In Conversation With Rebecca Laurey of Raspberry & Rouge
When reading Rebecca Laurey's blog title Raspberry & Rouge it brings up the thought of Strawberries & Cream. And that's a good thing...a very good thing because who doesn't like that? Along with her signature pout this Dutch Beauty (who has a master in American History) has captured the attention of some of the worlds most respected websites such as VOGUE, W Magazine and The New York Times.
Her style exudes a very relaxed yet chic approach which makes her so tangible to her readers. We chatted to Rebecca about her love for the States and living one day without her iPhone. Enjoy the read!
CaT: Hi Rebecca, thanks so much for taking the time out to talk to us. Where are you currently? What are you doing there?
Rebecca: I’m currently in New York! I just signed with an agent here and am working on loads of projects. I definitely have some exciting things in the works, and am delighted to be executing some of them from the city that I love so much!
CaT: You're from the town Leiden in Holland which has the oldest university in Holland and was also the birthplace of Rembrandt. Would you say your home town and its history has influenced your style personally?
Rebecca: Leiden is a beautiful city, I always like to call it little Amsterdam (where I live now). Growing up and studying there was amazing, but fashion wise it hasn’t done a lot for me. It’s not really a big thing out there, so I was quite lonely in that sense that not everyone got what I liked so much about it. It wasn’t until I moved to “the big city” 6 years ago, that I started focusing on my passion full-time.
CaT: What is it about the Dutch style that makes Dutch Bloggers so successful and beloved?
Rebecca: I think it might have something to do with the effortlessness.
We have a saying in Dutch that literally translates to “Please act normal, because that’s crazy enough.” and I think that says it all.
And because of that, I think the “Dutch style”, although I’m not sure if I’m a part of that as mine is very influenced by my travels, is very relatable. And I think that’s a good thing, because in the end it’s all about sharing what you love and potentially inspiring others.
CaT: You started your blog in 2011 while working for a big Dutch label. What was your main motivation behind starting Raspberry & Rouge and were there any bloggers back then influencing your style?
Rebecca: I was working in fashion, on the marketing department of a big Dutch fashion label, but I wasn’t doing anything with fashion physically. I always loved clothes and styling, thinking it’s a way to express myself. At some point I felt I wanted to do more with that, and one of my friends, who is a blogger too, inspired me to start my own blog. I didn’t know much about it, as I didn’t really follow anyone but her, but got the hang of it pretty fast. And here I am, still doing it, and now full-time, 4.5 years later!
CaT: Describe a day in the life of Raspberry & Rouge in three words.
Rebecca: A beautiful mess.
CaT: Besides fashion, traveling is another big passion of yours. Which country or city has left a personal impact on you which you will carry with you for life?
Rebecca: I’ve always been super obsessed with New York, ever since I was a little kid. I’ve been drawn to this city for so many years, even before ever going there.
CaT: What is it about the States that intrigues you so much? The energy and vibe of it all? Which success has it brought you professionally?
Rebecca: I knew it from the movies and TV when I was little, and got caught by the principle of the “American Dream”, where anything seems possible. It’s a big country, with so many different people and a fairly short history, that is so powerful in the world we live in.
I can really relate to the thought of anything being possible if you just put your mind to it, so I guess that’s been one major factor.
New York specifically has a certain vibe that I find hard to explain, but it’s definitely there and making me come back every single time.
CaT: So, imagine spending a complete day in New York city without your iPhone and not having any contact to the outside world. How would that day look like for you?
Rebecca: I would probably go to Central Park. I love being outside, enjoying “nature” while you’re in the middle of a huge city. Just sitting on a bench, hot tea in my hands, watching everything and everyone that’s happening in front of me. From there I’d walk back all the way downtown, I really like just strolling around and taking it all in.
CaT: While preparing for the interview one of my all time favorite songs started playing in the background...Street Hassle by Lou Reed (seriously). Do you ever get hassled by street style photographers during Fashion Week for a picture? Can you describe the street style vibe in brief?
Rebecca: Yeah, but I don’t think hassling it the right word. The street style photographers want to capture the people that go in and out of the shows, it’s simply a part of fashion week these days. I still don’t feel entirely comfortable with a lot of photographers around me, I never know where to look and how to move without tripping over my own heels or something!
CaT: Do you think street style photography has helped pushed you personally as a Blogger to get global recognition for your site?
Rebecca: I don’t think it’s been the street style part that has helped me to come to where I am now.
I’d like to think it’s what I’ve done on my blog, the high quality photography and my personal style.
Next to that I think I owe a lot to my Instagram presence as well. Of course a lot of fun to have your photo wearing your fave designers in the big magazines or on the online platforms, it adds to everything that’s already out there.
CaT: When seeing the street style photographers outside the shows, do you get nervous? Is there one street style photographer who's work you admire and would love to work with for your own site?
Rebecca: Yes! I get totally nervous, I don’t think it’s very normal to be photographed by so many at the same time. And on top of that, although you might think of me otherwise being a blogger and all, I don’t like to be in the center of the attention. So yeah, basically I do feel a bit awkward from time to time but it also gives me some sort of rush. It’s kind of a compliment when people want to take a photo of you, right? I’ve worked with a bunch of street style photographers before on my blog, like Daniel from the Urban Spotter. I also love what Adam from Le21eme does, and Tommy Ton of course. So many good photographers out there!
CaT: With the Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion Weeks now being over, what happens next in the life of a Blogger? Does going to the shows inspire your personal style? Are there new collaborations in development for you?
Rebecca: I mainly focus on my collaborations with brands indeed, on the running and future projects. It’s the time to create a lot of content, and making sure everything (like your website and finances) are up-to-date. I do get a lot of inspiration from what I’ve seen during fashion week and like to take all of that with me in what I do every day.
CaT: In your opinion, what is the biggest pet peeve about the blogosphere and/or fashion world?
Rebecca: For me personally it’s the fact that “work” never stops. Partly because I love doing it so much, but also partly due to the fact that I “need” to update frequently in order to stay relevant. Although, that’s what I think.
It’s a very fast industry and people usually really want to know what you’re up to all the time, and I love sharing that.
But it’s also good to have a personal life, a life outside the internet and fashion, because in reality, that’s what matters most!
CaT: For our next "In Conversation With" we would like you to nominate anyone from the industry which would be interesting for you to read about.
Rebecca: I’d love to see my friend Zanita out here. She is one of my besties and so hilarious. Apart from that I get really inspired by what she does and how she looks at things.
A big thanks to Rebecca for taking the time out and contributing to our
"In Conversation With" We hope you guys enjoyed the read!!
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