Introducing Rory William Docherty
Introducing the latest brand to Sisters&Co - Rory William Docherty. His collections all start with a drawing, painting and sometimes sculpture, the New Zealand based designer truly brings art to life through his pieces. Rory sees each collection as an opportunity to detach, pause and reflect on what's happening in his life. We sat down with him to find out more about the brand...
1. Welcome to the family! We are so pleased to be stocking your collection at Sisters&Co! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand... Thank you!
It started as a passion project. I've always worked in the industry, and felt compelled to do something purely creative, outside commercial constraints. I honestly didn't mean to start my own brand, I was exploring drawing and painting and before too long I was turning them into textiles, and clothes and accessories quickly followed... I'm very passionate about seasonless slow fashion and timeless craftsmanship.
2. You are both an artist and designer - how do these two creative outlets work together and complement each other?
Every collection starts with drawing, painting and sometimes sculpture. It's a time I cherish and need, to detach, pause, and reflect on what's happening in my life, with those close to me, the larger community and world, and trust in the creative process.Focusing initially on the art process and practice brings something new to my designs.
With refinement and a melding with more familiar references, I aim to achieve a balance between something new and unique from a pure source, which is also desirable, with enough familiarity to entice rather than alienate. The pieces still have to have to be functional, serve a purpose. More and more I am learning to celebrate the details and find balance in each piece and every collection.
I am looking to make special pieces for every occasion, not just special occasion pieces.
3. Your Bow Bag is iconic, was there a particular inspiration behind this silhouette?
Thank you. The shape of the bag itself evolved from making sculptures of an Iris seed pod, (the inspiration behind the collection at the time), and the addition of the ties came from another signature piece, the Multi Tie Painters Shirt. I thought there was something almost petal or leaf like about them breaking from the pod, which to me was quite endearing.
4. How do you see people wearing the Bow Bag? How should we be styling it?
Gosh, however they like!
There is something quite snuggly about them, having the layer of wadding to create pillowy folds, I quite like that softness paired with denim, a white shirt. Or playing with texture and tones, the black on black leather and suede bag against the sharp black tailoring for example.
The baby bag is a cutie too and good for evening essentials.
5. Your bags are handcrafted in NZ - is local manufacturing important to you and what does it bring to your product?
They are, and yes it is.
I'm very particular with quality so I'm really grateful to work with an expert leather worker and brilliant craftsperson on the bags locally. We've become good friends, and the process is a joy. Being just down the road is brilliant from a practical and time pressure point of view. There's no lag time with samples via international couriers and then having to compromise on quality, finishes etc, because you've run out of time, or there was miscommunication.But more than that, there is a feeling of shared commitment and passion, something really personal in pieces that have been mulled over with care by friends who care. The pieces are made with love and hope that shows.
