the vintage inspiration behind the brand, featuring vintage Betsy Johnson

Vintage Inspiration

Thank you for being here! I hope you are inspired as we traipse into the past for a look at some of the iconic people whose influential work inspired me to create my brand, Rat des Champs.

As a child, I was charmed by the folksy florals and patchwork quilts that inhabited my childhood home. The endearing prints and revival fashions of designers such as Laura Ashley, a favorite of the women in my family,  and Betsey Johnson’s Alley Cat set the stage for delightful imaginary worlds.

 
Betsey Johnson              Laura Ashley

I’m also a lover of 1960’s style so I’ve added a nod to icons such as Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin in the Rat des Champs closet.

 
 Jane Birkin in Laura Ashley 

They imbued all things with their special brand of joie de vivre, and that is what I strive to create within my own life too.

  
Francoise Hardy

Along with these icons of fashion, I’m also influenced by great artists and illustrators of the time like Milton Glaser and John Alcorn of Push Pin Studios. This love of design has led to the creative collaboration with artist Pinky which can be seen in our colorful branding and textile designs.

 
John Alcorn                    Milton Glaser
  

Inspiration from the 1960’s and 70’s, plus an ongoing passion for the creative, has been nourishing Rat des Champs from a seedling of ideas into a magical collection of garms and charms. Thanks again for sharing this trip, and I’m looking forward to many more to come!



Lovingly,

Alix