Rachael Wood launched Chinti & Parker in 2009 along with cousin Anna Singh. Since then it has fast-established itself as a leading British luxury ready-to-wear label, renowned for simple, wearable clothing that combines superlative craftsmanship with timeless style.
With Chinti & Parker on sale right now at BrandAlley, we wanted to catch up with Rachel to find out a little more about the story behind the brand.
How would you describe Chinti & Parker to someone new to the brand?
Timeless style, crafted with care. A ready-to-wear label with knitwear at its heart. The pieces have a sense of individuality that lasts the test of time.
How did Chinti & Parker come into being?
I worked for Browns when I left university and Anna was at Pout cosmetics. Then we both found ourselves free at the same time as Anna had finished Pout and I’d left Browns. We both always loved American luxury basics brands such as James Perse and Vince, and we were always on the hunt for the perfect T-shirt so we decided to do our own basics collection with a bit more individuality and a sense of Britishness.
How do you find working with your cousin?
We’re like sisters; we work together yet can’t seem to get enough of each other. Bar the odd fight, it’s great. We have nearly the same aesthetic and often go shopping separately and come back with the same thing!
Where does the inspiration for the designs come from?
If you keep your eyes (and ears) open, inspiration is everywhere. My favourite piece from the SS15 collection is the Hello Goodbye Sweater, which is a great conservation starter and was also inspired by conversation itself.
What inspired you to go into ethical fashion in particular, and how easy is it to stick to this ethos?
Anna and I felt there needed to be more transparency as to how clothes are made so that consumers can make more considered choices. We always say that we’ll do what we can, where we can. When we started it was much more difficult to make the clothing in an ethical way, certainly with the fabrics. Organic barely existed back then but as more people become aware, it is becoming much more readily available. Now, each garment carries a tag listing its environmentally sound credentials, be it carbon neutral, organic, fairtrade or made in the EU.
What is your design process like?
We stick to our design ethos and at the same time try and introduce something new and fresh into each collection. We also fit on everyone in the office. We design with two ladies named Karo and Amanda in what could almost be called a “committee”. It sounds a bit strange, but all the girls in the office have diverse tastes so we like to see that someone within the group loves and wants to wear a design.
What’s a typical day like in your studio?
It is varied and fast-paced which requires coffee and cake. A day can cover e-commerce and the trading of the website, design meetings, selling appointments and board meetings so I am used to juggling and wearing many hats.
What’s your proudest achievement so far?
It’s a tie between our collaboration with Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle site, and seeing Malia Obama coming out of Air Force One wearing one of our Letter Sweaters.
What do you do to get away from work and de-stress?
Any form of group exercise, from Barrecore to good old Hatha Yoga.
Quick-fire questions…
What’s your favourite?
Designer: Marni
Artist: Anish Kapoor
Colour: Navy blue
Food: Japanese
Book: Love in the Time of Cholera
City: London
Style: Simple and intelligent with an eye for detail
Drink: Yes please!
Essential comforts: Tuberose candles, a cashmere blanket and lots of sleep.
Inspired? We certainly are!
See more from Chinti & Parker, on sale now.
