A designer who actually likes clothes:
Ray Harris is a rare creature in the world of fashion: a designer of beautiful clothes for women, not twelve year old nymphets, not creatures from outer space with legs up to their armpits, no, just women. It is so rare that it should be noted. His clothes can be worn by women in their glorious diversity, in their different shapes, colours, sizes and ages. His respect for women's bodies and intelligence is apparent in the clothes. They enhance women's beauty, bring out their best features with clever cutting and pleating and don't submit them to the usual size 0 dictatorship or futility of disposable, instant fashion.
Ray Harris also distinguishes himself from most of the fashion industry in his belief in the clothes themselves, as opposed to the current approach of brand building to sell licenses for products made at the end of a long supply chain. He wants to make clothes, not sell sunglasses or handbags, and he wants those clothes to enhance people's lives.
Real ethics:
The clothes are made by a small team, working in the shop itself and in another London workshop, not in a sweat shop across the world. Another shocking concept is Ray's belief that his team should be treated decently. For instance, contrary to industry norms, he refuses to use work-experience trainees as regular staff. The staff I met in the shop, not only know the collections but also clearly enjoy helping customers discover what can work best for them. Their help is valuable as the clothes are kept on shelves as bundles as to keep the pleats in shape - all you can see is shimmering fabric in magnificent colours, and the clothes reveal themselves when worn. What you see on the hanger does not always do them justice and you might need to be nudged to go out of your comfort zone and try something different.
Ray Harris clothes are designed to be mixed and matched, within his collections but also with other clothes that will benefit from his gorgeous colour palette and flattering cuts. His clientele is loyal - usually women over 35 who are not trend driven but know what they like. He counts women in public life amongst his fans and his clothes can lend themselves very well to glamorous evenings as well as active daywear. I tried combinations of dresses and jackets and some of the resulting outfits were truly spectacular.
You could really make an entrance in that glorious pleated coat or whirl of a dress. Another benefit from those clothes is that they are very forgiving - you can hide a multitude of sins under the striking pleating and elegant cut! They are comfortable and allow you to move. With prices starting at £155 for a top, £220 for a jacket, £205 for trousers, £275 for a skirt or a dress and £310 for a coat, those are pieces that you will want to treasure and keep. You can also choose to accessorise an outfit with a necktie (£45) or a stunning shawl (£115).
Being short - sorry, "petite", some of the dresses or skirts were a bit long for me and possibly a bit too generous in sizing - a rare enough experience and quite a treat in itself! I left the shop with the feeling that I knew where to go for my next red-carpet moment but also, more realistically, with an eye on one of his short jackets in a striking royal blue. It fits just right and could be dressed up with a black skirt and heels or down with a pair of jeans.
Where to find his clothes:
Ray sells directly in his shop at 73 Westbourne Park road, London W2 5QH: +44 (0)207 221 8052.
http://www.rayharris.co.uk
His clothes can be found in the UK
at L'Usine in Salisbury: +44(0)1722 328 518 and in Italy at
Eleganza in Alassio: +39 0182 640 437
He also has a faithful following in North America where he clothes are available in the following shops:
- Ceri in Boston: +1 781416 0900
- Artisans in Maryland: +1 443 379 2266
- Clad In in Mystic: +1 860 572 8442
- Elements of Style in Atlanta:+1 404 846 2182
- Events in Style in Lambertville: +1 609 397 7900
- Fair Skies in Maine: +1 603 431 1663
- Julie: Artisans' Gallery in New York: +1 212 717 5959
- Karen Allen in Great Barrington: +1 413 528 8555
- Kati Koos in San Francisco: +1 415 362 3437
- Kaye Louise in Boca Raton: +15617505155
- One-O-One in Healdsburg: +1 707 433 2800
- Pat Henderson Inc in Scotts Valley: +1 831 438 3839
- Paula in Tustin: +1 714 838 0800
- Perceptions in Concord: +1 978 369 6797
- Smith Alders Inc in San Jose: +1 408 260 7555
- Upstairs on 7th in Washington: +1 301 351 8308
- Urban Style Emporium in Chicago: +1 312 335 1353
- Casablanca in Lenox: +1 413 637 2680
- Dreamweaver in Sarasota: +1 941 388 1974
