The Northern Irish designer and lifestyle brand owner Rae Feather shares a few of her favourite fashion buys and forever pieces
A vintage pink and gold brocade kaftan… is my most fun purchase of late, although I only wear it at night as it is a little bling. More practically, I recently bought a pair of khaki Nili Lotan Shon jeans – they are the best shape, and so very comfortable.
When I was 21, my father gave me… a Louis Vuitton Keepall. At the time it meant something very different to what it means today. Now it’s battered and bruised and looks vintage, but it was perfection back then too.
A book that has greatly inspired me… is Ralph Lauren’s A Way of Living, which tells the story of American design over half a century. I love everything about it, how could one not? Another book I am loving right now is by fabric and interior designer Veere Grenney, Seeking Beauty. The imagery of his home in Tangier is incredibly inspiring.
I feel more alive than I can explain… in Donegal. My parents bought a little cottage there, in Portnoo, 40 years ago. I love the rawness and wildness it gives. I feel the air in my lungs like nowhere else in the world, and I swim every day, rain, hail or shine. I dream of living there but the reality is it would not be so special to me if I was there all the time. I don’t want to spoil that.
Morocco and India always inspire me… in equal measures. I also get a lot of inspiration from interior artists. I love the work of interior designer and decorator Penny Morrison whose eclectic use of colour and texture is so clever.
Jewellery designer Jessica McCormack… is killing it right now. I love her work and how she has grown her brand so cleverly. I also love vintage jewellery, especially Chanel. My favourite pieces of jewellery are my Chubby rings – I designed them myself, and had them made in India. My mum asked if she could gift them to me, as they would remind me of her forever. Every time anyone admires them, I think of her.
I recently recommended… the Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream to a few friends. It is rich and creates a really lovely dewy finish.
I sleep at night with… a notebook and pen by my bed, as well as a big pot of magnesium tablets. I also have a radio (I’m old school) and a vintage cut glass bowl for my jewellery. On my bedside there is a painting of pink peonies, which is my favourite flower and love it as it was painted for me by a customer.
I never leave the house without… my phone, mainly because I’m a prolific photo taker. I have 1,000s of photos on my phone. I need to do a clean-up!
My most recent shoe purchase… is a pair of handmade brown suede loafers from the Austrian brand Roberto & Sons. They are so comfortable and really good value for money.
When I get bored of a room… I change the cushion covers. I recently bought some end-of-line fabrics from my interior designer sister, Helen Turkington, for this purpose. A small change can make such a difference.
My kitchen table… is an 18th century Italian shoemakers table – it can sit twelve comfortably. If that table could talk! It has seen so much laughter and tears and a fair bit of red wine… I found it in an antique shop in London, the owner begged me to buy it as it was taking up too much space.
I still dream about… a print of Seamus Heaney painted by the brilliant Colin Davidson – I wish I had bought it.
I am most looking forward to… everything about summer, as well as opening my new shop in Glasthule.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of IMAGE.
IMAGE Autumn 2025
The Autumn issue of IMAGE is here, and we’re taking inspiration from the seasonal shift to reset, renew and refresh. Plus: * Shop your wardrobe * Stable of Ireland’s studio * Autumn staples * Your brain on burnout * The business of coffee * nostalgic beauty * Get your best hair * Exploring breathwork * At home with Helen Cody * Pop-up dining * Off-season Ibiza * and so much more…
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