Rachel Comey
A guide to Rachel Comey, the New York label known for custom textiles and off-kilter cuts: its production, fit and quality, plus this season's pieces at Couverture.
A long-term partner of Couverture and one of our favourite brands, Rachel Comey never fails to surprise, and we love the versatility of this season's collection. A whimsical cat-print silk blouse adds a pop of colour to winter hues, while the London Dress makes a statement with its flowing devoré cape. The Filly Top and Mott Skirt in champagne-gold brocade create a striking co-ord with the Goslo T-Strap Studded Heel, and the Shepherd Oxford Shoes are perfect everyday essentials.
The Brand
Rachel Comey is a New York label founded in 2001 by designer Rachel Comey. It began as menswear in the city's downtown arts scene, added womenswear in 2004, and is known for its custom textiles, off-kilter silhouettes, cropped high-waisted denim and footwear, from stacked-heel clogs to sculptural mules.
Comey designs with working women in mind. "There are so many more moments in my own life where I want to feel strong," she has said, "and I want my clothes somehow to carry me in that way." Many contemporary labels work from stock fabrics, but Rachel Comey develops its own textiles through research and experimentation with mills, so even the simplest top or skirt has something unexpected in its cloth or cut.
Construction and Fit
Rachel Comey's quality starts with where it's made. Nearly half of its collections are made in the USA, with full-time production teams working alongside factories in New York, Los Angeles and Peru. Jeans are cut from Japanese denim in Los Angeles; leather shoes are made in Peru. The brand works with small, family-owned factories and women-led cooperatives, many of them long-term partners. The result is a wardrobe of considered pieces designed to be worn for years.
Rachel Comey is generally true to size. Choose your usual size for trousers and jeans, or size up for a more relaxed fit. Among the jeans, the Tany has an oversized wide leg, the Dero has adjustable waist buckles to cinch an ultra-wide cut, and the Puerto sits high with a slight crop.
This Season
This season we've brought in Rachel Comey denim, tops, separates and shoes, with a strong lean towards evening. The Filly Top and Mott Skirt in champagne brocade work as a set for a winter wedding or party, or apart with denim for something more low-key. The London Dress, a full-length devoré column with one long sleeve and a cape-like top, is our favourite for an evening event. For every day, there are jeans, from the raw Tany to the faded Dero, alongside the cropped, high-waisted Coxsone Pant, one of the brand's most recognisable styles, and tops like the Lynx and Cloves. The Goslo T-Strap Studded Heel and Dahl Mule bring the brand's footwear into the mix. We'd pair them with pared-back shirting from Soeur or a relaxed knit from Extreme Cashmere.
Shop Rachel Comey here.
Rachel Comey London Dress Gold
The London Dress is our occasionwear pick of the season. Made in the USA from gold devoré with dot flocking, it shimmers and moves freely with every step. A high neck and single long sleeve sit beneath a draped, asymmetric cape-like top, while the fitted, full-length cut keeps the line long and lean. Wear it to evening weddings, winter parties and events with the Goslo T-Strap Studded Heel.
Rachel Comey Goslo T-Strap Studded Heel Pewter
Made from waxy leather with a leather sole, the Goslo T-Strap Studded Heel comes in Pewter. Studs run along the heel, strap and vamp, while the structured T-strap, open squared toe and slim adjustable ankle strap keep it secure. With a 9 cm heel, it's made for evening, and we'd wear it with ribbed socks and the Mott Skirt for a winter party.
Rachel Comey Fond Sweatshirt Plum
The Fond Sweatshirt comes in Plum. A classic crewneck in a cotton blend, it has a slouchy fit, drop shoulders and cropped sleeves, with distressing throughout and a raw-edge hem that make it feel lived-in from the first wear. We'd layer it over a printed collared shirt with wide-leg jeans and the Studded Harley Shoulder Bag.
FAQ
What makes Rachel Comey special?
It comes down to how it's made. Nearly half of Rachel Comey's collections are made in the USA by small, family-owned factories and women-led cooperatives, so each piece is considered from start to finish and made to last.
What does Rachel Comey do differently from other labels?
Where many contemporary labels work from stock fabrics, Rachel Comey develops its own through experimentation with mills, pairing them with off-kilter cuts, so even a simple top or skirt has something unexpected in its cloth or shape.
Why did we pick Rachel Comey?
Rachel Comey is a long-term partner of Couverture and one of our favourite brands to work with. We love her effortless, throw-on-and-go approach to dressing: whimsical pieces in an eclectic mix of fabrics, textures and unexpected prints that feel as good as they look and can be dressed up or down.
How does Rachel Comey fit?
We'd say Rachel Comey is true to size. Choose your usual size for trousers and jeans, or size up for a more relaxed look. The Dero's adjustable waist buckles also let you fine-tune the fit.
Is Rachel Comey good for occasionwear?
Yes. Rachel Comey offers styles for every occasion, from easy-to-throw-on everyday essentials and smart-casual staples to head-turning dresses for evening, like this season's devoré London Dress.
