Dispatch from LA: Touring The Rory Beca Studio

In a shabby chic downtown Los Angeles studio, with her dog Sam lying by her side, Rory Edelman is living her dream one garment at a time. Dressed in ripped jeans, a cozy tee, and sandals, Rory embodies the laid back, warm, and welcoming spirit personified in her clothing line, Rory Beca.

When I first arrived, Rory was busy on the phone discussing adjustments to her signature prints, all of which are designed by her artist brother, Shane Edelman. Rory and her assistant, Alexi Rennals, were overwhelmingly busy; they were working not only on a resort collection, but also on spring one, two and three (not to mention a capsule collection). She got off the phone, leapt from her chair and greeted me with a huge hug.

We got right to it, starting with a tour of the studio. She showed me her wall-sized inspiration boards that are covered with magazine clippings, fabric swatches, and various photographs. We walked through the management office and over to her pattern makers and seamstresses. Then we arrived at her inventory and vintage capsule; racks and racks of Rory Beca and some of the most beautiful yet wearable vintage pieces I have ever seen. She explained to me that she has collected vintage all her life, and often refers back to the pieces for inspiration.

We stepped back into her office to discuss her design process. Rory explained that she starts with colors, which she often names like Essie nail polishes (skinny dip, pink champagne, kiss and tell, sweetie pie, caviar), then builds a mood board. Then, she and her assistant sketch, drape, and play with garments. Patterns are drafted, prints are made, clothing is produced. Sounds so easy, right?

It wasn't always that simple. Rory started her line out of her CEO's kitchen (who also happens to be her mom, Abra Edelman). She recounted how excited she was when Fred Segal place an order for $1,000. In no time at all, Rory Beca was picked up by the Community Service showroom (now owned by her sister-in-law, Natasha Silver). Now, just three years later, Rory's line is sold in more than 400 stores worldwide. I asked her to offer words of advice for any of you who are interested in pursuing a similar dream, and her answer was truly humbling, "Listen to the opinion of others, people that know what they're doing, and be patient!"

So what is next for Rory? She would love to have her own store someday, in NY or on Abbot Kinney, which may also include baby clothes!

If you enjoyed this read, you may also like my interview with Stuart Weitzman: An Afternoon with Stuart Weitzman.

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