Behind the Brand: Grace Rankin

Last month we spoke to menswear designer Tahsin to get behind the brand, and this month it’s the turn of Grace Rankin. Grace is the Showroom Coordinator here at Religion and her job includes everything from sales to styling.

Talk us through your average working day...

I start off by making sure the showroom is looking good for the sales appointments and then check emails and reply to anything that’s urgent. Days can vary quite a lot as if we have important customers in I tend to be on hand with the sales agents more – helping with appointments and trying on the clothes for the customers. I sometimes take appointments if the sales guys are really busy. I liaise with our PR agency and organise any samples/ images or pricing that they might need – also if we have celeb visits I’m in contact with our stores to prep them etc. My days are very diverse and I can go from responding to email queries to styling photoshoots.

What are you wearing today?

Religion Night Dress and Hopper Leather Jacket

Hopper Leather Jacket

Night Dress

Describe your style:

I’ve got a very girlie style but I like to mix it up with edgy Religion pieces like this Hopper leather jacket. Plus I love having a bit of sparkle on my nails.

Which new Religion SS12 pieces are you most excited about getting your hands on?

Definitely the Universe shirt in white and the Paris Shirt dress. I’m going to wear them with our Afi leggings for now but once it gets a bit warmer I’m thinking bare legs and chunky heels.

Paris Shirt

What can’t you leave the house without?

My phone and a good book – I can’t resist an action book but I like a mushy romantic one every now and again.

Describe your ideal night out...

Being with good friends chatting and drinking – I’m a South London girl at heart so the cocktail bars on Clapham High Street or The Bedford in Balham are my favourites.

Who is your style icon?

I love Audrey Hepburn’s style but I don’t dress to her look. I like Sienna Miller’s relaxed style too.

What is your favourite thing about being in London?

There’s always something to do and see. I love Southbank as there’s always something going on there – chocolate tasting, book fairs… Plus of course the culture and museums London has to offer. This weekend I’m heading to the Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the Getty Images Gallery.

The Multi Talented Zara Martin

Fashion’s new darling, the multi talented (DJ, model, presenter, designer and more) Zara Martin came into store last week and selected a few of her favourite items for this season. With London Fashion Week just around the corner, you can expect to see much more of Zara from front rows to street style snaps. We caught up with her on fashion, music and leather trousers.

How do you choose what to wear in the morning?

-It really just boils down to: “Black jeans or leather trousers?”

Describe your style...

-Morticia wannabe.

Where is your favourite place in London?

-Primrose Hill at night (or when I’m rolling down it with my best friend Paulie. We are sad. Also, why am I telling you this?)
       
What/who are you listening to at the moment?

-SBTRKT, Azealia Banks, The Black Keys, Band of Skulls, M.I.A.

What are your top 5 tracks of all time?

• Nirvana – unplugged Man Who Sold The World cover (specific)
• Jimi Hendrix – Foxy Lady
• Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Summertime
• LL Cool J – Doin’ It
• Skunk Anansie - Twisted

**Disclaimer** These were the only ones I could think of on the spot. Please don’t judge me.

Describe your ideal night out...

-Probably (definitely) would involve copious amounts of good food and good company.

Tell us about your biggest fashion faux pas?

-There have been so many... But if I had to pick - The Black Lipstick Era was, perhaps, the lowest point.

What is your favourite Religion piece for Spring Summer 2012?

-The Falling Leather Jacket. I love him.