Designer DETAIL - Rachel Gilbert
Her collections are stocked on Net-A-Porter alongside legendary labels such as Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, meet Rachel Gilbert.
See more of the collection here
Embellished evening gowns are her personal hallmark and with five celebrated collections under her belt, and a cluster of A-list stars clamouring to wear her red-carpet creations, Australian designer Rachel Gilbert has made a name for herself as one who certainly knows how to put together a jaw-dropping red carpet extravaganza.
With an enviable reputation achieved in a short time, Gilbert trained at the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design and continued to hone her design skills with a role she won upon graduation in 2001, with iconic Australian designer Lisa Ho.
After a two-year departure working in design roles overseas, Rachel headed back to Australia and into the role of Womenswear Designer at Morrissey. With experience, industry contacts and a head full of ideas behind her, Gilbert launched her eponymous label.
Showing her first collection at Mercedes Australia Fashion Week in 2002, Gilbert is now based in Surry Hills. Her collections are stocked on Net-A-Porter alongside legendary labels such as Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, and in addition to this, you can find her collections in 80 boutiques and e-stores throughout Australia, the UK, Greece, France, Italy and the USA.
A swag of international celebrities are knocking down Gilbert's door with US songstress Taylor Swift choosing a Rachel Gilbert dress for a recent Sydney film premiere and Aussie TV personality Natalie Bassingthwaighte consistently wearing Rachel Gilbert for photo shoots and TV appearances.
Gilbert has recently made a concise effort to branch out from evening wear and produce casual daytime pieces such as knitwear and leather, with her forthcoming collection featuring cotton maxi dresses and leopard print.
For Autumn Winter '09 Gilbert welcomes the winter season with an elegant and luxurious collection designed in London. Titled 'Memoirs of a Mystic Memory', the range draws inspiration from the ultra-chic lifestyle of the capital's women as pieces were thoughtfully designed with the idea of 'a week in London' in mind.
Cocktail dresses and red carpet gowns come in black, white and dusky purple with sequins, rhinestones and beaded fringing. Dinner dates are catered for with a silk batwing beaded dress and party girls will love the sparkly statement frocks trimmed with beaded bows.
Continuing the theme of outfits for all occasions, Rachel has taken a new step and designed a lifestyle collection for the more casual dresser - rabbit fur vests, studded leather jackets, and metallic leather skirts will appeal to the rock chicks, and the feminine embellished knitwear makes the perfect layer to take you from day to night.
In September Gilbert will be joining the ranks of Comme de Garcons, Roberto Cavalli, and Stella McCartney by collaborating with Sportsgirl to create a diffusion collection for the high street store.
Since launching her eponymous label in 2007, Rachel Gilbert has released four collections, which are now sold in over 45 locations across the globe.
