Rachel Twist from Gallivant. Image supplied.
Rachel Twist is the founder and designer of jewellery brand Gallivant which she launched in 2020. Rachel wanted to offer timeless pieces of gold jewellery at a reasonable price and she now works with skilled artisans to bring her vision to life. After 11 years traveling and living overseas, or gallivanting, you might say, Rachel returned to New Zealand to set up her business in Auckland. Her stylish designs are available online and $1 from every order is donated to Women’s Refuge.
We caught up with Rachel to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest pieces
Gallivant was born out of a desire to create timeless pieces of jewellery that women can treasure while feeling they haven’t had to spend their mortgage deposit to obtain a sense of style.
Our latest pieces are a huge reflection of that.
Working with skilled artisans we bring beautifully created 14ct gold filled jewellery through our online store. Gold filling is more economical than solid gold and the most tarnish resistant process for creating gold jewellery. Even with daily wear our pieces will not flake over time and if taken care of properly can last a lifetime.
What made you become a designer?
As cliché as it sounds, I was born with it. Even as a young girl my main interest was how things were presented. On exams I wouldn’t cross out incorrect words because it would make my page look messy, I’d change the sentence to suit even if it didn’t make sense. Crazy huh?!
It’s my belief that always knowing what you want to become either that be consciously or subconsciously, the decisions you make in life will always lead you to that end goal.
I studied art and design all throughout school so always carried some knowledge and talent, so every career opportunity I took during my 20’s slowly stepped me towards my goal of becoming a designer.
What inspires you?
Landscapes and architecture always inspired me throughout my time living overseas. But it wasn’t just what made a place different that I was fascinated about, even more than that, it was the things that showed the similarities in human connection. In every country I visited I noted that no matter how trying the circumstances for the local populations, women everywhere took pride in their personal appearance and strove to differentiate themselves by creating their own style. It struck me that jewellery is an important part of how we define our own aesthetic.
Jewellery by Gallivant.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
One word: Black. Good design is when you can’t take anymore away. So not only does my personal style include a lot of black, it’s a great adjective for my designs. Pulled back, timeless and made to be worn effortless, everyday.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Santal 33 from Le Labo. I wear it everyday, even on those WFH tracksuit days. It helps me feel like I’ve put in some effort when really I haven’t. I love everything about it from the fragrance itself to their packaging and branding. One spray lasts all day! It’s worth every penny.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A good pair of boots, in my case a classic pair of Dr Martens Chelsea. You can wear them all year round even on those warm summer evenings with a cute dress.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Textures. Textures are everything. Being the designer that I am, I’m stickler for all things black. Switching up textures can really accentuates the surface quality of the most pulled back of outfits.
Jewellery by Gallivant.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Over the 12 years I’ve been working in design there’s been many highlights. Working in Chelsea, London alongside a princess and heiress to Guinness was pretty major. They used to host these outrageous parties after hours where all the eccentric posh West Londoners would turn up. They could make a potato sack look chic if they wanted to.
What can’t you live without?
My greatest accessory, Luigi. He’s a red French Bulldog who’s always by my side.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Speed demon sunnies.
Images supplied.