Our Designers | Dressing Beautifully with Rachel Riley
Known as the designer worn by Prince George for his first royal engagement, Rachel Riley famously created the adorable navy, hand-smocked boat dungarees sported by the little prince back in 2014 when he was just eight months old. George's dungarees sold out as soon as they made their public debut and, much like his mother, Kate, and late grandmother, Diana, his outfits are celebrated and coveted all around the world.
Rachel Riley had long been dressing babies and children beautifully, and the traditional-style clothing that became synonymous with Prince George had always featured in the heart of her collections since she started her company in 1998. Possibly the first and most famous designer to channel this style of clothing for little ones, Rachel Riley's designs have always been chic and timeless, with the most beautiful details, such as smocking and embroidery.
Images by Rachel Riley
Rachel says . . .
"I have three wonderful children, and I launched my clothing brand in 1998 when my children were still young. My mum loved to sew and would make us rag dolls and clothes to dress them in. I learnt needlework and dressmaking at school, and soon started making clothes for my own dolls, and then for babies’ that we knew, and it was a good source of pocket money and I still find it greatly satisfying to make a garment from scratch. My grandmother taught me how to knit, and I used those skills to make little cardigans for my own babies with sweet designs such as bunnies and chicks. And baby bootees, bonnets, and pom-pom pixie hats to keep them warm and look extra cute. It is always such fun to take photos for the family album!
I’ve always loved designing and making clothes for myself, and I actually bought myself my first sewing machine with the money I made modelling whilst I was at university. So, when my children were born, I started making clothes for them instead. It is such fun to make tiny garments — they are quicker to make and so cute!"
Below left: Rachel and her adorable children. Below middle: Rachel has always loved to sew and making her own clothing. Below right: Rachel spending days out with her children in her beautiful designs.
What clothing and products were your go-to when your children were babies?
"When my babies were young, I tended to dress them mainly in sleepsuits and babygrows, as the all-in-one is so convenient and comfy. I love babygrows with poppers, which are so easy to take on and off. Muslins are also a must-have for any new parent as they can mop up unexpected spills and can double up as a makeshift blanket or cover-up. They are so soft and absorbent and my kids loved them as comfort blankets.
I was very careful to only use natural products on my children’s skin, so I always used unfragranced skincare products wherever possible. I am a great believer in simple soap and water, too, and would pile all three of them into the bath together where we would always have a lot of fun!"
Rachel's Top Picks
A floral-print dress (or two), a cotton baby shortie and a pair of nautical-inspired dungarees, naturally.
What are your parenting tips for new mothers?
"As a mum, it’s important to find time for yourself where you can, even if it is for just a few minutes, so taking time to have a relaxing bath, or a moment outdoors, enjoying the natural world, is something I can really appreciate.
I have to say I’m not much of a cook. If I am pushed, I can cook a meal, but I would much prefer to sew, knit, hand-embroider or smock before I would start to cook! Once my children started weaning, I used to like batch cooking their meals and freezing them which took the stress away from what to give them to eat every day. I highly recommend doing this.
I am also a keen gardener, so was always really proud if I could give them home-grown veg! My perfect ‘switch-off’ activity is getting out in the fresh air as I find it so satisfying to watch the seasons change, and the seeds that I sow and nurture and plants that grow and develop. Much like watching my children grow up!"
