Rachel Riley
Our Inspiration
Our Heritage
Rachel comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Her paternal grandfather established Riley’s Toy Shop in the 1950s and subsequently opened several other shops.
To her delight as a child, her maternal grandfather set up a sweet shop. Rachel followed in their footsteps fifty years later, by opening her own shop for children in 1998. Rachel was a child model, where the seeds of an interest in childrenswear and photography began.
Later, she took up modelling again, travelling the world and living in Paris, New York and Tokyo. It was during this time that she met her husband, a photographer, with whom she collaborates on the brand’s imagery and creative direction.
Rachel started the label when she had three young children, realising there was a gap in the market for well-made, comfortable and stylish clothes for babies and children.
OUR ARCHIVE
Rachel Riley grew up in London and has enjoyed a life-long passion for the classic designs and glamorous style of the 50s & 60s. She has collected vintage childrenswear and baby paraphernalia for decades and these are lovingly stored in her London archive.
Providing inspiration for shape, colour, print, fabrication, hand-work and other traditional details, these precious and nostalgic pieces have helped define the brand's aesthetic: making heirloom keepsakes to be passed down to future generations.
OUR PRINTS
From classic and whimsical to vintage-inspired, prints have been at the heart of Rachel Riley’s distinctive style from the very beginning.
Many of our prints are exclusive and designed in-house, while we also work with carefully selected fabrics and prints from trusted suppliers. Each is chosen to capture the timeless, joyful character of Rachel Riley.
OUR CRAFT
Rachel grew up with the love of making things, learning needlework and dressmaking at school.
Later she trained in pattern cutting and clothing design whilst working as a model in Paris before setting up an atelier in the Loire Valley in France in 1994, the beginning of her childrenswear business. Designed for modern luxury and enduring quality, traditional craftsmanship and techniques are always adhered to, including hand embroidery and smocking which is always popular amongst Rachel Riley’s customers who appreciate quality design.
In 1997 Rachel Riley started to produce the footwear collections from the atelier in the Loire using traditional techniques and vintage shoe lasts.
Award winning
Best UK Children’s Fashion Brand
BRITISH DESIGN
Proudly designed in London
TIMELESS QUALITY
Made to be cherished
LOVED BY ROYALS
Heritage of dressing royal families
WORLDWIDE DELIVERY
Bringing British style to your door