Inside the Life of Rachel Roff: Founder and Designer of deLange designs
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Meet Rachel Roff: gardener, bike enthusiast and the founder and designer behind deLange designs (her maiden name). The Minneapolis-based designer shares her thoughts on how living in the Midwest and working in Minnesota has influenced her work:
Two more things Roff loves about the Midwest are Dessa's new album (she's listening to it now) and Wirth Beach.
From Rachel: The story of how the Midwest inspires me is not a romantic one, but very practical. Living in Minnesota influences my work because the lifestyle here allows me time and space to create. I live, design and sew comfortably from our home in North Minneapolis with my husband and ragdoll cats. I drive five miles to my day job, or bike when it’s nice out, and I’m usually home by 6 p.m.
Being a small Midwest-based designer is really appealing to me because it allows me to build up my brand (deLange designs) while doing other important things with my life too, attempting to grow up and live well. There isn’t that pressure to make it or break it artistically. I think that by leaving myself room for failure, I have bigger opportunities for creativity and growth. I’m really grateful that I can afford to explore the things I’m passionate about here.
Another invaluable part of being an artist in the Midwest is the abundance of creative people who are experimenting alongside each other. We all have a lot of passion, but it’s not cutthroat, so we can collaborate more freely.
I’m on the board of a non-profit that advocates for responsible fashion. I think the Midwest is emerging as a voice for eco-fashion, which is exciting. If I’m going to design clothes, I feel a responsibility to find ways I can do it well. Sol Inspirations has been a big encouragement to me on that front.
Head over to Twitter to win the deLange cuff pictured at the bottom of this post. To win, retweet our link to this story. Winner announced by the end of the week!
A design day triptych.
Riding my cruiser from Varsity Bike in Minneapolis. It makes me appreciate summers here even more. I love an upright, casual ride, and I'm still loving this sea foam blue-green color on everything (I use in a lot of my work!). Photo credit: Micah Fenlason
My favorite medium - lace! I love working with non-traditional bridal clients. Photo credit, on right: Lucas Botz Photography
My first look on the runway at the Emerging Designer Showcase in early 2013. I used a textured upholstery fabric and designed the dress with exterior facing seams to give it added interest. Photo credit: Rhea Pappas
WIN A CUFF LIKE THIS! Local musician Claire Monesterio, of La Manchita, sporting a deLange cuff. Photo credit: Jane Stoller, MUA: Kate Moran Beauty
My favorite shot from the deLange 2013 Summer Lookbook. Photo credit: Sara Kiesling, MUA: Tawneesh McGahee
I created this in an evening of inspiration. It's one of my favorite combinations I've done - a bright interesting pattern with lace.
From start to finish. Sketch courtesy of Rachel Roff. Photo credit: Chris McDuffie, MUA: Nicole Fae
Tearra and Jennifer passing in the stairway for the deLange FW2012 Lookbook, shot at the historic University Club of Saint Paul. Photo credit: Tory Roff, Jewelry: Ann Lambrecht, Hair: Bang Bang Salon and Creative Space
WIN A CUFF LIKE THIS! Local musician Claire Monesterio, of La Manchita, sporting a deLange cuff. Photo credit: Jane Stoller, MUA: Kate Moran Beauty
