This elusive fashion designer is finally stepping into the spotlight
Rachel Gilbert doesn’t crave the limelight, but she’s found fans in Taylor Swift and Julie Bishop. For her 20th anniversary, she gives us a rare interview.
Rachel Gilbert in her office and studio in Alexandria, Sydney. Louie Douvis
Rachel Gilbert doesn’t do the Sydney social scene. You won’t find her at long lunches or at the opening of a new bar. In fact, she’s barely been a presence at Australian Fashion Week, showing just once in the 20-year history of her eponymous brand. She rarely gives interviews and has a private Instagram account.
Yet the Sydney-based designer is one of the country’s most successful fashion exports. This year alone, the brand has grown year-on-year sales more than 600 per cent. Celebrity fans include Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and Gilbert’s friend Julie Bishop, who famously wore a blue sequinned dress by her on budget night in 2019.
Lauren SamsFashion editorLauren Sams is the fashion editor, based in Sydney. She writes about lifestyle including the arts, entertainment, fashion and travel. Lauren has worked as a features editor and fashion journalist for ELLE, marie claire and more. Email Lauren at lauren.sams@afr.com
