Welcome to the first instalment of The Handbook’s Tastemakers Series, where we interview founders, designers, influencers and general trendsetters who inspire. First up, we have two darlings of the London fashion scene, RIXO founders, Henrietta Rix & Orlagh McCloskey.
Since launching their label in 2015, RIXO has become one of the best-loved names of the moment, being worn by everyone from Hailey Bieber to Holly Willoughby and just about every Instagram star worth their salt. Their collections are loved for their vintage-inspired cuts and joyful prints, whilst their London Fashion Week presentations and campaigns are championed for their inclusivity in size, age and colour. It’s no secret we are huge fans of the band, so who better to kick things off than the women at the helm. Here, RIXO founders Henriette and Orlagh share everything from where they get their morning coffee to the beauty heroes they couldn’t live without, the podcasts they’re listening to and the Ibiza hotels they”ll be booking into this summer.
Here’s what RIXO founders Henrietta Rix & Orlagh McCloskey had to say…
Where do you live in London and what do you love about it?
Orlagh: I’m based in West London; I love being close to the Underground and the fact I can be in Soho in 20 minutes. There are so many amazing restaurants and bars and things to do and see all the time.
Henrietta: I have a house in Chiswick and I split my time between there and Cheshire. I love that Chiswick feels a bit out of the hustle and bustle of central, has lots of greenery and too many coffee shops to choose from. Plus, a Soho House for a great Sunday lunch.
What’s your favourite local restaurant you return to time and time again?
H: I recently went to the opening of Jacuzzi in South Kensington. The food was such a delicious Italian feast, and I loved the decor, I’ll definitely be going back soon.
O: The Pen Yen at White City House is the best and the manager Bart creates such a great atmosphere.
Recently opened Jacuzzi is such a delicious Italian feast, and I loved the decor.
What are your favourite spots for a special dinner out?
H: Maine in Mayfair is a great night for special dinner date-night.
O: I love Gymkhana in Mayfair.
And what about a cosy date-night?
H: La Famiglia on the King’s Road.
O: Tuscan restaurant Villa di Geggiano in Chiswick is lovely for a date-night
What are your favourite places for a family day-out in London?
H: You can’t beat just wandering around Chiswick.
O: Kew Gardens.
Do you have any hidden gems you like to visit in the city?
H: Pandora – the brilliant second-hand designer store behind Harrods.
O: Alfie’s Antiques Market in North West London in great and not everyone knows about it.
What’s your go-to for ordering in?
H: Pasta Evangelists On Deliveroo – all homemade and delicious.
O: It has to be Dishoom.
Where’s your go-to place for a healthy lunch and the best coffee?
H: Yet to find a great one, but a Pret soup is an easy go-to. For coffee, when I’m walking into the office from Chiswick I always stop at Good Boy for a coffee, it closes early but it’s great for your morning caffeine hit. The Post Room is also a great little spot.
O: Boys’N’Berry in Parsons Green – the superfood salad is amazing. Monmouth coffee is my favourite in central, and I alway go to Burnt on Askew Road on way into work.
Do you have a favourite book store in London?
H: Primrose Hill Books
O: Daunt Books on the Marylebone Road.
Where is great for finding unique gifts?
O: I like to check out antiques fairs. There are always such beautiful, individual pieces which make special gifts – Kempton Market at Sandown Park Racecourse is well worth a visit.
What are your favourite interiors brands?
H: We both look to vintage first for interiors, but I’m also a little obsessed with everything Pierre Frey and I love Turnstyle Design’s handles that are all handcrafted in England are beautiful, I’ve recently installed them in my home and couldn’t be happier.
O: De Gournay wallpaper for us is our all-time favourite brand. We really appreciate the prints and painting that goes into them.
De Gournay is our all-time favourite brand – the prints and the painting that goes into the hand crafted wallpaper is incredible.
What’s new in your wardrobe that you love?
H: RIXO’s Milly pinstripe coat; I’ve been wearing it so much this January as it’s so easy to pair with everything in my wardrobe and covers up a lazy look underneath.
O: Our Clarisse dress from our PJ collection in both prints. I’ll wear it pretty much twice a week.
Which item in your wardrobe will you treasure forever?
H: Our RIXO Evie dress which is named after my first little niece and based upon on of my mum’s vintage 1930s dresses.
O: One of our first RIXO dresses, it’s just so special to me.
What are the three hero pieces from RIXO’s new collection?
H: Piper, Evelyn, Nicolette
O: Harmony, Lora, Gem
Rixo Founders Henrietta & Orlaghs’ SS23 favourites…
Who would you love to see wearing RIXO who hasn’t already?
H: We’ve had some incredible people wear RIXO, seeing Florence Pugh in one of our pieces would be amazing- we’ve always loved her style.
O: Kate Moss.
What are the three beauty products you couldn’t live without?
H: Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream that I use daily and anything 111Skin especially their face masks and Rose Gold Radiance Serum.
O: Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, Omorovicza Miracle Oil and the Nars Liquid Blush.
Shop Henrietta & Orlagh’s beauty heroes below…
What are your favourite podcasts?
H:I love listening to the Secret Leaders podcast, it’s so inspiring.
O: I’m really into Diary of a CEO – they have some great guests.
Do you have any morning or evening rituals you swear by?
O: I try to go for a run most mornings before work with no music just to think about the day.
H: Bath time with my baby boy, Wolfe.
We’ve had some incredible people wear RIXO, but seeing Florence Pugh or Kate Moss in one of our pieces would be amazing
What are your top recommendations for a UK countryside hotel?
O: The Rectory in the Cotswolds – dog-friendly and very chilled and relaxing,
H: Soho Farmhouse as you always feel so relaxed when leaving. Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland is also next on my list.
Where are your favourite places to go further afield?
H: For a beach break: Ibiza – the Six Senses Resort is beautiful and very child-friendly.
O: For a city break, Istanbul, is next on my list, but Belfast is great city break – The Merchant is great place to stay. For a relaxing beach holiday, I also love Ibiza. Atzaro is an amazing place to get away for the party side of the island and their beach club is so chilled with a great beach.
Shop RIXO Founders’ SS23 collection at
RIXO.CO.UK
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