Ten Questions with Fashion Designer Rory Docherty
Rory Docherty is a New Zealand fashion designer whose seasonless label combines original artwork, textile prints and considered silhouettes. In this interview, he discusses his creative process, artistic influences, collected home and approach to slow, enduring design.
We met Rory through our shared love of beautiful objects with history, and since then a friendship and easy connection have developed. It has been a true pleasure to support his emerging label, lending furniture that complements each campaign concept. At times, the right piece has arrived with uncanny timing, perfectly matching the fashion he has created.
Some of our favourite images are from Rory’s styled campaigns, which have incorporated furniture by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the iconic Scottish architect and designer. The Hame collection references Rory’s own Scottish heritage, making it remarkable that we happened to have two Mackintosh chairs at the time.
We greatly admire the determination it takes to succeed in New Zealand fashion, and we hope readers enjoy this interview with Rory.
Lookbook image from the 'Hame' Collection by Rory William Docherty featuring a Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Tim White.
Rory Docherty pictured at home with collected vintage pieces of his own. Photography by Josh Szeto.
What does your creative process entail?
The process involves investigating, reflecting, drawing, painting, continually questioning, conceptualising and circling back to creatively problem solve.
I'm very hands-on, drawing, painting and creating all textile prints. I drape, draft initial patterns, make toiles, fit the garments and try everything on … The design process includes all aspects as the designs evolve. Often the trials and errors lead to wonderful unimagined ideas.
Which creators, artists and designers inspire you?
I keep coming back to Francis Bacon, Louise Bourgeois, Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, Ben Nicholson, Cy Twombly, Charles and Ray Eames …
Original Martin Margiela, late 70s and early 80s Yves Saint Laurent, and Yohji, especially his menswear …
Lookbook image from the 'Hame' Collection by Rory William Docherty featuring a Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Tim White.
Lookbook image from the 'Iris' Collection by Rory William Docherty featuring a Chrome and Wengewood Console Table from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Mara Sommer.
How does your home reflect you?
My home needs to be my sanctuary. A space I can escape to. Which is funny, given it's nestled in such an urban environment. But for me that really works. The proximity to everything—work, good restaurants, bars, galleries, public transport—but inside is my haven. A quiet, curated space.
I like warm, earthy, grounding colours. Inside there is rough exposed brickwork, wooden floors, and what has been called ‘Rory tan’ for my love of the colour: a rich, mid-century orange-brown leather.
I have collected pieces from my travels, rugs, wall hangings and ceramics from various countries. Furniture from different decades, and artworks, mostly by friends, artists and creatives I admire. I purchase and collect emotionally.
I really value the importance of just taking a day off to step back, catch up on domestic jobs and potter around the house, creating a beautiful calm space, making a nourishing dinner … so the next day I come back with fresh eyes.
How does all that reflect me … an inquisitive, eclectic, emotional introvert? My friends might have a better view on that though.
Popup Space for Rory William Docherty with pieces from his two collections 'The Colour of Dreams' and 'Refresh' with curated furniture pieces from Mr. Bigglesworthy including a Side Table by Kindt-Larsen for France and Son.
Do you have early memories of being creative?
I grew up drawing and painting, with my dad an art teacher, and Mum would dance with us in the house.
I do remember at a young age drawing Munch Bunch characters—animated fruit and vegetables—that will be remembered by my generation. I would draw and colour them, then cut them out, staple the front and back together and stuff them with more paper to make little 3D versions. There was Lucy Lemon and Rory Rhubarb—fittingly in a kilt, haha.
Popup Space for Rory William Docherty with pieces from his two collections 'The Colour of Dreams' and 'Refresh', with curated furniture pieces from Mr. Bigglesworthy including a Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair by Knoll.
Popup Space for Rory William Docherty with pieces from his two collections 'The Colour of Dreams' and 'Refresh' with curated furniture pieces from Mr. Bigglesworthy including a Pair of Norwegian Bent Plywood and Leather Armchairs.
What characterises your design aesthetic?
RWD stands for timeless craftsmanship, seasonless slow fashion and original artwork. Each print is based on my own drawings and paintings, reimagined in signature silhouettes.
Each Rory William Docherty piece is imbued with a sensitivity that evokes an emotional connection. Crafted to last in beautiful fabrics, with as much consideration given to comfort and cost per wear as to the vision.
I am driven by the desire to create essential, optimistic, restrained and relevant solutions that stand the test of time. To provide the wearer with pieces that solve a need, empower, comfort and elevate—solutions for the weekend, work and evening, with a spirit of independence.
Popup Space for Rory William Docherty with pieces from his two collections 'The Colour of Dreams' and 'Refresh' with curated furniture pieces from Mr. Bigglesworthy including Scissor Chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen.
Lookbook image by Rory William Docherty featuring a Lucite Dining Chair from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Tim White.
What are your top five picks at Good Form and Mr. Bigglesworthy right now?
- Garth Chester 1947 Nicholson Chapel Curved Plywood Chair
- NZ Modern Floor Lamp with Flower Buds
- Poul Henningsen PH 4 1/2 - 3 1/2 Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen
- Trevor Chinn Wengewood Executive Desk by Gordon Russell
- Dilana Catherine Griffiths Keyhole 6 Rug
I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Catherine at your event the other evening. We shared our work with each other and found an immediate appreciation and interesting overlaps.
Lookbook image from the 'Agnes Dei' Collection by Rory William Docherty featuring a Per Lutken Vase for Holmegaard from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Tim White.
A big thank you to Rory for sharing his work and practice. For more details about his designs, head over to rorywilliamdocherty.com and Instagram.
Handbag designs from 'The Colour of Dreams' Collection by Rory William Docherty featuring a Pierre Vandal Etagere from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Mara Sommer.
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