Known for the incredible versatility of her designs, designer Rachel Pally has taken Los Angeles by storm, appealing to women’s love of fashion and comfort. In 2007, she launched her plus size collection, The White Label. Rachel’s mission is “To provide quality, comfort and style to women of all shapes and sizes.” Her feminine, exciting designs bring high fashion to plus sizes.
You’ve said that you are inspired by “women you know, women you see on the street…” Is there any particular plus size woman who inspires you? My fit model, the gorgeous Rachel Richardson! She is young and sexy and hip and dresses with such confidence and ease! I love the way she owns her body and shows off her curves! And right now I’m obsessed with Melissa McCarthy from Bridesmaids. I want to dress her!
What inspired you to expand your “The White Label” collection, when few other designers are venturing into plus sizes? I felt like high fashion plus size options were impossible to find – and that’s crazy! There are so many gorgeous plus size women who are just dying to dress in contemporary styles but can’t find it in their size. My brand is known for appealing to all types of women – so I knew I needed to start my White Label line!
What is your favorite trend for this summer/fall? Maxi dresses! I’m a maxi dress junkie. I love to wear mine in the summer with a jean jacket and sandals, and with a furry vest and boots in the Fall. Its my go-to uniform!
What is one chic item every woman needs? A day-to-night maxi dress. Something to wear with sandals to the farmers market and heels for a dinner date.
What is your favorite piece from your White Label collection? The black long caftan dress. Everyone should own it. Its the most flattering, versatile dress ever!
The versatility of your designs is incredible! How would you take a White Label piece from day to night? Lipstick, a necklace, a clutch….or a leather jacket and boots!
What White Label design would you recommend for a woman in her…
- 20s: Lyndon dress
- 30s: Lucia dress
- 40s: Barbora dress
- 50s: Caftan dress
- 20s: Lyndon dress
- 30s: Lucia dress
- 40s: Barbora dress
- 50s: Caftan dress
Many plus size options, including fabulous pieces from the White Label, are offered exclusively online. Do you have any tips for online shoppers? Don’t be discouraged by “too much fabric”. The jersey is slinky and heavy, so it drapes along the body without adding bulk.
The White Label line is full of vibrant colors. How would you encourage plus size women who are reluctant to branch out into brightly colored or patterned clothing? One step at a time! Try a patterned skirt with a solid top, or a patterned top with a pair of jeans. Prints can be intimidating! But I feel like I get the most compliments on my outfit when I wear a long printed dress! People really notice!
The jersey fabric used in your collections lends very well to movement. Did your background in dance influence your decision to use jersey material? Absolutely. I love the way the jersey moves with the body. Very flattering and sensual!
Do you plan to expand your plus collection? Now that we have our own e-commerce site we will start to add a broader range to the White Label collection. Stay tuned, ladies!
Madison Plus creates a community for plus size women to keep up with the latest on plus size fashion. How do you feel Madison Plus benefits the fashion community as a whole – including designers, retailers, and consumers? Its great to have a community that promotes the brands that are relevant to a group. Its great for brand exposure. Thank you Madison Plus!
How do you feel the presence of Madison Plus contributes to the plus size fashion industry? Yes! We need more brands to start venturing into plus size contemporary fashion. Spread the word!
Rachel’s designs are available online at RachelPally.com, Bloomingdales.com, Nordstrom.com and of course throughout MP Featured Shops.
Interview by Jessica Fleischer (Chic In Every City)
