Rachel MacHenry’s practice and research as a textile designer and maker focus on sustainable approaches to textiles, developed in collaboration with global craft producers. Working in partnership with communities, she designs for small-scale artisanal production, with consideration of both social and environmental impacts. She has worked extensively with communities in Nepal and India to develop textile products for international markets.  Her line has been available in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan.  Clients have included catalogue companies such as Garnet Hill, Sundance, Company Kids, Magic Cabin and Eziba, numerous museum shops and prestigious retailers such as Barney’s Japan, Holt Renfrew & Co., Anthropologie and Takashimaya. Currently, she is partnering with BioDye India on the Botanica Tinctoria line of naturally dyed organic materials.

In 2007, Rachel contributed to the founding of Toronto’s Contemporary Textile Studio Co-operative, and remains an active member. The co-op provides studio space for textile artists and designers, and is a vital hub for learning, research and exchange.

Rachel received her MA from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London (University of the Arts, London).  She also studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and was a resident at the Craft Studios, Harbourfront Centre.  She currently teaches at OCADU in Toronto.