When it comes to fashion, the runway has long celebrated tall frames—but finding clothing off the rack that fits those same women? That’s where the story falls short. For Rachel Willingham, a Basking Ridge resident, former model and runway producer, and now founder of rach.will, the solution became personal. Married to Nathaniel Willingham, who enters his fourth season with the New York Jets and his first as the assistant linebackers coach, Rachel set out to build a brand that finally gives tall women the luxury fashion experience they’ve been missing.
For years, Willingham worked behind the scenes producing shows for other designers and training models for the catwalks of New York, Miami and beyond. Yet, even in those glamorous spaces, she noticed a gap no one was addressing. “For so long, tall women have been left out of the in-store luxury fashion experience,” she says. “We’ve had to compromise on fit or settle for online brands that don’t meet the same quality or ethical standards. I wanted to change that narrative.”
Her solution? A brand that’s not just about lengthened inseams—it’s about belonging. rach.will’s mission is to empower tall women to feel seen, celebrated and stylish in clothing tailored to their proportions and personalities. “It’s more than fashion,” Willingham says. “It’s about building a community where tall women can feel confident, elegant and connected.”
The brand’s debut collection, Her Legacy in Bloom, set the tone for what rach.will represents: timeless sophistication with an unapologetically modern edge. The collection debuted at a private launch event in Morristown this fall, transforming the nonprofit café Ethan & The Bean into a Victorian-inspired garden runway. Twelve meticulously crafted looks—from high-collared silk blouses and floor-grazing wide-leg trousers to structured blazers with extended torso lengths—showcased a refined mix of romance and strength.
Each garment was produced through small-batch, ethical manufacturing, reflecting Willingham’s belief that luxury and sustainability can coexist. “It’s about quality, not quantity,” she notes. “Our pieces are made to last—to be cherished, not just consumed.”
The show’s timing was no accident. Just hours before the models took to the runway, Fox5NY aired an exclusive feature spotlighting Willingham’s transition from runway producer to designer, positioning her as a rising voice in New Jersey’s growing fashion scene. Guests at the launch—including department store buyers, stylists, editors and even members of the New York Jets organization—were treated to an immersive experience that married artistry with advocacy.
The choice of venue was deeply intentional. Ethan & The Bean employs individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, offering meaningful employment and inclusion—values that mirror rach.will’s own mission. Guests were invited to support the café’s ongoing work, turning the night into more than a fashion moment—it became a statement about community and compassion.
“This launch wasn’t just a debut,” Willingham reflects. “It was a way to say that style has a heart. That empowerment can start with a hemline.”
The event came together thanks to a generous roster of sponsors, with The Emily LaFrinere Real Estate Team as presenting sponsor and supporting partners including Tresolz, Geneba Tequila, Toca Vez Mexican Steakhouse, Magnolia Paperie, My Love Story Jewelry, The Rebecca Collection and, of course, Ethan & The Bean itself. Local creatives—from photographers and florists to beauty teams—lent their talents to bring Willingham’s vision to life, proving that couture-level storytelling can thrive right here in New Jersey.
The collection’s title, Her Legacy in Bloom, carries a message close to Willingham’s heart. It’s an homage to the generations of women who came before—and the ones she hopes to inspire. “Legacy is about the impact you leave behind,” she says. “For me, that means creating pieces that honor the woman who wears them and the story she’s writing.”
Looking ahead, Willingham’s ambitions are as tall as her clientele. She’s already in discussions with department stores and luxury retailers to bring rach.will to select physical locations, a move that would give tall women their long-overdue seat—and rack—in the luxury fashion world. Plans are also underway for seasonal collections that further expand sizing options and silhouettes, from elevated daywear to tailored outerwear.
Beyond the garments themselves, Willingham is building a digital and in-person community hub for tall women—a platform to connect, share styling advice and celebrate representation in fashion. “We want to be a home base for tall women everywhere,” she says. “Because we deserve to shop for clothes that fit not just our bodies, but our standards.”
In a fashion landscape still dominated by fast trends and narrow definitions, rach.will stands out as a brand with both vision and values—one that understands that true luxury begins with inclusion, authenticity and craftsmanship.
“We’re redefining what luxury looks like,” Willingham says. “It’s elegance with empowerment. Strength with grace. And it’s designed for women who refuse to shrink to fit.”
For more information on rach.will, upcoming collections and exclusive events, visit rachwill.com or follow @rachwilldesign on Instagram.
"It’s about building a community where tall women can feel confident and connected.” - Rachel Willingham
“It’s elegance with empowerment. Strength with grace. And it’s designed for women who refuse to shrink to fit.” - Rachel Willingham