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8th December 2023
10:27am GMT
Brought to you by Toblerone
With a fanbase that includes Doja Cat, Megan Fox and Vanessa Hudgens, there is no denying the excitement that surrounds Irish fashion designer Rachel Maguire, the founder of Rashhiiid.
Through her bold, handmade faux-fur creations, Rachel has carved out a distinct style that is instantly recognisable, so it's no wonder she's making some serious waves in the fashion world.
Here at Her.ie, we've been partnering with Toblerone to celebrate one-of-a-kind originals, the rising stars, who, much like Toblerone, are anything but square. Rachel was the latest in our hot seat, and we caught up with her to chat inspiration, dream collaborations and her dazzling career.
What was the moment that you knew you were on to something?
I'm still waiting for that moment. That's what keeps me going.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Human connection. Everywhere you go in these hats, people will ask you about them, ask to touch them, ask to try them on, and that's a pretty euphoric feeling if it's something that you yourself created.
What is the best part about your job?
I've combined making a living with something that I genuinely love to do. That's the best part about my job.
Have you ever considered a 'normal' career?
I don't think I'm the type of person that will be able to pay attention to something if I didn't like it. I'm very impulsive, I live a pretty crazy routine. Now that I'm my own boss, I don't think I could ever go back. So, no!
What's been the highlight of your career?
My career highlight so far, I hate to say it, but it is for sure Doja Cat! She was the first A-list celebrity to actually credit me publicly, and that set the bar personally, it set the bar creatively and it set the bar professionally. So I am forever grateful to Doja Cat for raising my bar.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my mother. She's a boss. She gives me lots of advice. I also look up to my father, he's the most wise person I've ever met. He's the most positive person I've ever met. I can get bogged down by little things, and he just looks over everything in a really calm way.
Who is your dream collaboration?
Rihanna! It sounds so cliché, but I've been to every Rihanna concert that she's had in Ireland and I'm just in love.
What's next for you?
Hopefully I get some sleep! I kind of take things day by day. I don't have a five-year plan. I'm quite stimulated by the present moment and if I look too far I get overwhelmed, but if I stay in the moment I can be motivated and inspired day to day.
What is your ultimate career goal?
The career goal is to employ young women in Ireland, bring back the skill of sewing, and to not have labels that say 'made in China' on them. I don't want to slip into fast fashion, regardless of how big it scales. I want it to forever be made in Ireland.
