With an ever-growing roster of fashion-conscious celebrities - Sandra Bullock, Madonna and Kate Middleton to name a few, Rixo is a cult-favourite brand that’s gone from strength to strength since its foundation in 2015.
Taking inspiration from the past, founders Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey (suddenly, the name makes perfect sense...) are obsessed with all things vintage.
Having met at London College of Fashion, they lived together for four years before starting the business, which they launched from a living room. Now, they’re stocked by prestigious retailers globally, from Net-A-Porter to Selfridges, and have three of their own bricks-and-mortar stores across London, as well as their own website, naturally.
Even better, they’re currently in the midst of designing a 5000 sq ft flagship, opening in April, which will be situated in prime position on Kings Road, and will even include a bar and a cafe, alongside all things Rixo.
Whether you’re looking for an easy one-and-done midi dress, a slip skirt that goes with everthing or a pretty blouse to wear with jeans, all of the bases are covered. From 1930s silhouettes to wallpaper prints, antique books to period brooches, the label’s collections are packed with references from treasures discovered at flea markets across the world.
This season, their inspiration came from Egypt - more on that below - and it’s the first time the brand is levelling up its partywear offering, from an all-over sequin dress that wouldn’t look out of place in Cher’s wardrobe to a hand-beaded sixties mini, which add to its classic and signature silk designs.
We caught up with the duo in the run up to their London Fashion Week show to chat about the collection and find out the items they can’t live without.
What were you inspired by this season?
Orlagh: It’s very Egyptian themed, from the jewel-tone colour scheme, to the embellishments, to the hand painted prints. We’ve taken inspiration from things like vintage brooches and old books and put our Rixo spin on it.
We’re really showcasing the occasion dress this season - this new elevated design that we’ve never done before. We’ve got a party mini dress, a gold lame design, and a slinky silver maxi which are all completely new for us. The price points for these is higher, but when you consider the level of embellishment, at the £600 to £800 mark, they’re still great value for money compared to other brands.
What’s your favourite Rixo piece?
Henrietta: Mine’s our Evie dress which is a bias cut with gorgeous ruffles. It was named after my first niece about seven years ago, and I’ve been wearing it ever since. It was based on a vintage dress and it was one of our first silhouettes.
Orlagh: Mine is the Gemma dress with the lace trim. It’s just a really easy-to-wear dress. When it comes to summer, I love the Crystal skirt which is linen with a lace trim. We bring it back every season for holidays and you can wear it with everything.
What will you always pack in your suitcase?
Henrietta: Honestly, a load of Rixo. It’s so light to pack, you just fold it up, it doesn’t crease and you can wear it casually in the day or dress it up for an evening meal, so you don’t need loads of stuff.
Orlagh: I normally have about five different prints of our Kelly skirts, which is a simple slip. You can just put them on with your bikini and a t-shirt or vintage top. So skirts for me is the main thing. And we always always have Moroccanoil.
Are there any beauty products you can’t live without?
Henrietta: I can’t go anywhere without Moroccanoil and Eight Hour Cream.
Orlagh: I’m obsessed with Omorovicza. The Miracle Oil and the Night Cream.
What are your go-to fragrances?
Orlagh: I use a brand called Ffern. It was my wedding scent - it’s actually amazing.
Henrietta: I love Creed’s Virgin Island Water - it’s so fresh and gorgeous. It’s a bit boujee so my husband Ronan buys it for me every so often, but it lasts for years. We actually end up sharing it because it’s unisex.
What are your favourite accessories?
Henrietta: I love our Rixo jewellery, and then lots of vintage chains and necklaces.
Orlagh: My favourite is belts. When we went to Ibiza, we’d always have a box of belts with us. We’ve always had a few gold chain designs that you could cinch in a dress if you were going out - we’ve started doing them with Rixo and they’re actually selling really well. It’s definitely a go-to.
Do you have a career highlight since founding Rixo?
Henrietta: For me, it was when we got picked up by Net-A-Porter on our first wholesale season in January 2017 and then being one of the top brands in the first week. Also it’s always great seeing celebrities wear your designs. I think my mum nearly dropped dead when she knew Madonna was wearing Rixo.
Orlagh: I think this upcoming show is going to be a highlight for me. It’s the first time we’ve showed this type of elevated product and I think it shows our capabilities, and that we’re really growing up as a brand.
What’s next for Rixo?
Henrietta: We’ve got our flagship store launching in April on King’s Road. It’s like 5000 square foot. There’s a coffee shop and a bar. It really will be the home of Rixo, it’s going to have everything from its own bridal section and rental as well. Liberty’s also launching bridal and we’re the biggest stockist, so that’s exciting.
Orlagh: My twin sister Gem is actually doing the interiors for our store with her design firm. It’s great because she’s got a similar eye to us. The store will house everything that we’ve been working on as a brand. As well as the café and bar, there’s going to be a boudoir-esque room where you’ve got all the occasionwear pieces and we’re even going to curate a vintage offering which will include preloved Rixo pieces, too.
