In the spotlight today: New Jersey-based Rachel Willingham draws inspiration from decades of fashion history to shape her own style— often creating her own pieces in the process.
Full name/pronouns: Rachel Willingham (she/her)
Location: New Jersey
Vogue Club member since: 2024
Instagram handle: @willinghamrach
My signature look: My personal style changes—like we all change—continuously. I mostly wear consigned or vintage pieces, but I also like to wear pieces I've made myself. I started sewing in January 2023 (after receiving my first sewing machine for Christmas), and ever since have been making pieces inspired by looks I like.
My favorite designers: From a fashion-history perspective I love Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga and, above all, Schiaparelli. I like how enigmatic and flighty Balenciaga was—the fact he had hardly any pictures taken of him throughout his life adds to the sheen of mystery. My favorite contemporary designers to wear or admire from afar are Bishme Cromartie, Simone Rocha, Jonathan Simkhai and Norma Kamali.
On my fashion wish list: In the short term, I'm looking for (or will make!) a double-breasted wide-leg jumpsuit in all-black—something I can wear backstage for my work as a fashion show producer. Longer-term, I promise to fly to Paris and buy myself a full-sized Dior saddle bag—but only after I reach a certain major life goal! It's the bag I keep returning to—no matter what age or stage of life I'm in!
A fun fact about me: As a former college athlete and the wife of an NFL coach, my style is heavily influenced by sports. Throughout football season—and when I'm not working—I'm piecing together or sewing my outfits for upcoming games. I parent alone for seven months of the year and often move every few seasons, so making my clothes is one of the fun aspects of a very hectic lifestyle.
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