Rachel Pollak Designs: KCFW Q&A

Strong, sophisticated, and feminine: those are the three pillars behind Rachel Pollak’s namesake line. A graduate of Johnson County Community College in apparel designs and technology AAS, Pollak’s designs throughout her career have included mixed colors, patterns, and textures that create “wearable statements.” During New York Fashion Week earlier this year, she presented her Autumn/Winter 2018 collection with Oxford Fashion Studios in New York City, and her designs have walked the KCFW runway before. We talked to Pollak about her newest line and what to expect from her collection at Friday’s show.

Last season your line was inspired by the midwinter sunset and the season before by vegetables. Can we get any insight on what this year’s inspiration is?

As a young designer I have experimented as my aesthetic has focused. My vegetable inspired gown collection is a perfect example of that. It wasn’t truly me. I have definitely grown in the last year, have become more secure with myself and have become more focused. I’ve learned that letting go of the negative experiences in life leaves so much room for inspiration and success. I wanted my collections to reflect this concept. A sunset and then sunrise paints that picture perfectly. There is nothing more poetic than the setting of a day, and the dawn of a new one. My F/W 2018 collection was inspired by a sunset of a cold midwinter eve, the beautiful close of a day. Now, my S/S 2019 collection that will show in Kansas City Fashion Week, Friday September 28 at Union Station, will represent a new beginning to a chapter. It is inspired by the hope, joy, and possibility that a spring or summer sunrise brings. The color palette transitions from the contrast of black and white to the warm tones of yellow. I am using organic looking material, such as, linen, silk, and pearls in a simplistic way, and have accented with the femininity of summer florals.

You have some knitted accents in your work; how has knitting/crocheting played into your designs throughout your time as a designer?

I have always loved the idea of knit in the colder months. In my F/W 2017 collection I wanted to play with different ways that knit could be used. There is nothing cozier than a chunky sweater, but I wanted to design something that had versatility. That’s when I came up with my knit cuffs. It doesn’t matter the occasion, the day of the week or even if your outfit has sleeves, the chunky knit cuffs with a little bling can add so much. I used them in other collections to show the versatility of a knit cuff, and because it gave the looks a cozy touch which I loved. I hope to offer them in the future.

You presented at A/W NYFW 2018. What differences do you see between New York Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week?

My experience showing in NYFW was a priceless experience, but gave me a new appreciation for KCFW. NYFW is more renowned and considered a milestone in a designer’s career. The grandness of being in New York City, showing a collection I was so proud of, will always be a highlight. Though it was exciting, there is something so special about showing with KCFW. Beyond that idea of NYFW, there is little difference. Both have models, beauty teams, and runways. Both give me wonderful butterflies when I walk down that stage after presenting my hard work and vision. The difference is that KCFW is amongst neighbors, friends, and family; it’s amongst the Kansas City locals. The people that aren’t just there to see a pretty show, but to witness the beauty that can be found right here in KC. There is so much more passion and local pride at KCFW. There is this sense that you are part of something special.

Your bio states that you appeal to women who are “strong, sophisticated, and feminine.” How does that translate over into your work?

I consider a sophisticated woman someone that wants to look confident and strong, and be taken seriously. Though I like to make my looks fun and have a little something new and fashion forward, I design a more subtle and wearable statement. If you look back at my previous collection, Midwinter Sunset, I used metallic sheen to add drama, but the lines were clean, tailored, and polished. This woman isn’t afraid to try something new, but keeps it classy. They are a modern twist on the classics. I carefully design each look to flatter just the right areas of a woman’s figure and show off just the right amount of skin. I like to focus on what makes a women feel like a woman. I like to add a feminine touch using florals and small details. My designs are made to stand out in all the ways a confident, sophisticated, and feminine woman would want to.

What changes have you seen in the Kansas City fashion community over your time here?

I actually grew up in Seattle, WA, so I would not say I am an Overland Park native. However, over the last five, going on six years, I have grown to truly call it home. I would not want to be anywhere else. Since I’ve been in Kansas the local fashion community has definitely grown substantially. When I first got involved, it was a few local designers showing their work. Now people from all over want to be part of it. More people are getting involved and becoming models and designers every day. For many of those early designers, it went from a dream to starting their own businesses. Little by little, I see the possibilities opening up. It’s really exciting to be part of it all during such a growing time in the fashion community. I definitely feel like I’m in the right place at the right time.

What do you have planned next for Rachel Pollak Designs?

My next goal is to start selling garments, really get my business on its feet. Currently I’m working toward putting looks on a website called Nineteenth Amendment, nineteenthamendment.com. Their mission is to help female designers get their business started and manufacture in the USA more easily. I am really excited to be working with them because I love what they stand for. I don’t have a date to release yet, but keep a look out. I will be releasing the date soon and there will be a limited supply.  

Where can our readers find your clothing?

I would recommend following me on Instagram: @rachelpollakdesigns, Facebook: rachelpollakdesigns, and Twitter: @RPollakDesigns to know the minute I announce the release date for my F/W 2018 Nineteenth Amendment Collection and check out my previous designs. To see my full line of work, check out my website rachelpollakdesigns.com.

Rachel Pollak
Friday Night Runway Show
September 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Union Station
30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108