Article: Bringing Eloise to Life with Rachel Riley
Bringing Eloise to Life with Rachel Riley
What inspired you to collaborate on the Eloise x Rachel Riley collection, and what made this partnership feel like a natural fit?
We love the Eloise storybooks and her wonderful adventures. The fact that the stories were written in the 1950s was especially inspiring to me as a designer, and learning more about author Kay Thompson, who starred alongside Audrey Hepburn, appealed to the fashion lover in me. I also adore Hilary Knight's illustrations, which are graphic, witty, and full of personality. Working with such iconic source material was truly a dream project.
Eloise has remained a beloved character for generations. What do you think continues to make her so enduring and relevant today?
Eloise is playful, honest, and wonderfully outspoken, qualities that resonate with children in every generation. Many parents have fond memories of reading the books when they were young and now enjoy sharing those same stories with their own children. Beyond the nostalgia, Eloise's observations and adventures remain timeless. The hotel itself is such a magical backdrop for her story, and Hilary Knight's illustrations continue to captivate readers year after year.
How did you approach translating the world of Eloise into a children's fashion collection?
Because we design, manufacture, and sell children's clothing, the partnership felt very natural and incredibly inspiring. We wanted to ensure that Hilary Knight's original illustrations remained at the heart of the collection while creating pieces that feel relevant for children today.
We had so much fun reimagining Eloise's iconic pinafore outfit in several different fabrications, alongside dresses, T-shirts, outerwear, baby gifts, and accessories. Since we design and print our fabrics in house, our exclusive Eloise prints feature original Hilary Knight illustrations and are unique to Rachel Riley.
The Plaza is as much a character in Eloise's story as Eloise herself. How did The Plaza influence your creative vision for the collection?
Who wouldn't be inspired by The Plaza Hotel? Its iconic architecture and magnificent interiors provided endless creative inspiration. It was such a treat to incorporate details from the hotel into our prints and embellishments, from the grand pillars and palm trees to vintage telephones and, of course, afternoon tea in The Palm Court. For a designer, those details were truly the icing on the cake.
Your designs are known for their timeless elegance and classic craftsmanship. How did you blend that signature Rachel Riley aesthetic with Eloise's playful personality?
I've always loved classic styles because they are timeless and never go out of fashion. In many ways, Eloise embodies that same enduring appeal. She wears classic silhouettes, but she also needs to be comfortable enough for all of her adventures and stylish enough to feel relevant today.
I loved combining her playful personality with our craftsmanship and timeless designs. The result is a collection that is as fun as it is practical, with pieces designed to be cherished, worn, and hopefully one day passed down to future generations.
Do you have a favorite piece in the collection? If so, what makes it especially meaningful to you?
It has to be Eloise's iconic pinafore set: a lace-trimmed blouse paired with a black pleated pinafore featuring crossed straps in the back.
We created two versions. One is a luxurious silk velvet edition with a cotton satin blouse and pearl buttons, perfect for afternoon tea at The Plaza or an Eloise-themed celebration. We also designed a stretch cotton jersey version that offers exceptional comfort for everyday adventures and playdates.
I can easily imagine a little girl putting it on and feeling empowered, confident, and ready for her own Eloise-inspired adventures.
What was the most rewarding part of bringing this collection to life?
Being a designer really is a dream job. I love the creative process, beginning with an idea, a piece of fabric, faux fur samples, or even a page from a trim color book.
The moment I see fabric samples, I can already envision how everything will come together. I love building a complete collection, finding the perfect jacket, knitwear, and accessories to complement each dress. In many ways, it feels like recreating the joy of playing dress-up as a child.
If Eloise were wearing one look from the collection while exploring The Plaza today, which piece would she choose and why?
Because Eloise is so playful and irreverent, I don't think she would choose her iconic pinafore every day.
I imagine she would opt for something a little more fabulous, perhaps our Eloise Dropped Waist Couture Dress, inspired by the very design created for her by Christian Dior in Eloise in Paris. She would complete the look with our Eloise Faux Fur Jacket and Hat and a pair of dark sunglasses. It perfectly captures her playful approach to fashion and her flair for making an entrance.
What do you hope families and young Eloise fans feel when they discover and wear pieces from the collection?
Our clothing is all about helping children look and feel their best. I hope girls feel confident, empowered, and joyful when they wear these pieces.
Clothing has the power to influence how we feel about ourselves, and when we feel good, we often approach the world with greater confidence. I hope these designs encourage children to express themselves freely and embrace their individuality. Most of all, I hope families enjoy wearing and sharing the collection as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Bring Eloise's World Home
From iconic pinafores and storybook-inspired prints to charming accessories and gifts, the Eloise x Rachel Riley collection captures the imagination, whimsy, and timeless style that generations have loved. Explore the complete collection and discover pieces designed for every Eloise adventure.
