'Life is too short to dress for others, it’s how you feel yourself that shines through'

Dungiven-born designer Orlagh McCloskey continues to make waves in the fashion industry.
Along with Henrietta Rix, Dernaflaw native Orlagh McCloskey runs the London-based womenswear label RIXO. Their unique prints have featured in Vogue and Marie Claire.
To date, their designs have proved popular with celebrities like Holly Willoughby and they can be found at boutiques and department stores dotted around the world.

Orlagh said she always loved dressing up from an early age.
The County Derry designer reflected saying: “Getting ready for discos and planning outfits was something me and all my friends loved doing together, it was one big shared wardrobe where we’d all bring our going out clothes and borrow and swap, playing dress up. I do always remember loving things I saw on TV or when I went to Belfast I was mesmerized by a vintage shop I found called Raspberry Beret. It was my go to when I had saved up for something.”

Above: Rixo's new range

Speaking on her accomplishments as a designer, Orlagh said it is amazing to see so many different women of all ages, sizes, shapes and style wearing RIXO and the clothes 'giving them confidence'.
“I really think that’s an accomplishment to take away the pressure for women to feel ‘on trend’ and instead promote something that just makes them feel their best version of themselves. It’s genuinely the best feeling and feels the most rewarding. Life is too short to dress for others, it’s how you feel yourself that shines through.”

When it comes to fabrics and patterns Orlagh loves a variety.
“I love silks, and viscose. I like both natural fabrics and they are flattering to wear. In terms of patterns it’s different depending on the day of the week,” she said.
“Sometimes I love just black and other days I enjoy having three prints in one outfit. That’s the beauty of
style, it should not be too indicative and it’s good to offer different things depending on the mood you are
in. I always try to have the range reflect that.”

Orlagh counts vintage clothing as her main influence.
“Everything 1930s and 70s are probably my favourite eras. Jane Birkin is a fave style icon,” she admitted.

Above: Beautiful fabrics by Rixo

The RIXO brand is committed to providing sustainable garments for their customers.
On the topic of sustainability, Orlagh added: “We work with mills that have the right certifications and don’t buy fabrics off the market, only traceable fabrics direct from a mill. We also partner with our mills to use the surplus to make accessories like scrunchies, vanity bags and we are soon launching products that are 100% produced from left over or cancelled fabric, so nothing goes to landfill.”

Visit rixolondon.com for more on their range.