Last Night, Raey’s Manhattan Pop-Up Was Celebrated With an Intimate Cocktail Party

Last night, the fashion community braved the elements (a downpour as relentless as Manhattan traffic) to support Raey. With the industry’s brightest personalities in attendance, MatchesFashion.com celebrated the launch of the label’s first New York pop-up.

As rain crashed down on SoHo, the Roll and Hill Townhouse buzzed with excitement. Cocktails and tea sandwiches circulated as chic guests stashed their umbrellas to admire the merchandise.

When complimented on her designs, Rachael Proud laughed. “I think it’s just the space—I’m feeling pretty good in here myself!”

True, the showhouse, with its soaring ceiling and cement floors, emphasized the clothes’ impeccable construction and creative flourishes. A sophisticated selection of knits, dresses, and denim filled the first floor. Vogue’s Madeline Fass, Madeline Swanson, and Alexandra Gurvitch swooned over the brand’s jeans and made a plan to return to the pop-up again before it closes this Sunday.

Up the dramatic staircase, the men’s collection—including the most perfect cashmere sweatsuit I’ve ever seen—provided a masculine answer to the selection displayed below.

“My inspiration process comes from need,” Proud explained. “From feeling chilly and thinking, wouldn’t it be great if I had the most amazing cardigan right now?” The statuesque designer launched the brand five years ago with MatchesFashion.com.

As attendees felt fabrics and held up sizes, traded compliments and chatted up strangers, the soirée proved the perfect way to wait out the poor weather.