worn over the shoulders in that cool, effortlessly chic way.

How does it feel taking a piece from concept to store to being worn by our customers?

It’s a really good feeling actually. Seeing people wear the clothes that I’ve designed always gives me amazing job satisfaction. It can be quite surreal as well because sometimes you don’t even notice it straight away. You obviously have a biased idea of how an individual piece should be worn but everyone has their own unique personal style. Seeing other people in my designs is really interesting and teaches me about how particular customers like to wear their clothes; especially on Instagram.

From coats to cami tops, the collection is full of ”ultimates”. What makes an RI Studio piece an ultimate item?

Describing something as "ultimate" basically means it’s a wardrobe staple. You need these pieces to take you into autumn/winter. They can be worn in so many different ways, they’re luxurious and have that extra attention to detail that makes them “ultimates” that you have to have. That is what “ultimate” means.

What makes a fabric “premium”?

A premium fabric is going to include some natural fibres such as wool or linen. Even if it’s a low percentage of natural fibre that doesn’t mean it’s not premium - it all depends on different weaves and fabrications. Our fabric is 9% wool but it still has such a premium look and feel and it’ll still make it last longer. When we’re talking about that “wardrobe staple” you can be rest assured that an RI Studio piece will actually maintain its quality.

Talk us through The Ultimate Scarf Coat. How did you come up with the concept and what makes it a cut above other outerwear pieces?

We came up with the concept on a shopping trip in Paris. We were hugely inspired by the amazing Parisian street style. We knew we wanted something with a scarf that could be detachable for versatility of wear so ours has a detachable button so you can take the scarf on and off. We equally wanted it to be a lighter colourway like an oatmeal, super oversized, super long and quite cocooned in the shoulders.

It’s a cut above the rest because of its versatility - it’s a two in one! You don’t need to buy an extra accessory because the perfect scarf is built into the design. You’ve got the scarf around your neck, slick hair, sunglasses and you’re good to go.

And finally, what is your favourite piece from the collection and why?

I love the belted tux because the fabric, for one, is beautiful. It's got a gorgeous drape to it and it’s super flattering. The belted detail of the blazer means you can do it up as tight or loose as you like. You can remove the belt and it’s got concealed buttons so it looks super clean and tailored. The hue of navy looks so expensive and chic especially for the festive season.

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