We recently had the chance to connect with Claire Pinckney and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Claire, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
At this point, I’d say I’m wandering—quite deliberately. The path isn’t entirely clear, and for once, I’m okay with that. Before COVID, my life was on a neat little trajectory: career in fashion, endless flights, big teams, big goals. It was structured, successful… and completely exhausting.
Then the world pressed pause, and I finally had the time (and silence) to ask myself some uncomfortable questions—the kind you usually drown out with back-to-back meetings. That period led me to write a book, heal a few old wounds, and eventually launch my first brand, Rocking Gypsy. It was fun—until it wasn’t. Somewhere between the late nights, the full-time job, and the endless to-do lists, I realized I’d built myself another treadmill.
That’s when The Divine Rebel Collective began to form. It’s slower. More intentional. A brand built not on deadlines but on purpose. So yes, I’m wandering—but this time with my eyes open. The destination might be unclear, but I trust the direction.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Claire Louise Pinckney — a designer, stylist, and creative director with over 25 years of experience across fashion, home, and lifestyle. I’m the founder of The Divine Rebel Collective, a Los Angeles–based brand specializing in one-of-a-kind, hand-painted and embroidered vintage and repurposed blazers. Each piece is made slowly, intentionally, and carries a message rooted in joy, individuality, and self-belief.
What makes my work different is that it’s not trend-driven or mass-produced. Every garment has a past, and I treat it as a collaboration rather than a blank slate. I’m interested in how clothing can feel personal, emotional, and empowering — less about perfection, more about permission. Right now, I’m focused on growing the brand through limited editions, bespoke work, and thoughtful partnerships, while continuing to explore writing, mentorship, and storytelling through design.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before titles, expectations, or rules, I was an observer. Curious. Expressive. Someone who noticed details, patterns, and emotions — and wanted to translate them into something tangible. I trusted my instincts more freely then. I dressed, created, and moved through the world intuitively, without worrying how it would be received.
In many ways, my work now is a return to that version of myself — the one who believed creativity was something to live inside, not justify.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of being misunderstood — of my ideas being seen as “too much,” too unconventional, or ahead of their time. For a long while, that fear translated into over-editing myself: making things safer, more palatable, more explainable.
Letting go of that fear has been liberating. I’ve learned that clarity comes not from shrinking, but from being fully expressed — and that the right people always find resonance in honesty.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That more is better. More product, more speed, more noise, more content. The industry often confuses visibility with value and scale with success, while overlooking craftsmanship, intention, and emotional connection.
Another lie is that individuality is risky. In reality, it’s the only sustainable differentiator. People don’t want sameness — they want meaning, story, and something that feels like it was made for them, not just sold to them.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I created space — for expression, for difference, for joy. That I led with integrity and curiosity. That I made beautiful things, but more importantly, I made people feel seen, confident, and empowered to be themselves.
If my work leaves behind a sense of permission — to live creatively, dress boldly, and trust one’s inner voice — that feels like a life well lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedvrcollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedvrcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587345315462
Image Credits
All photos by Miles Schuster – Instagram @miles_sphotography
