Isolation Insights: Q&A with Californian designer Raquel Allegra

We sat down with Californian designer Raquel Allegra as she talks about soul-searching, taking it slow and being able to walk down the middle of the street… 

Couverture: What was the concept behind Raquel Allegra when you first started the brand?
Raquel Allegra: Basics with a twist

C: What are the new big trends you’re seeing for next season?
RA: Comfort comfort comfort. Work at home. Stay at home #raworkfromhome

C: Looking forward, what is next in the pipeline we can get excited about for Raquel Allegra?
RA: Less is more

C: How are you adapting to now working from home?
RA: I like to look at it as to how I am evolving. I’m doing a lot more than working from home. Everything is slower. Because I’m not working with my team and I’m not designing a collection, the work that I’m doing is mostly personal work. I’m spending a lot of time outside in my garden, taking walks, meditating and stretching, staring out the window at my squirrels.

C: How are you maintaining a positive headspace throughout everything going on?
RA: One day at a time. One hour at a time. One minute at a time

C: What is your go-to outfit to work in around the house?
RA: The 'work' being a different type of work. The most important work to me right now is my personal soul searching. My work right now is looking at myself in the world as to what I’m here to offer as a human being.

C: What are you listening to whilst working through the lockdown?
RA: Nature. A lot of birds. With some Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd and Angie Stone.

C: More time at home means more cooking - which recipes have you been trying out?
RA: I’m an instinctual chef so I don’t really use recipes…but I think my tastes lean in the direction of Japanese flavours and Indian flavours. With farm fresh ingredients.

C: What tv / films have you been enjoying whilst at home?
RA: Every single one. The ones that are my most most favorite: Fleabag, Sex Education, The OA, Sense8, Doctor Foster, Gentleman Jack, The Last Samurai, Memoirs of a Geisha, Hero, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

C: How have things changed in your local area since the lockdown came into place?
RA: I can take walks in the neighborhood and walk in the middle of the street without worry of cars running me over!

C: Who do you share your home with?
RA: My plants