John Lewis this week launches one of its biggest and most exciting collaborations to date with Rixo: a 44-piece collection of vintage-inspired dresses, fur-trimmed jacquard jackets, beaded bags silky scarves and statement metallic footwear.
What makes the collection so exciting is how authentically Rixo it feels. So many of the pieces, from the knitted jackets to the lamé shirts and the metallic accessories, feel so vintage-inspired, and it really speaks to the Rixo DNA that the brand owes so much of its success to. From the John Lewis side, there is an incredible floral print from the archives that inspired the hero piece in the collection and the silhouettes are very wearable, so the collection appeals to die-hard Rixo fans as well as those who may feel intimidated by the print, colour and silhouettes that are so often associated with the brand.
On top of all of that, the 80s are trending, and there are some pieces here that nod to the decade, as well as the 70s, and party season is approaching, which is what this collection is perfect for. They are unique, feel-good clothes for having fun in.
Rixo co-founder Orlagh McCloskey says: “This collaboration feels like a true extension of Rixo – taking the heritage of John Lewis, leaning into its incredible archive, and bringing it to life with that Rixo magic. For me, if you’re going to do a collaboration, you have to do it properly. It should feel as strong, if not stronger, than anything you’ve created before – every piece considered, every detail cared for, and something you feel genuinely proud to put your name to. We wanted the collection to do the talking. We can’t wait to see women across the UK, whether they’re long-time Rixo lovers or discovering us for the first time through John Lewis, style it in their own way and make it theirs. We feel incredibly proud to have created something that reaches a wider audience than our London stores.”
Credit: John Lewis x Rixo
Taking inspiration from an exclusive floral print drawn from the John Lewis Partnership Archive dating back to 1849, the collection spans dresses, blouses, skirts, jackets and high-impact accessories, all designed to be worn season after season. Vintage floral prints in an autumnal palette feature throughout alongside velvets, sequins, soft cashmere and silky lamé. Fur and lace trims, ruffles, metallic embroidery and intricate embellishments make each piece feel extra special. When founders Orlagh McCloskey and Henrietta Rix talk us through the collection, they are clearly excited and proud of the print that inspired the hero dresses. They’re also quick to point out the pieces that you can pare back with simple separates – pieces that will live on in your wardrobes for years, from the red and black knitted cardigan with gold buttons to the intricate beaded bags.
Credit: John Lewis x Rixo
Highlights include hero piece the Vesper: a full-length dress finished with delicate cap sleeves and a ruffle neckline in the aforementioned archive print; the Luanne, a fur-trimmed jacquard jacket; the Carina, a lace and archive print dress; and the Delphina mini dress in a bold floral print. The accessories are excellent and come with a distinctively vintage feel, eg mini bags and shoulder bags with intricate beading, silky scarves and statement metallic footwear that includes strappy heeled sandals to chunky 70s-inspired platforms.
Rachel Morgans, fashion director at John Lewis, says: “Rixo is an iconic British brand adored by so many, much like John Lewis, so it felt natural to create something special together. Rixo has such a strong community, so we feel honoured to be a part of it, and we’re proud to be supporting a British, female-founded brand. Being able to use the John Lewis Partnership Archive for the collection feels extra special, using our extensive heritage to create something that feels contemporary and unique for our customers.”
Credit: John Lewis x Rixo
Images: John Lewis