Rachel Antonoff's Radicchio-Inspired Clothes: A Celebration of Appetite and Art
High-End Fashion Label Rachel Antonoff Offers Unique Pieces Like Caviar Skirts and Radicchio Tops
Step into the whimsical world of Rachel Antonoff, where clothes are love letters to a smorgasbord of edibles, from rainbow cookies to smoked salmon-adorned bagels, from caviar to bodega coffee to babka. The Spring 2025 collection embraces yet another delectable treat - radicchio.
This chicory that flaunts a variety of blushy pinks, vibrant reds, and near-purples, has made its way onto the radicchio print, one of the gems of the upcoming release. Antonoff couldn't help but gush, "It's just so beautiful!" When probed about the inspiration behind the design, she responded candidly, "We freaking love to eat! Food is a huge part of my joy, entertainment, and excitement. So, it inevitably finds its way into the work."
Antonoff helms an extended sizing (extra small to 3X) fashion company based in the heart of New York. The brand thrives on collaboration and teamwork, with inspiration often stemming from the lively lunchtime discussions that echo throughout the office. The radicchio print was no exception, as Antonoff confessed, "The idea often comes from overhearing discussions about what everyone's ordering for lunch."
The Rachel Antonoff team joined forces with painter Hazel Lee Santino for the radicchio print. As they ventured into the world of salads, they were struck by the striking resemblance of many to beautiful bouquets of flowers. The team's focus quickly zeroed in on the most eye-catching members of the radicchio family, such as the rosa de veneto and castelfranco.
The radicchio printmasterfully balances the elements of surprise and discovery, with Antonoff noting, "Most of our prints are hidden in plain sight, like a game you can play with yourself. There will be little Easter eggs, and we love the idea of a print that reveals itself the more you look at it." For instance, the print may initially appear as a pretty floral, but upon closer examination, it gives away its true identity. This could instigate intrigue or spark conversation, creating a unique narrative for the wearer and the observer.
Antonoff's affinity for all things edible goes beyond mere aesthetic inspiration. She designs with the intent of creating clothing that is as enjoyable to wear as the food she celebrates. "We place great emphasis on comfort," Antonoff shared. "We ask ourselves if we could wear a piece to dinner and not feel constricted. We strive to celebrate the feeling of fullness - both literal and literal."
The world of gastronomic fashion is not without its challenges, though. Some culinary endeavors fail to materialize into wearable masterpieces. "There are breakfasts, lunches, and dinners worth of ideas that didn't make the cut," Antonoff lamented. "We have so many prints that don't see the light of day. But we strive to give them another shot in future seasons."
One such culinary misfire was a submarine sandwich knit complete with frilly metallic toothpicks. But fear not, as the team is known for their resilience, refusing to give up on prints they love. "We keep on trying to make it work in another way for a future season," Antonoff admitted. "And sometimes, after multiple attempts, they totally hit the spot!"
For more fashion insights, here's a deep dive into the creative process behind unique designer collaborations. Foodies and fashion enthusiasts alike - rejoice! Rachel Antonoff's radicchio-inspired collection is sure to satiate both your appetite and your couture cravings.
In the jubilant world of Rachel Antonoff, food is not merely served on a plate but adorns her clothing line as well, with the Spring 2025 collection boasting a radicchio print. By 2025, Antonoff's plus size clothing company, based in New York, will offer garments that not only resonate with foodies but also guarantee comfort, aiming to foster an inclusive sizing policy. Striving to breathe life into culinary inspirations, Antonoff admits that some ideas, like a submarine sandwich knit, may not materialize successfully in the first attempt, but the team remains steadfast in revisiting and perfecting them for future seasons.
