Ten Questions with Fashion Designer Rory Docherty

Interviews

September 17, 2024

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Lookbook image from the 'Hame' Collection by Rory William Docherty featuring a Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Photograph by Tim White.

Often the trials and errors lead to wonderful unimagined ideas. – Rory Docherty

We met Rory through our shared love of beautiful objects with history and since then a friendship and easy connection developed. It has been a true pleasure to support Rory in his work with whatever small favour we could offer to his emerging label with loans of furniture to tie in with his campaign concept. It has sometimes been fortuitous to possess furniture pieces for a time which perfectly tied into the fashion piece Rory has created.

Some of our favourite shots are Rory's styled campaign images which have incorporated furniture by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the iconic Scottish architect and designer. The 'Hame' Collection was a collection referencing Rory's own Scottish lineage so it seems uncanny timing that we happened to have two Rennie Mackintosh chairs at the time.

We greatly admire the determination it takes to succeed in fashion in New Zealand and we hope readers will enjoy this short 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.

Often the trials and errors lead to wonderful unimagined ideas. – Rory Docherty

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, creating all textile prints. I drape, draft initial patterns, make toiles, fit the garments, 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, 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 70’s early 80’s Yves Saint Laurent, 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.

Each Rory William Docherty piece is imbued with a sensitivity evoking an emotional connection. Crafted to last in beautiful fabrics, with as much consideration to comfort and cost per wear as to the vision. – Rory Docherty

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 brick work, 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 art works, mostly by friends, artsts 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 pottering 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 drew 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, stapling the front and back together and then stuff them with more paper to make little 3D versions. There was Lucy Lemon and Rory Rhubarb- fittingly in a kilt haha.

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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 evoking an emotional connection. Crafted to last in beautiful fabrics, with as much consideration 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, elevate, solutions for the weekend, work, and the 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.

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What is your top 5 picks at Good Form / 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

and

Dilana Catherine Griffiths Keyhole 6 Rug
because I had the pleasure of meeting lovely Catherine at your event the other evening. We shared our work with each other, and found an immediate appreciation, and interestings overlaps.

RWD stands for timeless craftsmanship, seasonless slow fashion, and original artwork. – Rory Docherty

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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