Five with the Founder: Stoned & Waisted’s Rachel Allpress

1. Where does your passion for women’s fashion come from?

I’ve always resonated with and enjoyed fashion. Often I think back to my mother,  as a lady who loved to dress up. She really influenced me to explore with fashion. My interest in fashion developed further after I returned from California, where I spent the first nine years of my life, back to Norfolk. I was bored and threw myself into the romanticised world of old Hollywood and all the glamour, mystique and, of course, fashions of that world to quench my creativity and passion for fashion. Then in my university years I started to make my own clothes, again as a way to express my individuality. I was actually often teased for wearing men’s suit trousers with converse. This is really where my interest in designing and making clothes originated from.

2. How have you found being a solo female founder?

My journey has been informed by both love and curiosity but also necessity. It’s all I’ve really known.  Starting with my experience at TKMaxx, I was surrounded by strong women who were doing it all. They were the breadwinners, they were working hard and I loved being surrounded by that energy and is what I have tried to carry through to all my business endeavours. It has definitely not all been plain sailing. Something that has stayed true are the wonderful people who I work with, from manufacturer to supplies, to my seamstresses etc. they all want us to succeed. 

3. What inspires you?

Interior fabrications, nature, birds, flower colour combinations. 

4. What is your favourite Stoned & Waisted piece that you have designed?

My favourite shearling piece in the collection is, of course, the Rachel coat – because of the vintage inspired swing silhouette which I wore in my twenties – but also because of the process that is required to bring together this beautiful piece. The process creates a sentimental value but, really, the care and attention to detail is what has allowed me to create one of our most coveted pieces. This Rachel requires Italian or Spanish merino shearling which allows the coat to swing and fit all people while the quality of the fabric gives it the most beautiful tactile nature. 

My favourite ready to wear piece is our Beatrice dress. Partly because of the ease of wearing this dress, it really is so comfortable and easy to wear, but also because of the designing and sourcing process. The material is sourced through the use of luxury deadstock fabric from international fashion houses, a process that gives me real joy.

5. What skills have served you best in the fashion industry?

Tenacity, resilience, and surround yourself with the right people who believe in what you do.