Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Rabôt.
Hi Jacqueline, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in the shadow of New York City under the roof of creatives. My father, a British-born Sri Lankan, came to New York City in the 80s and built a successful advertising agency. My mother, a New Jersey native, is a talented graphic designer and together they fostered my insatiable appetite for design.
I graduated with a BFA from Academy of Art University in San Francisco and studied specialized courses in Rome, Italy. My schooling and career then brought me throughout the US – the Bay Area, Los Angeles, the Midwest and the East Coast. From styling celebrities to designing for Ralph Lauren and Zac Posen to teaching at a sewing school, I’ve been immersed in all corners of design. And always a pleasure seeker, I’m inspired by the delights of food, music, travel, and the great outdoors. My love of nature brings forth a deeply rooted desire to preserve and protect our environment.
Fashion had such alluring qualities – vibrancy, enchantment and spirit. Once working in the industry however, the appeal quickly faded and the unartful excess of the industry came to light. I decided to build my own brand, one that is committed to positivity and sustainability. A brand that is bigger than clothing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest challenge was when I first launched my clothing brand, Rabôt. I traveled to New York and Paris in March 2020 to present my FW19 collection and during my stay in Paris, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and unexpectedly cut my trip short. For months, I was feeling lost and confused. My intent for Rabôt was to sustainably create luxurious, high-quality garments made of deadstock fabric (fabric that is disregarded from fabric mills and fashion brands). But the silk evening-wear that is Rabôt’s staple became irrelevant. The general public was staying home (rightfully so), thus not dressing up. And when they did go out, they were traveling to supermarkets in comfy loungewear.
While the pandemic was and still is, challenging us, it has been an opportunity for Rabôt to focus on our ethos of community and sustainability. We created a project where we asked our followers to write letters and poems to the elderly and front-line healthcare workers. The response was overwhelming. Our team hand-wrote each letter and distributed them amongst hospitals and nursery homes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
VOGUE called us “A brand bigger than clothing.” I’m proud that I’ve built Rabôt to something bigger than myself with a purpose larger than just selling clothing. Our community-building activations, charitable donations, and focus on female empowerment are a few of the many ways we make an impact. It has always been my dream to have a company that changes things out of my reach. While creating beautiful products for my brand is important, the ability to leave a legacy of empowerment and inspiration is a joy.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We’re currently working on a project entitled the “Rabôt Female Portrait Series”, where we celebrate inspiring female creatives based in Los Angeles. We’re featuring activists, entrepreneurs, actresses, stylists, chefs, designers – anyone that we find to be of a positive influence. We’re always looking to highlight more individuals and would love to hear of any suggestions you may have!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://rabot.world/
- Instagram: @rabotworld
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rabotworld
Image Credits:
Rabôt Letter Photos: Photographer: Olga Yanul Rabôt SS22 ANGELS Photos: Photographer: Zhenya Minaeva, Models: Priscilla Robinson and Ashara Renfroe, Graphic Designer: Catharine Dahm
