Welcome to Archer’s Queer Fashion Files! Each month, we’ll interview trendsetters and tastemakers, showcasing the diversity and talent of the fashion world. You can check out all episodes of our Queer Fashion Files here.

In Episode 14, Hailey Moroney chats to Cierra Rauch about her label RA*UCH.

Cierra Rauch is a multifaceted artist with a concentration in design. With an unyielding desire to curate work that transcends mediums, Cierra’s work is defined by the delicate interplay of media and thematics. Eponymous to her, the RA*UCH label is Cierra’s most eminent body of work.

All images by: Cierra Rauch

Hailey Moroney: Welcome to the Queer Fashion Files, Cierra! I’m so thrilled to interview you! You are the force behind the label RA*UCH – can you introduce our readers to your ethos, label and overall creative endeavour?

Cierra Rauch: I so appreciate the interest in RA*UCH, and the opportunity for conversation!

While the driving force of RA*UCH is quality, subversive and expressively timeless clothing pieces, visual storytelling is a close second priority. A RA*UCH project is a narrative, emotion, or moment in time that can be participated in through wear. My ‘Rage* Makes Me Feel Pretty’ design (pictured below) is the most recent iteration of this.

HM: We just finished our latest print issue, themed RESISTANCE. To me, rage and resistance go hand in hand. What does resistance mean to you as an artist?

CR: In literal framing, I find rules on how to do things kind of trivial. As a mostly self-taught artist, I have a knack for doing things the ‘wrong’ way, but it ultimately works out right. I think that kind of resistance to norms, in terms of art generally, allows some beautiful things to exist. 

For example, in my Rage* project, resistance was a key factor in how I allowed it to exist. Rage is an ugly thing in action, but I felt it was important in my convalescence to make the project, even if it was misunderstood by some. There’s an inability in our society to acknowledge the cycles of abuse that exist in such a permanent way, and the nuance within them. I think by resisting the urge to hide the ugly things in ourselves, we can open communities up to new solutions.

HM: How did you start out? Was it always designing for you? Or have you had a more experimental process?

CR: I have done a lot of moving around in mediums on my way here, but it has always come back to clothing in some way. 

I have a slightly silly story, but I think it answers this question too well to not tell it. From a very young age, animal advocacy and rescue work have been really important t0 me. I remember when I was probably around nine, my grandmother and I were driving home and there was a dead groundhog in the road. I had my sketchbook with me, and without hesitation, I pulled it out and drew an outfit in memoriam for this groundhog.

I really wish I could find this sketch, but yeah. Even though the direction for RA*UCH was only conceptualised in the past few years, I think my destination has been clear since I was very young: integrating the things I find important into tangible expression.

HM: The branding, aesthetic and graphic design behind RA*UCH is a curator’s dream to look at, admire and fawn over. Is it just you behind all the roles of your brand, or do you have a collective pitching in to achieve such a cohesive and organic style?

CR: Generally speaking, I create all of the material for RA*UCH, primarily due to cost barriers. However, this approach has allowed me full control over the visual foundation of the label, which has been incredibly beneficial.

In the past year or so, I’ve made a concerted effort to share this responsibility and collaborate with a variety of artists. My best friend, Eliza Talvola (@lemon.of.pink), has played a key role in styling many of my recent shoots, and that has been invaluable to me.

Additionally, I’ve enjoyed working on several projects with photographer Vondre Clark (@vondreclark). While I’m interested in expanding this collective effort, balancing this with the importance of maintaining RA*UCH’s visual thematics makes it challenging to let go of some control.

HM: What words of advice would you have for any young creatives looking at RA*UCH as inspiration – whether it be the photography, styling, designing or overall branding?

CR: Tune into your personal and inherent taste, and develop that above all else. If you have a solid foundation of the atmosphere you want to create in your work, any medium you want to tap into will reflect that.

Additionally, the most creatively helpful belief I hold is that I’m technically skilled enough to create anything I want. I don’t let thoughts like “How am I gonna do that?” inhibit my brainstorming process, because I always can do it, even if I don’t know how in the current moment.

HM: I always like to end my interviews with a similar question – what’s next for RA*UCH?

CR: Honestly, I have very little idea right now. I’ve redirected a good bit of my time back to animal rescue work over the past year, and with Rage* still resonating with people, I plan to continue developing the project until it’s reached its natural end. 

I’m entertaining new projects, but not forcing them. A few years ago, I got a fortune that I still keep with me, and it reads: “Your most important work is yet to come.” So ideally, that proves true!

You can stay up to date with Cierra Rauch on Instagram.

If you want to pitch an idea for Archer’s Queer Fashion Files, email pitch@archermagazine.com.au with ‘QUEER FASHION FILES’ in the subject line. You can check out the rest of our Queer Fashion Files here.