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Husband-and-wife duo Jessica Rawls and Barry Gosnell founded the NYC-based brand Alice Pearl Brooklyn to be a source of modern nostalgia. The vintage-inspired terry cloth designs reflect the comfort and wearability of the beloved fabric, creating cozy pieces in classic shapes that transition seamlessly with minimal effort. We talked to Rawls about the brand’s background, their design process, and what it’s like being a New York designer with a new baby in a pandemic.
Origin story: Alice Pearl was born in 2021 within the walls of our Brooklyn apartment as a pandemic- and maternity-leave passion project rooted in nostalgia. Alice Pearl is a fusion of both of my grandmothers’ names—the line is a homage to them and to the comfortable terry toweling they wore growing up. We’ve created cozy pieces in classic shapes that transition seamlessly from home and beyond.
When did you know you wanted to be a designer? I’ve worked on the editorial side of fashion for ten years, but it’s always been a dream of mine to create a brand focused on terry toweling inspired by summers with my grandmothers. It took becoming pregnant during a pandemic to really bring this brand to life as working from home became the new normal. I realized that, more than ever, I was dressing for comfort—but I still wanted to look put together with minimal effort.
What does your day-to-day look like? BUSY! My day usually starts off whenever our 11-month-old says so. Taking care of her and dedicating work hours to my editorial job as a senior fashion editor keeps me on my toes. In the evenings, when my husband is home and the baby is asleep, we break out the bottle of wine and work together on the brand. Our days are jam packed, but our cup is so full doing the things we love!
Can't live without _____. My family (our rescue cats included)
How does living in Brooklyn influence your designs? There is no NYC borough with a more creative, influential, and eclectic style than Brooklyn! We are inspired everyday by our neighbors. Whether in the local coffee shop, the park, or simply walking around our neighborhood, there’s so much creative energy.
Favorite go-to meal in NYC? We love supporting our local spots! Roberta’s in Bushwick is our favorite pizza restaurant. We love the casual tiki-themed atmosphere that makes you feel like you just stepped off the beach and are ready for an afternoon cocktail.
Favorite film I am more wrapped up in all the great TV shows this year. Euphoria being at the top of the list. The fashion, makeup and acting is incredible! I can’t believe we have to wait until 2023 for the next season.
What do you do to relax? My husband and I love a quick weekend trip out of the city to hit reset. Connecticut and Vermont are two of our favorites!
Biggest role models My biggest role models have always been my two grandmothers. They are the perfect combination of sassy and sweet. They have always been my biggest advocates and supporters.
What staple piece will you always have in your closet? Our Weekend Shirt! It’s the perfect versatile top to wear with jeans, the matching bottom, or layered over swimwear.
What was your inspiration for your most recent collectsion? We wanted to create a small collectsion based around terry cloth, showing that this fabric isn’t just for the beach anymore. We aim to keep our footprint small while sourcing sustainable materials from local US brands. Our pieces are for everyday living that will take you beyond the beach - whether that means your couch or a barbecue in Brooklyn.
What three words describe your style? Classic, comfortable, and unique
