Blog: Rachel Hunter; Model or fashion designer?

Rachel Hunter

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New Zealand supermodel, Rachel Hunter, is adding yet another string to her bow.  She's just joined forces with a huge New Zealand department store, The Warehouse, to design a self-titled clothing range, 'Rachel'.

The Warehouse is a well-known department store in New Zealand, and has long been a Kiwi favourite, a place 'where everyone gets a bargin'. New Zealander's have been able to stock up on furniture, appliances, books, DVDs, and much more, for a fraction of the price of competitor's products. It's like Ikea - but the local version. However, as much as I love it, The Warehouse has never been known for its class, just its prices.

Naturally some people have been questioning how and why this partnership came about, as "bargain store The Warehouse and fashion runway icon Rachel Hunter don't appear the most natural fit" (New Zealand Herald). 

The idea was actually Rachel Hunter's. She approached The Warehouse, after noticing a gap in the market for upmarket/fashionable clothing at 'reasonable prices'. The Warehouse, of course, were keen and the range has now been released in stores. 

Since then, Rachel has become some what of a familiar face on our TV screens.  In the advertisements, she talks about the philosophy behind the range, as well as showing her involvement in aspects of the design process.  The range itself is available at selected stores throughout New Zealand, and consists of 29 garments, priced from NZ$29.99 - $119.99 (around £12-50). 

During my last visit to The Warehouse, I was able to see it for myself. Covering a small area in the store, The Rachel Range, was well-stocked (according to sizes), well-presented, and well-positioned (close to the isles). Of the 29 garments in the range, 15 styles were stocked at this particular store. Being a huge fan of denim, I was excited to see so many denim pieces, but equally as disappointed that there was nothing really of interest there for me. 

In fact there were only two things that I saw, which I'd wear, and at the price they were retailing for I didn't 'love them' enough. I was pleased to see that the target of 'real women' wasn't forgotten, with the range including sizing for the larger woman (going up to a size 18) and the styles being versatile enough to work many looks. 

I think that the 'jury is still out' on whether the range will in fact be a success.  We're yet to know and it really is early days. I hope for both The Warehouse, and Rachel Hunter's sake, that it is a huge success.