Could you share some details about the launch of your brand?
I have worked with my longtime design and business partner, Scott Lewis, since 2007 on numerous projects in fashion, eyewear, and graphic design. Despite Scott living in paris, his family hails from Scotland. We have shared many inspirations and visions over the years. Between 2016 and 2018, while collaborating on eyewear designs for other brands, we gradually developed our own unique design language that aligned more closely with my passions and spirit. The initial concepts were well-received, and we received support from french manufacturers. I officially launched the first Danielle Rattray collection in 2020. This wasn’t a strategic move; rather, it was driven by our passion for design and philosophy. ‘Believe in yourself’ is my mantra, as I have encountered many challenges in life and work while finding the courage to pursue a career in design. If you are inspired, dedicated, and true to your passions, not only will you find a way forward, but you will also create something beautiful. 

You are Scottish, a country with not many brands in the market. Which brands have been your model of reference?
Scotland has a deep culture for design and innovation, particularly in fabrics and textile. The fashion and music scenes in Scotland are strong and there is lots of inspiration and innovation. The light here is beautiful, so it’s a great place to develop lenses and colours. of course, I am inspired by the women in eyewear that have built their own identities and brands and done it their own way, like Ahlem or Caroline Abram. I find Massada cool and inspiring. I am always drawn toward strong, courageous and independent brands.

What is the process of creation?
There is never really a ‘start’ and a ‘stop’ for my process. I travel a lot, I absorb and ‘feel’ the moods of the market constantly. I listen to the inspirations that are within me, particularly from music. I slowly build a concept, usually around a musical or fashion era that inspires me, then I start bringing shapes to life in drawings. I have been working more and more in my factory in france. In 2024 this has made a big impact on my collection. having the engineers and technicians with me in the process to discuss options and adjustments. I take really long time with the colours, sampling and re-sampling constantly. I think this can be seen in the results of the collections. on the other side, the clean and pure and beautiful exteriors of my eyewear represent the identity of my frames. no loud logos or brash treatments. Strength in design, but also a beauty, a subtlety. The details are on the inside of the frames, which creates a relationship between the wearer and the product. A confidence that comes from within.