LBS Runway Report: Ruffian Spring 2014

Ruffian Collage

It’s been a decade since designers Brian Wolk and Claude Morais offered their heavenly creation, Ruffian, to the fashion world. The fashion house has evolved tremendously – from a brand for the Elizabeth Taylors of the world to one millennial fashionistas gawk over – but even as they shift, Ruffian retains a common thread: Fresh, funky, vintage digs created in rich fabrics that are worth every penny.

For the Spring 2014 collection, the designers sought inspiration in an unlikely place: Saint Tropez, as detailed in Françoise Sagan’s haunting novel, Bonjour Tristesse. The book details a turbulent relationship between a father and his fiery daughter.

Literary inspiration isn’t common on fashion catwalks, but Wolk and Morais focused on the French aesthetic of the masterpiece they chose as a muse.

After the show, the designers told reporters the collection “was a mix between the colors of St. Tropez and the darkness of the relationship described by Sagan.”

The contrast of these two elements was captured well. The models strutted to Pink Floyd’s “We Don’t Need No Education,” as they time-traveled to 1950’s France. Reimagining spring in a foreign paradise led to gorgeous blouses in florals, whites, blacks and soft blues. Miniskirts in vibrant silk and floral patterns kept a coy balance between the darkness of Sagan’s masterpiece and the luxury of Saint Tropez.

Ruffian Collage1

A preppy aesthetic dominated the Ruffian catwalk. French inspiration was everywhere. Adorable blouses with neckties, pleated skirts, and capes made for a quirky collection full of clothing for a jetset to the French Riviera or another European vacay.

A Ruffian girl will be worth a double-take in the spring. Her wardrobe will be simple, relying on a primary color palette, but structured cardigans and capes will punch it up for spectators.

Bravo Ruffian. Bravo.

What did you love most about the Ruffian collection?

Photos courtesy of the IMAXtree.