Meet Rachel Rooke, a 23 year old Textile Designer from Luton, Bedfordshire.
Can you tell me a bit about your background from before university?
I completed my A Levels in Art, Drama and Psychology and then tried my hand at hairdressing. After a year I decided it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I worked for a year before I finally decided on doing a course in Fashion and Textiles. I had always been a very creative person and the enterprise unit of the course in particular appealed to me!
Do you do mostly Fashion or Textile Design, why?
I specialise in textile and print design. I love creating textures and manipulating materials to creating original and tactile samples.
What was your final collection inspired by?
My final collection was inspired by the sea and in particular things that had been ‘Washed Ashore’.
What do you feel is the most important thing you’ve learned these three years?
The most important thing I have learned in the last 3 years is that you must have confidence in your own work and ability. If you don’t believe in it, then no one else will.
What about your collection do you like the most?
The pieces I like more in my collection are the ones that I feel push the boundaries the most. I think that even though it is important to be able to do digital prints, it’s easy to get stuck at a computer all day, Where as i used plastics, knit, leather and mixed media to create different and unusual textiles.
Who inspires you?
Through my FMP I found two artists in particular that really inspired me. Abigail Doan uses wrapped fibres and wool to create really beautiful art and Lucy Mcrae uses everyday day objects in her art such as cotton buds and balloons. This was very inspiring to me through my FMP and continue to be so as I progress as a designer.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years time i hope to be a successful textile designer in an established company or even better…in my own established business!!
Thank you Rachel! We definitely look forwards to seeing more of your work in the future and wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals!
To see more of Rachel Rooke’s designs or get in touch with her check out
