Miami Beach, FL – October 26, 2016 – Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House hosted another edition of its Fashion for Breakfast series, this time featuring New York designer, Rebecca Taylor. Throughout the talk, Taylor discussed with Ocean Drive magazine’s Editor-in- Chief, Jared Shapiro, how she launched her eponymous brand nearly 20 years ago and how it has evolved her collections while maintaining a distinct point of view.

World Red Eye caught up with the famed designer who gave us a closer look into what makes her brand so successful, and what she does to stay at the top of her game in the fashion world.

WRE: Has fashion design always been your calling, or did something click along the way that made you choose this path?

RT: Growing up in New Zeland I always designed but didn’t know I could be a fashion designer. It didn’t seem like a possibility at the time, we didn’t have social media and the opportunities that students have now.

WRE: With fashion boutiques all over the US from L.A., NYC, to now the first store opening in Florida at Aventura Mall, tell us about why you chose Miami to open up your latest boutique?

RT: It’s been a long term goal of mine to open up a boutique in Miami. The city’s really trending and it’s a huge market. Miami has become iconic for luxury shopping and there’s a huge international customer base. We’re very excited to bring our unique point of view and aesthetic to the South Florida shopper.

WRE: Tell us about some of the pieces you are presenting at this Fashion for Breakfast?

RT: Fil coupe’ V-neck ruffle dress, Cashmere striped voluminous sleeve sweater, and Velvet floral short sleeve lattice dress.

WRE: What do you think is the most important aspect of fashion in order to maintain a top brand such as yours?

RT: I think it’s really important to evolve with the current trends but to always stay true to your brand DNA.

WRE: Describe your fashion aesthetic in three words.

RT: Femme-cool, modern, versatile.

WRE: All around the world eyes look to you as an inspiration in fashion. Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you and what you do?

RT: My mom has been a big influence on my design aesthetic. Growing up, she made all of our clothes and I remember all of the detail that went into each piece. That has really stuck with me throughout my career.

WRE: What kind of girl is rocking Rebecca Taylor clothing?

RT: The Rebecca Taylor girl is smart, confident and loves fashion. She likes to have fun with fashion and doesn’t take it too seriously.

WRE: You have gained a lot of notoriety for empowering women to love themselves for what they are, it has spilled into your fashion design. Was there a specific instance that prompted you to be this light for so many?

RT: I think singularity and being different both physically and internally is to be celebrated. I want women to feel confident and I do think when you wear something you feel good in it transcends.

WRE: What are some of your closet essentials?

RT: The LA VIE Rebecca Taylor high-waisted patch wash denim, my Celine cross body bag, a great Victorian blouse, Marni block heel boots, the Rebecca Taylor Liane Jacquard Jacket, and my vintage army green pants.

The Rebecca Taylor girl is smart, confident and loves fashion. She likes to have fun with fashion and doesn’t take it too seriously.

Rebecca Taylor

WRE: What is it like seeing fashion icons and even the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, wear your clothing?

RT: It’s very flattering especially because I am such a royalist, but I feel just as excited when I see a women walking by me on the street in NYC wearing Rebecca Taylor.

WRE: What attributes about yourself do you think have contributed to your success?

RT: Hopefully some of our aspiring fashionistas can use this to channel their inner Rebecca in their own work. I think it’s my KIWI mentality that anything is possible. I think you have to be extremely tenacious, believe in yourself and surround yourself with a great team.

WRE: What vision do you have for the future of your brand?

RT: I think it’s a really interesting time in the fashion industry right now. There’s so much change happening, between fashion week and the increasing importance of social media, and everyone is trying to figure out what works best for their brand. For Rebecca Taylor, it’s important for us to continue to differentiate ourselves from the competition with special and unique product, have an increased focus on mobile to be accessible to our customer at all times, and increase two-way conversation between the Rebecca Taylor brand and our customer.

Miami has become iconic for luxury shopping and there’s a huge international customer base. We’re very excited to bring our unique point of view and aesthetic to the South Florida shopper.

Rebecca Taylor