Rachel Appel, a Miami based designer is the woman behind RK New York. It’s an accessory line created for the individual who doesn't want to be like everyone else. In a phone interview, she discusses the development of her company and what sets her apart from other brands.
Where did you start in the fashion industry?
I started in eye wear as a rep then started the handbag line; March will actually make it three years since we've been in business.
OK, you went from working in the eye-wear retail industry to designing bags and other accessories like your bracelets. When did you realize you wanted to become a designer?
I always had a tendency to change things up on my own. If there was a certain style shirt, I would wear it a completely different way than intended. If it’s a pair of pants I’ll add my own flare to it. Clothing is so difficult because it’s seasonal and I thought to myself what can I design that won’t be tied to all these seasonal changes. The handbag industry was missing something that’s cool, edgy, and unique. I thought why not design bags that can be kept under $1,000 and still have high quality like some of the luxury brands. A big part of it was that I wanted something completely unique that wasn't $2,000-$3,000 and look like everyone else.
What was your first piece?
It originally started with the crocodile bag and harness. I wanted to create a hands free accessory that was fashionable and functional at the same time. Another thing I wanted to create was an accessory that would set you apart from the crowd where you are the focus because of the original style.
How would you define your design style?
Well I like to put a little bit of edge into everything! I love to use a lot of exotics and then bring the hard and soft aspect together. In our first promo piece I had a model wearing one of the bags with a tutu to show that it was still feminine. I also like to do designs that are very constructive.
Edginess is part of your design aesthetic, but what inspires you?
The other day I was sitting at a salon flipping through a book and there’s this designer I never heard of so I go online and Google him. I’m looking at his clothes and fashion show which is dark and that really inspires me. I’m watching it and thinking ok what I can do to blend with this look. I’ll see something like Pamela Love jewelry, which is like a rosary with a dagger at the end and think that would be great to have embossed on a bag. In retrospect, I would ask my engraver in New York if they can emboss a lace print to also maintain that soft edge to my collections.
What makes your bags unique?
My bags can be taken into any season. I’m not playing with colors and calling them hot pink or lime green. Everything is kept kind of neutral and able to be worn with pretty much anything. You’ll see blacks and browns and other earth tones in my collections, but if you’re looking for exotic colors you have the wrong girl for that.
What would you say is your most popular piece?
The most popular would be the four finger spike clutch. I say that because of the cool way to carry it... Right now, a lot of the spike bags that are out there are hollow. Our hardware is made out of a metal that is very solid which shows just how much care is taken into the details and quality.
What are some of your goals with the company moving forward?
We are already in a lot of stores, but I’m hoping for more niche kind of stores. I want to keep true to our customers and aesthetics. That’s the main thing, remaining true!
At the end of the interview the conclusion is this, RK’s pieces are timeless because they can be worn throughout time and will always make you stand out. It’s one of those pieces that don’t need a monogram for you to identify it as RK New York by Rachel Appel.
To view her pieces visit: rknewyork.com
They are also available at the following stores in Miami:
Big Drop New York
2321 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
305.532.8800
Funky Sexy Couture
901 Pennsylvania Avenue
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
(305)-397-8366
Jessie Boutique
1708 Alton Road
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
305.604.7980
Jessie Boutique
20533 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Fl 33180
305.933.8198
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