By appointment only - rock and roll child Ruby Fryman shares the success behind her style-prowess and what it really means to throw a full moon party.
Well I suppose my 'break' came when I moved to London three years ago.
Down there I had the pleasure of working alongside Sir Tom Baker, who not is only is a very good friend of mine but also a very talented menswear designer.
He owns a shop and studio in Soho on D'Arblay Street and from there he designs bespoke rock and roll themed suits, suits that combine the traditions of Savile Row tailoring and a sort of punk rock glamour and elegance - he's probably one of the most creative and talented people I've ever met.
In fact I feel like I owe a lot to Tom. He taught me so much and showed me so much of the city too.. he gave me my passion for menswear styling and of course, a love for the perfect suit.
Back up North... I've worked as a stylist for Topman, using Tom's teachings obviously, but now I work as part of Topshop Personal Shopping. I think what I love most about styling is making someone feel great. Meeting someone who is able to look in the mirror and love what they see because of a little bit of your help is such a satisfying feeling.
Before Topman and Topshop though I worked at Jeffrey West, who might only be a small company but they design fabulously outrageous rock star boots and shoes! And don't get me wrong, I do love Manchester but moving back to London wouldn't be a complete write off!
Yes - I have modelled in the past but, for me, it's never been a real job or even something I'd consider pursuing. I think I'd rather dress models than be one...
The trends I'm most excited about this year? Hmmm well, number one - shearling, like we've seen in Isabel Marant's collection and two - fringing, namely from Valentino's designs. There's quite a strong boho-theme running through AW14 collections which I'm also really excited about - I'm kind of into what I'd describe as the 'boho-cowgirl' look
If I'm honest I think my all time favourite designer is Vivienne Westwood and not necessarily because of the clothes but about the statement she makes. Her story is an incredible one and I really admire her feisty nature political activism and her ability to always be the coolest no matter who the flavour of the month is - regardless of age! I think she gives designers a good name.
Oh well, I don't know if I have an idol as such but I do have people who I admire for different reasons. I love Alison Mosshart's style and artistic talent, Erin Wasson's overall image and jewellery designer Pamela Love's creative aesthetic (the new collection is AMAZING). David Bowie and Lemmy from Motörhead for their style and attitude and the anthropologist Maurice Bloch.
I like to wear classic pieces, mainly in black and white. Then again I like to throw in the odd bit of a rock and roll and mix it together in a sort of relaxed bohemian cocktail. Ha! I think that sums it up?!
I guess you could say so.
I try to follow the pagan concept that life comes from nature and we should practice an equal and reciprocal relationship with the Earth. Really, I believe in the power of the Mother Earth and follow the Moon cycle - every Full Moon is a celebration!
Personally, this gives me a sense of life and grounds me maybe when I'm getting carried away with small stresses or say, when a top I want isn't in stock in my size! I do think it's important to remind yourself of just how huge the universe and it's powers are and work with it to attain a peace of mind and happiness.
I have just finished studying Anthropology - which has nothing at all do with styling but it is something I'm very passionate about! I love learning about the world and humanity. I think it's so important that we understand where we came from and what we all do, however alien it might seem.
The best quote I ever heard to describe the anthropological discipline was that "the purpose of anthropology is to make the exotic familiar and the familiar exotic"
That's easy. Hang out in the garden.
| Book an appointment with Ruby at Topshop Manchester Arndale - 0844 243 5544|
| Follow Ruby on Instagram @rubysophiamoon |
| Images via Cara Peeney, Nicole Harrison & Dan Cook |
