Los Angeles-based label Rxch caught some shine last night on the latest episode of “Real Housewives of New York,” in which new housewife Leah McSweeney wore the label’s spring 2019 Lil’ Kim mugshot dress to attend a New York Fashion Week presentation.
More than just an outfit, the dress turned into a conversation piece commented on by multiple cast members including Sonia Morgan who guessed the person depicted on the dress was Beyoncé (yikes!)
Rxch was founded in 2011 by Rainey Salih, who loved the look of streetwear (and coincidentally was an early fan of McSweeney’s Married to the Mob label) and saw the opportunity to create a line with a sexier, night-time edge.
We caught up with Salih following last night’s episode to find out all about the now famous Lil’ Kim dress and also find out whether COVID-19 is impacting her life-loving customer (they’re preparing to celebrate their freedom!)
Snobette: How would you describe your label?
Rainey: “Rxch is a women’s streetwear line, which can get risqué with pieces like our best-seller the Leo Charmer.
Snobette: What inspired you to start up Rxch and how has it evolved over the years?
Rainey: “I’ve always known since I was a little girl I wanted to own a fashion brand. I wanted to be like Kimora Lee Simmons, model turned fashion brand mogul.
“During fashion school is when I started developing Rxch, a line catered to women who love streetwear but wanted more than just sweats and a screen printed hoodie. In 2018, Rxch took off with when “Love and Hip Hop” cast member Alexis Skyy wore our pink sequin puffer bomber jacket.”
Snobette: Lets jump right into the dress worn by Leah McSweeney last night on RHONY. What inspired you to use Lil’ Kim’s mugshot?
Rainey: “I’ve always loved Lil’ Kim, and wanted to pay homage to how iconic she was to the fashion industry! Any true Rxch girl is inspired by Lil’ Kim. She is badass and represents for fly girls getting money all over!”
Snobette: Do you know if Kim is aware of the dress?
Rainey: “I don’t think she’s aware of the dress but I’ve tried to get her attention plenty of times so hopefully she watches RHONY lol”
Snobette: What are your three favorite Lil’ Kim songs?
Rainey: “‘Crush on You,’ ‘Aunt Dot’ and ‘Big Momma Thang!'”
Snobette: What has been the impact of COVID-19 on your business?
Rainey: “Honestly I’ve been doing really well during COVID-19. Rxch girls are at home ordering fun things and shooting #RXCHATHOME shoots. It’s been incredible.”
Snobette: Has it changed how or what you want to design?
Rainey: “I’ve made a couple stay at home pieces including mask. So it’s fun to develop. I just keep going, no complaints. I just go with the flow of the times. Woman love to shop and it gives us hope that these times shall past.”
Snobette: Your customer is young, fun and enjoys a good time. How do you think COVID-19 will impact how she will socialize this year and then longer term?
Rainey: “I believe the Rxch girl will step out consciously after shelter-at-home dictates are lifted. She’s obviously home building her new outside wardrobe.
“A lot of girls wear Rxch for their birthdays so girls are still planning to hit the scene after COVID-19 and hopefully do some traveling, fingers crossed!”
