Rixo’s New Collection Might Just Be Its Best Yet – And It’s Full Of Dresses You’ll Wear Forever

Today, Rixo showcased its autumn/winter 2022 collection, adding to an already impressive array of party dresses for which the brand has become known. Hot on the heels of a sustainable denim launch, not to mention more bridal designs, swimwear, pyjamas, shoes and coats, Rixo took this moment to remind us all exactly why it's become the go-to destination for people seeking affordable occasionwear.

'1930's style was really a starting point for us this season,' says Orlagh McCloskey, one half of the duo behind Rixo. She started the label seven years ago with best friend Henrietta Rix, originally selling homemade dresses from their student house during university days. McCloskey is tackling this LFW solo, however, as Rix has just had a baby.

'We looked a lot at old Hollywood and the cuts of really glamorous 1930's dresses,' McCloskey says. 'I'm getting married in September and I've been looking a lot at how dresses from that era were cut, so that fed into it, too. It was amazing they way they cut patterns then.'

Dusky blues, vintage-inspired prints and slinky silhouettes all feature heavily, as do a range of textures and fabrics that make the collection incredibly tactile. Feather trims, having been so successful in the brand's bridal range, have been added to mini and midi dresses in black velvet as well as a Rixo print, while velvet polka dots adorn long-sleeved, flowing maxis.

Rix and McCloskey have managed to develop their own brand of sensuality in many ways. Backless styles come with long sleeves, for example, while longer hemlines work in tandem with lower necklines; cut-out panels are balanced out with more material elsewhere. This is, in part, why their designs prove so consistently popular with women of all ages – in every collection, there really is something for everyone.

'We haven't done everything in 1930s-style, though,' McCloskey says. 'I think everyone's craving going into the office again and maybe going for drinks after work, so we wanted to give people pieces they could wear during the day and out at night.'

It's not just dresses. Cropped knits adorned with wool roses, denim dresses, skirt suits and versatile coats with detachable collars all feature, too. A party capsule collection will come in mid-October, just in time for Christmas. 'Our customers really do want more going-out options after the past 18 months. When we put the range together, we really do think about who would wear what – that really helps us ensure we have enough diversity in the range.'

A stand-out piece of the collection comes in a striking aqua hue, inspired by a party dress once worn by Kate Moss. With its glitter embroidery and sheer sleeves, it's enough to make you will away 2022's summer season just to be able to get your hands on it.

Until then, there are plenty of options to work for now. That's just the beauty of Rixo.